We have faced this situation not once but quite a few times. We were able to continue our engagement with partners through 1) volunteering support - many highly skilled professional volunteers offered their services in mission critical areas. 2) in-kind support- we were able to mobilize food items, IT equipment and other accessories that helped a good number of partners. 3) Capacity building and skill enhancement support to partners in areas of finance, compliance, program management etc.

To sustain effective NGO partnerships despite budget constraints, I would focus on building deeper, mutually beneficial relationships. Open dialogue about budget limitations can help set realistic expectations and foster trust. I would prioritize high-impact projects that align closely with both our objectives and the NGO’s mission, ensuring we maximize available resources. Exploring in-kind contributions, such as volunteer time, expertise, or shared resources, can further support collaboration without heavy financial investment. Regular check-ins and transparent goal-setting will keep both parties aligned, helping us achieve meaningful outcomes together even within a limited

1. To be honest, for some small things (like going to a funeral of a CSR partner, organising some events to engage staff in the office, charity events suddenly appear one more vulnerable one out of the given list that needs our support...) sometimes the expenses are not approved due to some rules of the company, then I just use my own money. I think as long as the projects flow then it is ok, because I cannot wait for all conditions to be perfect all the time. 2. Sometimes budget reductions due to some certain periods of the company (eg: Covid hit), then we need to learn how to manage the finance more skillfully, or think out of the box: how to carry out projects with much less money. I think it is very fun and interesting.

Depending on the focus of your business, mentoring can be a highly impactful way to support NGOs, whether it involves guiding individuals within the organization or assisting its beneficiaries. Offering your expertise pro bono—such as legal or financial counseling—can make a substantial difference. Similarly, in-kind contributions like product or service donations help bridge resource gaps and sustain meaningful progress, even during budget constraints.