Date: 8 October 2026 Venue: Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), Imphal, Manipur Organised by: RNBA and Dhwani Foundation Programme: Niranthara Northeast Fundraising and Marketing Training The Centre for Relief and Rehabilitation (CRR) participated in a three-day Fundraising and Marketing Training for NGO Leaders and Fundraising Managers held from 6 to 8 October 2026 at the Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), Imphal, Manipur. The training was organised by RNBA and Dhwani Foundation under the Niranthara Northeast programme. The programme aimed to strengthen the fundraising and institutional capacities of grassroots organisations through practical sessions, group exercises, and peer learning. Key Learning Areas During the three-day training, CRR gained valuable insights into several important aspects of organisational development and resource mobilisation, including: Donor Research and Mapping: Identifying suitable donors, understanding their funding priorities, and developing a systematic donor research strategy. Concept Note and Project Proposal Development: Preparing clear, evidence-based concept notes and proposals aligned with donor priorities. Fundraising Communication: Strengthening donor pitches, presenting community needs effectively, and communicating the impact of proposed interventions. Donor Relationship Management: Maintaining an updated donor database, conducting timely follow-ups, and building long-term relationships with prospective supporters. Organisational Credibility and Due Diligence: Strengthening documentation, governance, compliance, financial transparency, and organisational systems. Communication and Branding: Improving institutional visibility through effective communication planning, website updates, social media engagement, and fundraising materials. Fundraising Action Planning: Developing practical steps to diversify funding sources and strengthen organisational sustainability. Learning for CRR The training reinforced the importance of a structured and strategic approach to fundraising. For CRR, the key learning was that effective resource mobilisation requires consistent donor research, strong documentation, clear communication of community impact, and sustained engagement with potential funding partners. CRR intends to apply these learnings by strengthening its donor mapping process, improving fundraising communication, maintaining systematic donor records, and developing proposals that respond to the needs of the communities it serves. These efforts will support CRR's ongoing work in education and child development, women's empowerment, livelihood promotion, rights and entitlements, health and nutrition, and community development in rural Kokrajhar district, Assam. Appreciation CRR expresses its sincere gratitude to RNBA and Dhwani Foundation for organising this valuable capacity-building programme. The training also provided an opportunity to interact with fellow grassroots organisations from Assam and Manipur, exchange experiences, and strengthen relationships for future collaboration.