Helping CSOs mobilise much-needed resources for the work that changes lives

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) come together to strategise ways to boost resource mobilisation to sustain and scale the critical work they do as part of efforts to strengthen CSO leadership and programme strategy.

October 17, 2025

Students of DRAKTSHO Vocational Training Centre for Special Children and Youth

DRAKTSHO

Deki Zam has been running the DRAKTSHO Vocational Training Centre for Special Children and Youth for more than two decades.

Founded by her mother, DRAKTSHO is a Civil Society Organisation dedicated to empowering children with disabilities by equipping them with livelihood skills.

It’s been a rewarding journey, but not without challenges.

“Financial resources have always been the toughest challenge DRAKTSHO has faced during all these years,” Deki said. “We have survived from hand to mouth.”

Group of people in a bright meeting room; person in green patterned jacket speaks at the table. — Deki Zam, Excecutive Director, DRAKTSHO

UNDP/Dechen Wangmo

This is a challenge that is not unique to Draktsho alone. It's a same story for SABAH Bhutan, a CSO dedicated to empowering women home-based workers. “Resource mobilisation has definitely been quite challenging for us,” said Kezang Dolkar Dorji, Executive Director of SABAH Bhutan.

“Donor priorities keep shifting, and competition for funds is growing. Since our work focuses on women home-based workers, it is sometimes not seen as a priority by many donors, so we have to work harder to make contributions visible and show the real impact of what we do.”

Four adults stand in a sunlit room with wooden columns, engaged in conversation. — Kezang Dolkar Dorji, Executive Director of SABAH Bhutan (second from left)

UNDP/Dechen Wangmo

The Bhutan Stroke Foundation is in the same boat. “As a relatively young CSO focusing on a specific health condition, securing consistent funding and institutional support remains difficult,” said Dawa Tshering, founder/Executive Director of Bhutan Stroke Foundation.

“Stroke is often perceived as a medical issue rather than a community or social concern, making it harder to attract donors and partners who prioritise broader health or development themes.”

Kezang Dolkar Dorji, Executive Director of SABAH Bhutan (first from left)

UNDP/Dechen Wangmo

The CSOs, often understaffed, also remain challenged by a lack of capacity in resource mobilisation. “It (resource mobilisation) is also tough because donor requirements can be quite demanding for a small team like ours,” said Kezang of SABAH Bhutan.

A recent comprehensive CSOs’ capacity needs assessment confirmed limited capacity in resource mobilisation as a major challenge that cuts across the civil society. They also lack adequate capacity in advocacy, which is critical to the work they do as well as for resource mobilisation.

The assessment was carried out by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of the “Strengthening People’s Centric and Inclusive Access to Justice in Bhutan, a three-year project funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP in partnership with justice sector agencies. 53 out of 54 registered CSOs participated in the assessment.

Presenter in maroon top and striped skirt gesturing at a slide; left banner reads ACCESS & JUSTICE. — UNDP/Dechen Wangmo

Bridging capacity gaps in resource mobilisation

Findings show 76% of the CSOs rely primarily on international donors, which puts the sector’s sustainability at risk, especially at this time of shifting global funding landscape.

The assessment reveals the need for support in building capacity in applying for government funding and developing a robust fundraising strategy.

The CSOs play an indispensable role in empowering vulnerable populations, especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities. They have contributed an estimated Nu 65 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product over the past decade, created 5,577 direct jobs and mobilised 68,255 volunteer engagements.

Recognising the important role of civil society in development and following the assessment findings, UNDP partnered with the Civil Society Organisations Authority (CSOA) to organise a workshop on strengthening CSO leadership and programme strategy. It brought together representatives from 25 CSOs.

Heads and board members of CSOs with UNDP team on the first day of the workshop

UNDP/Dechen Wangmo

From strategic planning to fundraising strategy, effective government engagement, strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems and mastering impact documentation, and building sustainable operational excellence, the workshop covered a wide range of issues important for the growth and development of the CSOs.

“This workshop has been very useful and valuable. It provided practical insights, meaningful networking opportunities and innovative ideas to strengthen our resource mobilisation efforts and collaborative approaches,” said Kezang Dolkar Dorji, Executive Director of SABAH Bhutan.

For the Stroke Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director, Dawa Tshering, this workshop has helped broaden his understanding of strategic resource mobilisation.

“It provided practical tools and insights on framing proposals, identifying diverse funding streams, and enhancing organisational sustainability. Moreover, connecting with other CSOs and development partners during the sessions has opened avenues for collaboration and mutual learning, which we believe will benefit our ongoing and future efforts.”

DRAKTSHO’s Executive Director, Deki Zam, said it was a good opportunity for the civil society to come together as a family and reflect on where we stand on many fronts, including governance.

Man in a suit delivers a speech at a wooden podium, with a potted plant and folding screen behind. — Fadhil Bakeer Markar, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP

UNDP/Dechen Wangmo

This workshop also enhanced the operational and institutional capacities of CSOs to help them carry out their mandates effectively and contribute to Bhutan’s national priorities.

“Supporting the CSOs in overcoming challenges that limit their work is essential to fostering a culture of respect, empowering marginalised groups, and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Fadhil Bakeer Markar, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative. He was speaking at the opening of this workshop on 13 October 2025.

“This initiative also reflects Bhutan’s enduring commitment to deepening democratic governance and promoting a rights-based approach to development, following the historic transition to a democratic constitutional monarchy in 2008.”

While gaps in resource mobilisation remain, nearly 90% of CSOs reported strong governance competencies, and 84% demonstrated solid service delivery capabilities.