Resource Mobilization and/or Fundraising Efforts

Why have we distinguished between these two activities? Because they concern two types of actors, or even two different worlds: business enterprise and international development. We have produced a number of resources to equip practitioners with tools for fundraising; this guide is intended to provide a reference on resource mobilization within our Body of Knowledge in Community Economics of Organizations (ECO). We have structured our introductory presentation hierarchically.

First, understand Resource Mobilization vs. Fundraising.

Resource Mobilization primarily refers to the process of obtaining grants or non-repayable contributions from donors, foundations, businesses, or partners. It generally relies on a concept note that presents, in a concise manner, the problem, objectives, expected results, activities, and indicative budget of the project.

Fundraising, when it involves loans or repayable financing in particular, falls more within an investment logic. It generally requires a business plan demonstrating the economic viability of the activity, its ability to generate revenue and, where applicable, its repayment capacity. One then undertakes “rounds” or iterative prospecting through applications and proposal submissions.

In summary: resource mobilization seeks to convince a partner to support an intervention of collective interest; fundraising seeks to convince a financier to invest in an activity capable of generating the resources required for repayment.