On December 12, 2022, a specialized training program was held for NGO managers and charity organizations from the provinces of Qazvin, Alborz, Gilan, Hamedan, and Zanjan. The event was organized in collaboration with the Red Crescent Volunteers Organization of Qazvin Province and took place at Imam Khomeini University in Qazvin.
The program welcomed:
• ۱۱۸ charity organization managers
• ۴۷ experts and managers from governmental institutions, including the Red Crescent Society, Ministry of Interior, Welfare Organization, Provincial Governorates, County Administrations, and the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee.
Government institutions must recognize and support the role of NGOs in responding to natural disasters and crises. Public participation through NGOs has always played a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of disasters such as floods and earthquakes. However, for NGOs to be more effective and well-organized in crisis situations, coordination, mutual understanding, and strategic planning among these organizations are essential.
It is important to acknowledge that disaster management is primarily the government’s responsibility, while NGOs serve as key supporters in relief efforts. To enhance the precision and effectiveness of NGO contributions, there must be a collective understanding that disaster preparedness requires prior training, research, and strategic planning. This approach enables NGOs to actively participate in pre-crisis, during-crisis, and post-crisis management with greater impact and efficiency.
Strengthening NGO Engagement in Disaster Management
Various studies and assessments on the role of NGOs in disaster management have identified three key pillars for improving crisis response:
• Capacity Building
• Effectiveness Enhancement
Stronger Collaboration between NGOs and crisis response organizations like the Red Crescent Society
To achieve these goals, the Red Crescent Society has prioritized developing training programs and in-person forums aimed at enhancing synergy between governmental and non-governmental sectors in disaster response.
The “Professional CEO in NGOs” Training Program
As part of this initiative, the first-ever training program titled “The Professional CEO in NGOs” was held on November 24-25, 2021, at the Red Crescent Volunteers Organization. Organized by the National Network of Charity and Philanthropic Organizations, the event brought together around 50 CEOs and senior managers from various NGOs and charitable institutions.
Scaling Up Capacity-Building Efforts
Following the success of this initial training, the Red Crescent Society has expanded its efforts to design, plan, and implement a nationwide capacity-building program for NGOs. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the National Network of Charity and Philanthropic Organizations and Ebtekar & Navid Development Charity Foundation.
The training aimed to:
✔ Foster networking and collaboration among NGOs
✔ Enhance organizational capacity and leadership skills
✔ Improve knowledge and management expertise in NGOs
✔ Strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities
With a focus on capacity-building, effectiveness, and strategic partnerships, the program emphasized collaborative engagement between NGOs and key crisis-response organizations, including the Red Crescent Society.
The training featured expert-led workshops, including:
🔹 Fundraising Strategies for Charities & NGOs – Led by Mr. Derman
🔹 Social Innovation for Charitable Organizations – Led by Ms. Amal Mousavi
🔹 The Role of an Effective Board of Directors in NGOs – Led by Ms. Neda Shams
🔹 Tax Regulations & Compliance for Non-Profit Organizations – Led by Mr. Mostafa Nazari
These sessions provided participants with practical insights into financial sustainability, governance, and strategic decision-making in the non-profit sector.
Navid Initiative and Development Institute (Registration No. 56632) was established in August 2021 in accordance with the will of the late Mr. Mohammad Ali Navid, with the aim of pursuing sustainable and impactful public-benefit initiatives.