Bibek Basnet

 Grant-writing Case Study   In seeking grants, there is so much we do NOT have control over. ❌ Whether or not we’ll be funded. ❌ What questions the funder’s application will ask.  ❌ Which hoops they will ask us to jump through.   And yet there is a ton we DO have control over. ✔ Which funders we connect with and how we approach them ✔ How we frame the project and the results we’re hoping it will achieve ✔ How we frame the “case for support” ✔ What story we choose to tell and how we tell it On October 23rd Creating the Future will apply the Catalytic Thinking framework to this side of grant proposals. Will you join us? Whether you are new to grants or you are a seasoned grants professional looking to up your game, this conversation is free and open to anyone who is interested. Info is at the link here https://lnkd.in/gg6pnvNe This will not be a theoretical discussion. We will be using Creating the Future’s own grant search as a case study you can be part of. For us, this will be the real thing. For you, it will be a way to explore a new way of thinking about these questions, without the pressure of applying it to your own work – truly a living case study in real time. I hope you’ll join us. Because the only way to get away from Crappy Funding Practices is if we are all in this together, asking better questions – of ourselves and of those funders. #fundraising #foundations #grants #nonprofitmanagement #nonprofits

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Waking up in Bhutan to find your work published in DC time, is a treat! I am elated to share the policy brief I authored while at The Brookings Institution In my policy brief I propose "gender-transformative climate literacy" (#GTCL) as a framework to rethink climate education in ways that recognize the gendered impacts of climate change and promote learning spaces and pedagogical approaches for supporting Bhutan’s green growth and climate strategies. With your willingness, I have 2 requests: 1. Help me get this policy brief out and about to as many pairs of eyes and minds as possible. This will help me as I plan to do multiple outreach to start discussion, generate and share ideas, in the following weeks and this will help boost/feed to my 2nd request. 2. As a follow on and building upon this publication, I am currently working/researching to deepen the novel concept of #GTCL framework accompanied by a learning guide and instructional toolkit. In this pursuit, if you have any leads on publications/research and organizations/people I should talk to, please share. Thank you!! Lastly, I am grateful. It took a community of people, spaces for intellectual stimulation and discussions, time and patience for writing to create this.

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A Decade in the Development Sector! For over a decade, I have been deeply immersed in the development sector. My journey began in 2012 as a volunteer with a grassroots organization in the tribal belt of Melghat. There I worked alongside a team from tribal communities, while key decision-makers, often from elitist backgrounds in metropolitan cities, directed efforts from afar. These early experiences combined with my subsequent role leading my own non-profit organization have provided me with invaluable insights into the development and social sectors. I’ve observed both strengths and challenges, particularly regarding structural inequities and caste blindness. As I look ahead, I am keenly interested in addressing these challenges through research and systematic approaches. I am actively seeking insights and advice on how to tackle these issues effectively and equitably. I am eager to connect with fellow researchers, non-profit leaders, professionals, experts who are committed to advancing equity and inclusivity in the development and social sectors. #DevelopmentSector #Equity #Research

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Commitment 1: Embedding CEA Beyond Policies and SOPs In my previous post, I highlighted the importance of integrating Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA) into humanitarian organizations' core strategies and processes. However, this integration must surpass policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The challenge we face today is to ensure that CEA becomes more than just a formality – it must be a lived practice embedded in our daily operations. Reflecting on my own experience, both as the Head of the CEA Department at the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) and my previous role as a Safeguarding Focal Point, I’ve come to realize that while training modules, e-learning and onboarding processes can create awareness, they often fall short of building real, actionable change. Many of us have been through mandatory courses, checking boxes, and racing through online training, frequently forgetting the key lessons once they’re completed. Safeguarding, feedback mechanisms, and community engagement are essential, but without a conscious effort to make them more than just checklists, their potential impact remains untapped. From Formality to Practice At URCS, the largest humanitarian operation in Ukraine, we are taking significant steps to move beyond formality. We believe that CEA should be at the heart of everything we do. This is not just about meeting donor requirements or ticking boxes for the sake of compliance. It’s about building genuine trust with the communities we serve, listening to their needs, and involving them in the decisions that affect them. Although there aren’t many examples globally where CEA has been fully integrated into daily operations with meaningful, measurable results, I firmly believe that we, as part of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, are on the right path. We aim to demonstrate that true accountability to the affected populations is not only achievable but critical to the success of any humanitarian operation. Looking Ahead: Commitment 2 As we continue to expand and deepen our efforts in CEA, I will explore the second commitment in my next post. This commitment focuses on how we ensure that community voices are actively involved in shaping the programs and services designed to support them. Stay tuned for a deep dive into how URCS is implementing this commitment and the tangible results we are already seeing. Our goal is simple but profound: to prove that CEA, when done right, not only improves our operations but transforms the way we respond to crises.

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Recently published an OpEd on how haphazard pesticide use disproportionately affects Nepal's vulnerable communities. This article is a condensed version of our chapter in the upcoming book 'Environmental Justice in Nepal: Origins, Struggles, and Prospects'. I thank the Higher Education Reform Project (HERP-DLI-7B) at Tribhuvan University for their research support and Tom Robertson for his invaluable OpEd writing tips. This is my first OpEd, and I would greatly appreciate your feedback and insights! #EnvironmentalJustice #Pesticides #Nepal Read it here:

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A few days ago, I published an article titled "The Authenticity Paradox: Colliding Values in Communities," which explored the complexities of authenticity-based communities. Today, I'm excited to share my latest article, where I delve deeper into the subject by introducing key questions to consider when evaluating the core elements of authenticity.

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"You can give food to somebody and satisfy them, but if there’s no derivative benefit beyond that, what’s the theory of change?" said Govind Iyer on Thinkly Talks. Govind Iyer, a corporate leader turned passionate philanthropist, sat down with Viveck Saxenaa Saxena for an engaging conversation about leadership, philanthropy, and driving meaningful social change. Here are some top reflections from their engaging dialogue: Engaged philanthropy is the future: "Writing a check is a damn good idea, but it shouldn’t stop there." Involved donors who contribute their time and expertise alongside money feel a deeper sense of fulfillment and create greater impact. Learning and Unlearning in Philanthropy: "To work in the social sector, you must unlearn the profit-first mindset of the corporate world and embrace humility." Govind spoke about how philanthropy reshaped his worldview and enriched his life. Patience in Philanthropy: Social change takes time and persistence. Driving systemic change requires "patient capital" and a long-term commitment to building sustainable solutions. Empowering Potential: "Capacity building is not about fixing deficiencies; it’s about amplifying strengths." Helping NGOs grow sustainably requires a focus on their future potential, not what they lack today. They also discussed: ⏩ Using storytelling to amplify NGO impact ⏩ Balancing emotion with strategy in giving ⏩ Collaborations between nonprofits, corporates, and government ⏩ Leveraging technology for grassroots impact https://lnkd.in/d7f5d2WX (philanthropy, giving forward, social change, capacity building, engaged philanthropy, nonprofit sustainability, systemic change, svp model, patient capital, collaborative solutions) #thinkly #thinklytalks #ama #podcast #experts #community #live #philanthropy #socialinnovation #givingback #communityleaders #systemicchange #nonprofitgrowth #sustainabledevelopment #leadershipjourney #socialequity

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[ PODCAST EPISODE DROPPING SOON!] 🎤 What constitutes a culture of philanthropy within nonprofits and NGOs? How do I *see* that? 🎤 How has the field of direct giving by small donors, and monthly giving changed in the last 10-20 years? 🎤 What hurdles do we need to overcome to persuade donors of the importance of monthly giving? 🎤 Also: are there any tensions between the need for fundraisers to use ethical storytelling that starts from the agency of program participants, and what spurs small donors - at least in the global North -- to give? In my upcoming #podcast episode, I interview Erica Waasdorp, President of A Direct Solution, and a super experienced consultant on nonprofit fundraising, on trends in direct fundraising. We two 'Dutchies' are keeping it real 😉 Get ready to listen -- episode drops on Monday, June 17! You can find all past episodes here -> https://lnkd.in/d3VTUB2 Get ready to listen in -- episode drops on Monday, June 17! You can find all past episodes here -> https://lnkd.in/d3VTUB2 #podcast #ngo #nonprofit #fundraising #resourcemobilization #resourcedevelopment

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Check out my article on 'Nepal's Path to Survival and Resilience.' Share your thoughts! #ClimateAction #COP29 #NepalResilience"

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Our community-centred Developmental Evaluation (DE) of the Synergia Transition and Resilience Climate Action Program serves both as a summary of learnings and as a framework for employing a reciprocal, iterative and transparent approach to evaluating complex and emergent community programs. Uniquely, our evaluation utilized rapid ethnography, speculative fiction, art-making and somatic practices and aimed to surface the precursors for community engagement in climate action across diverse communities in Canada. Findings describe challenges across communities with differing levels of diversity and resources, the impact of privilege, trauma and perceived self-agency, and the opportunity to centre health, social connection and transcendence to imagine new futures and establish a foundation on which to build community resilience.

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Continuing the Conversation on World AIDS Day 🌍 As we continue to discuss the stigma, prevalence, and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, which I highlighted in my previous post, I’m excited to share another research on this important topic. This new study focuses on a different population group and sheds light on some concerning findings. One of the key takeaways is that many individuals in this group have multiple sexual partners, a significant risk factor for HIV transmission. What’s even more alarming is the lack of knowledge regarding preventive measures—a gap that needs urgent attention. Please take a look at the full study through the link below to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gsSfiJ_S #HIVResearch #HIVAwareness #Stigma #HIVPrevention #NepalArmy

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Another example of how work in low- and middle-incomes countries is breaking new ground in innovative methodologies for #publichealth #research. Kudos Dr Ranjita Dhital!! Look forward to continued collaboration in developing contextually relevant interventions for alcohol use disorders

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I disagree. This article by Philanthropy Asia Alliance claims: “Giving today is moving towards catalytic philanthropy, away from traditional cheque-book giving, mostly as a result of the desire for more evidence-based outcomes.” I never knew a donor who wrote a cheque without evidence-based outcomes.  I prefer to celebrate ‘traditional cheque-book giving’, for that is how many important institutions, such as Nanyang Technological University Singapore and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, were founded. Donor cheques continue to fuel excellence in universities and hospitals. ‘Traditional cheque-book giving’ also funds a huge range of arts organisations and vital social care causes, especially through Community Chest Singapore, with catalytic philanthropic impact. Philanthropic public private partnerships have a long pedigree in Singapore too. Philanthropist Tan Kim Seng partnered with the authorities to fund the first public water works in 1857. Singapore government has for years partnered with philanthropists by matching gifts to education dollar for dollar. However, where this article makes an important point is the scale of climate change and I commend the efforts of Philanthropy Asia Alliance in creating partnerships to meet this challenge.

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❌ Stop spending on lavish Events. Support youth-led Climate Conferences instead ✅ If you want to win the hearts and minds of the youth, here's the truth: It’s time we talk about where the real impact lies. I see stakeholders hosting extravagant events under the guise of climate action and youth empowerment. But let's be honest—these events often prioritize branding over real change, and youth tokenism over genuine involvement ⚠️ Meanwhile, our Young team is struggling to gather resources for the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) Pakistan Program 2024 endorsed by YOUNGO, an initiative aimed at mobilizing over 8,000 Pakistani youth into climate governance spaces. This year 114 countries are conducting LCOYs, and it's a chain of conferences leading to RCOYs, Global COY or COY19 and COP29 Azerbaijan. On one side, we have meaningful youth-led initiatives desperately seeking support. On the other, I witness events held in lavish hotels with flashy SMD screens, overflowing food, and money spent on what ultimately amounts to meaningless gatherings. Is this really fair? Our Partnership team has reached out to over 400 organizations, seeking sponsorship for this cause. Aside from a few exceptions, the overall silence has been deafening. Are they afraid of the real youth voices? Or is it simply more convenient to engage in greenwashing activities? The climate space is full of opportunistic stakeholders who seem to want youth only for their pictures and videos. We need climate spaces of the youth, by the youth, for the youth. The Climate is changing why aren't we? It's time to resist those who exploit the very voices they claim to uplift. ⛔ We will no longer cooperate with those who engage in youth exploitation. No more 🙅‍♂️ That's my International Youth Day post 🤐 Comment Below if you agree with this post 👇

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CLIMATE JUSTICE, A BY PRODUCT OF THE STRUGGLE FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE AND DEMOCRATIC NEPAL: INTERVIEW WITH TASHI LHAZOM In my latest piece (https://lnkd.in/dkzN_GKB) for The Himalayan Times, I interviewed Tashi Lhazom. Tashi Lhazom was one of the two guests at the course on climate organized by Planet Pulse Nepal and The Good Leadership. I wanted to know more about Tashi Lhazom, including her work as documentary maker describing the climate related threats faced by her village in the Limi Valley located in the Humla district. "No Monastery, No Village" (here the trailer: https://lnkd.in/dD4t5GAq) is an internationally acclaimed story financed by the Agha Khan University through its Voices from the Roof of the World. Yet what was supposed to be a conversation on climate change, ended up into a fascinating conversation on the status of democracy in Nepal, on the fact that local and national politics are not nearly enough inclusive and diverse. That's how Tashi Lhazom got into the issue of climate governance as she sees it as a sort of "dereliction of duties" by the state that is uncapable of providing support/assistance to citizens living in remote villages like hers. The piece wrapped up in this way: "The fight against climate action, Tashi told me, goes through a process that should be empowering for all those citizens that have been left out of decision-making. "Because poverty of power is the root cause of all forms of marginalisations," she told me.She concluded our conversation with the following statement: "By embracing this approach, we have a unique opportunity to transform Nepal and address the challenge of global warming, empowering marginalised groups like mine to have a meaningful voice and, yes, power."

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In the few years of my professional career, I have been working at the intersection of Education and Sustainable Development Programming. So, as a Fellow with the HumAngle Media Accountability Fellowship I will be working to track and report Access to Universal Basic Education in Borno State through my project "Back to Basics: Tracking and Reporting Access to Basic Education" "Back To Basics: Tracking and Reporting Access to Basic Education Project," a groundbreaking initiative aimed at catalyzing accessible and quality basic education in conflict-affected Borno State, Nigeria. Amidst the ongoing Boko Haram Insurgency, which has ravaged the region for over 14 years, traditional approaches of kinetic and non-kinetic interventions have often overshadowed the critical need for educational development. However, this project seeks to shift the focus towards addressing the fundamental need for accessible and quality basic education as a cornerstone for both immediate recovery and long-term stability. Through rigorous research, multimedia storytelling, and strategic advocacy, "Back To Basics" aims to track and report on the allocation and utilization of Universal Basic Education Funds in Borno State. By going beyond traditional approaches, the project aims to catalyze good governance and accountability in education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive amidst adversity. Join us as we embark on this journey to transform the educational landscape in Borno State, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

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An opportunity Worth trying

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What a great honour to state the release of our latest research: Community-Led Climate Preparedness and Resilience in Boston: New Evidence from Communities of Color, published with Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). Communities of color are often left out of key conversations on climate preparedness, yet they bear the brunt of its effects. Our study focuses on Asian American, Black, Latino, and Native American communities in Boston, which are not only experiencing the direct impact of climate change but are also leading the charge in climate resilience. One thing became clear through our research; these communities are not waiting for solutions; they are organizing, advocating, and sharing their local knowledge. From policy reform to community-led initiatives, they are leading the way forward. What we learned can be summed up simply: listening to these voices and acting on their insights is not just beneficial, it is essential. The call to improve climate preparedness cannot just be a top-down approach; it must involve collaboration with those most affected. The evidence is so strong; that collaborative, grassroots efforts combined with institutional support can also create some change. But as Boston faces increasing climate challenges, it becomes so significant that the voices of these communities must be central to any resilience plan, henceforth. And so, are we all truly ready to make that shift? What role do you think community voices should play in climate action? How are your communities taking action on climate? It will be great to learn more from you. A Huge Thank You to my co-authors Rosalyn Negrón Brown, N Hannah Katsyris Rivera-Kientz, M.S. Mahesh Admankar Chidimma Ozor Commer, PhD, LMSW Paul Watanabe Jessica Lillquist, PhD Nicholas H. Johnson Lorena Estrada-Martinez, UMass Boston Sustainable Solutions Lab at UMass Boston and other local and global contributors for their hard work and shared commitment to this research. Please see the direct link to the Publication for your read and download - Also kindly share across your networks: https://lnkd.in/eUFEae7b Thank you!!! #ClimateChange #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityLeadership #Resilience #ClimatePreparedness #Boston #

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