Webinar Synopsis:  | 18th Feb 2025

The host and the moderator of the event Dr Abhijeet Sangma, Secretary of Doctors Section opened the webinar by welcoming participants and emphasising the critical importance of CSR funding for mission hospitals in today's challenging healthcare landscape. It was highlighted how mission hospitals face increasing pressure to maintain quality healthcare while ensuring charity and financial sustainability. The host noted that CSR funding represents a significant opportunity to upgrade medical infrastructure, expand services, implement innovative solutions, and reach more underserved communities. He emphasised that the webinar would provide practical insights from both funding agency and implementing agency perspectives, offering strategic approaches to develop CSR proposals and build lasting corporate partnerships. The session was opened with a prayer by Mr Sumit David, followed by introductions of the distinguished speakers.

Speaker Profiles
Brig Rajiv Williams

• Postgraduate in International Relations from Madras University
• Served 33 years in the military, including nearly two decades in Jammu and Kashmir
• Former Group Head of CSR and Sustainability at Jindal Steel (17 years)
• Represented Indian CSR fraternity at global platforms including the United Nations
• Convener of the UNGC Human Rights Committee
• Author of several books including "The Long Road to Siachen" and "Valor and Values: Aligning Military Experience to CSR"
• Recipient of numerous awards including Asia Pacific Leadership Award and recognition among the top 100 most impactful global CSR Leaders

Mr Amit Kumar

• Head of Fundraising at The Leprosy Mission (TLM) India
• Over 26 years of experience in resource mobilization and communication strategy
• Expertise in fundraising, partnership establishment, development marketing, and internet marketing
• Previous experience with media houses and NGOs including Plan International and SOS Children's Villages International
• Successfully mobilized resources from public sector undertakings, corporates, funding foundations, and high-net-worth individuals
• Implemented integrated fund development mechanisms across India and several Asian countries

First Presentation: Corporate Perspective: Brig Rajiv Williams, a CSR consultant and former CSR head of Jindal Steel, shared insights from the corporate perspective:

· The CSR landscape has evolved significantly with the mandatory 2% investment requirement
· Corporates prioritize projects based on geography, with preference for areas near their operations
· Outcome-driven approach is essential - corporates look at beneficiary numbers and tangible results
· Religious identity should be downplayed when approaching corporates for funding
· Project proposals should include baseline surveys, needs assessment, and clear timelines
· Partnerships are critical - with corporates, government agencies, and other stakeholders
· Healthcare remains a top priority area for CSR funding
· Medium and small-scale industries also have CSR requirements and can be approached

Key recommendations:
· Align with corporate CSR strategies and government priorities
· Focus on specific geographies relevant to the corporate
· Develop clear, concise proposals with measurable outcomes
· Consider innovative healthcare approaches beyond traditional services

Second Presentation: Civil Society Perspective: Mr Amit Kumar, head of fundraising at TLM India, shared practical insights from an implementing agency's perspective:

· India's CSR outlay exceeds 35,000 crores, with health and education as top priority areas
· Two funding approaches: restricted (CSR, institutional) and unrestricted (individuals, HNIs)
· Product development is crucial - corporates won't fund general operations but will support specific "products"
· A dedicated fundraising team is essential, even if starting with just one person
· Communication strategy should highlight the cause first, organization second
· Online reputation management is critical - negative information can impact funding decisions
· Religious identity should be kept in the background when approaching corporates

The "Ten Commandments" for CSR funding:
· Appoint dedicated fundraising personnel
· Ensure strong compliance documentation
· Develop clear, focused products
· Find your niche areas
· Create a professional website
· Highlight your strengths
· Maintain positive online reputation
· Develop a clear strategy
· Practice donor cultivation
· Ensure proper fund utilization and reporting

Panel Discussion and Q&A
The speakers addressed various questions from participants:
· Registration requirements: CSR1 form, 80G, 12A certificates, and Darpan registration
· Timing for approaches: CSR funding can be sought year-round, though planning cycles vary
· Data protection: Balance transparency with privacy through consent forms and agreements
· Religious identity: Focus on the cause rather than religious affiliation
· Outsourcing: CSR fundraising can be outsourced but comes with costs
· Separate accounts: Not always required but proper accounting is essential

Key Takeaways
· CSR funding represents a significant opportunity for mission hospitals in India
· Success requires strategic alignment with corporate priorities and government initiatives
· Professional approach with clear products, outcomes, and documentation is essential
· Partnerships and relationship-building are fundamental to securing funding
· Dedicated resources for fundraising, even minimal, significantly improve chances of success
· Focus on the cause and impact rather than organizational or religious identity

The webinar concluded with thanks to the speakers and participants, with a commitment to organise future sessions on related topics.

YouTube link to the Webinar recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAoLnMmTXyY&pp=ygUMY21haSB3ZWJpbmFy