The Fundraising course I took in Delhi last year catapulted me into some very interesting company. Resource Alliance, the organisation that ran the course, also gives an award, in partnership with the Nand and Jeet Khemka Foundation,to the NGO of the Year. As part of that, I was asked to be an assessor for organisations in the North being considered for the prize. It was a fascinating and inspiring experience. Along with Vinod Iyengar (more on him soon), my partner in crime, we visited a range of groups in Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan. I think we both learned a great deal in the process about how organisations function, what makes one different from another and what are some of the problems each organisation must face. The point of the award was to encourage NGOs to develop more professional systems in terms of governance, monitoring, human resource development and fund raising. In addition to the regional awards, there was one for the entire country: that went to Goonj, which happened to be one which Vinod and I assessed and which we loved and which was far and away our top choice.

The other thing I loved was the new jargon I picked up along the way. Top Pick, Jargon of the Year Award goes to. . . drum roll, please! Due Diligence. Ha Ha. Everyone seems to love to say it because it sounds so honest and fearless and careful. I found it hilarious!