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NEW HIGHLIGHT: How Latin American Fundraisers Can Overcome Current Challenges   
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This article contributed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) (http://www.afpnet.org/)

The number and variety of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Latin America has increased dramatically in recent years. Throughout the region, organizations are being created and developed to meet the needs of communities, cities and countries. These organizations supply goods and services that the local market and governments cannot, or will not, provide. Research shows that historically the government has provided limited support to CSOs in Latin America. According to the Johns Hopkins Centre for Civil Society Studies Comparative Nonprofit Sector Project, Latin American CSOs rely on income from fees and services more than any other region of the world. They realize average support from philanthropy, but the least support comes from the government. The study estimates that CSOs receive 75 percent of their funding from services, 10 percent from philanthropy and a mere 15 percent from government sources.

Fundraisers in the region know that their efforts are crucial if their organizations are to fulfill their missions, and this has increased the importance of the profession. Part of this is because some philanthropic donations are nonrestrictive (or are perceived to be so), compared to government support or income from fees.

While CSO leaders expect results from their development staff, are these professionals equipped to deliver what is expected of them? Despite the high expectations of staff hired to raise money, there is a limited understanding of fundraising and the barriers that fundraising professionals face in the Latin American philanthropic environment. (To read full text go to http://topics.developmentgateway.org/ngo/rc/ItemDetail.do~1065057?intcmp=921