Participants of the NGO Meet 2025 pose for a group photograph at Longpang, Tuensang, during the three-day capacity-building programme organised by ECS and the Azim Premji Foundation.
Morung Express News
Longpang | November 16
The three-day NGO Meet 2025, jointly organised by the Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) and the Azim Premji Foundation (APF), concluded on November 14 in Longpang village, Tuensang. Held under the theme “Empowering Change, Building Partnerships,” the meet aimed to strengthen organisational capacities and promote collaboration among grassroots organisations across Nagaland. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Eastern Nagaland brought together representatives from eleven NGOs, four Youth for India Fellows from the SBI Foundation, and several individuals preparing to establish their own organisations.
The training sessions were facilitated by Gopinath Govindan, retired Director of Human Resources at Apraava Energy; Rev Dr Chingmak, Secretary, ECS; Chongsen Chang, Director of ECS; and resource persons from APF. Over the four days, the participants engaged in intensive discussions on identifying key stakeholders involved in establishing and managing NGOs, analysing their influence, and addressing challenges related to stakeholder negotiations. Each participating organisation was also given an opportunity to make an elevator pitch, presenting their mission and ongoing work to trainers and funders in an effort to receive feedback and guidance.
One of the concerns raised during the meet was the widespread difficulty NGOs in Nagaland face in accessing qualified Chartered Accountants and auditors. Participants noted that the lack of reliable financial professionals often hinders compliance, reporting accuracy, and the ability to secure external funding. Several NGOs also outlined challenges related to registration procedures, identifying suitable funders, and understanding the formal requirements involved in applying for grants. Representatives from APF responded by offering detailed guidance on what funders typically look for in partner organisations, explaining APF’s own expectations on transparency, governance, and measurable impact. They further elaborated on the groundwork required for organisations to become eligible for APF grants, along with practical advice on navigating the application process.
In addition, attendees received training on essential organisational systems, including proper registration processes, maintaining accounts, preparing documents for audits, and ensuring due diligence when hiring financial consultants.
The meet was attended by representatives from First Rain Foundation (Mokokchung), Mey Maikho Development Welfare Trust (Senapati, Manipur), May I Help You (Longleng), Zubzub (Kohima), International Border Area People’s Welfare Organisation (Kiphire), Regional Rural Development Agency (Shamator), Hill Area Development Organisation (Mon), Yhosho Resource Centre (Kohima), Dolen Thangjam Society (Tuensang), Thrive Rural Society (Tuensang), and Wanchu Development Society (Mon).
Organisers stated that NGO Meet 2025 marks an important step towards building a more capable and resilient civil society ecosystem in Eastern Nagaland. By creating a space for learning, knowledge-sharing, and direct interaction with experienced trainers and funders, the meet sought to empower grassroots organisations to operate more effectively and sustainably.
