The thing about NGOs, for the most part, is that people have learnt not to trust them.

Or maybe it’s just the dishonesty in a lot of us. We cheat people day in day out, so we expect to be cheated.

However, if you consider the statistics, you will see the rationale behind this act of distrust. For example, Wyclef – Haitian earthquake relief fund scandal in which his charity, Yele, was indicted for fraud allegations and debt after mishandling funds amounting to $16 million. Also, in the US alone, several cancer charities have been dissolved following the same reasons – misappropriating funds.

But then that kind of mentality puts well-meaning NGOs in a quandary. How are they supposed to raise money, without which they cannot do anything?

In my opinion, It wouldn’t be a bad idea for NGOs to organize fundraisers. It could be a celebrity match or auction of artworks created by kids. There could be essay competitions for the children/victims with prizes provided by the general public. The Mirabel Centre could have a celebrity debate between some of their ambassadors (Bimbo Akintola is one) or even between their ambassadors and students of a school, and people buy tickets to watch. High profile chess or scrabble competitions can also be organised such the public is informed about it and can support whatever way they can.

What's your opinion?

https://www.entrepreneurs.ng/ngos-are-non-governmental-organisations-raising-funds-or-hell/