 How it Works
Apply to Become a Partner
We welcome organizations around the world to apply to join our diverse network of Partners. The organizations that stand to benefit most from an Omprakash Partnership are small projects with consistent Internet access and a genuine need for volunteers. Successful Partnership applications demonstrate that organizations will use their membership in our network as an opportunity to increase their web presence, share stories and resources, and recruit support from donors and volunteers. Access Your Account and Build Your Profile
After we accept a new organization as an Omprakash Partner, we create an account for that organization within our network. After logging in to this account, a Partner's director(s) can build a multimedia profile to advertise its needs, post stories about its ongoing work, communicate with volunteers, manage donations and expenditures, download mailing lists, and share resources such as blueprints or lesson plans. Receive Volunteers
By building a compelling profile and frequently posting stories, Partners can attract the volunteers they need. Volunteers find organizations by searching the Partner Portal, and contact Partners directly through the website. Partners are fully empowered to decide when, how, and if they will invite a prospective volunteer to come serve. Omprakash strongly urges Partners to charge zero "overhead" fees to volunteers, and to offer volunteers with free or low-cost room and board whenever possible. Receive Donations
By inspiring volunteers to fundraise in their home or campus communities and by connecting with other members of our network, Partners can receive donations through Omprakash. Donors can give online or by check, and all donations can be earmarked for the Partner of their choice. Under the terms of the Fiscal Sponsorship to which all Partners must agree, all donations to Omprakash Partners are covered by the tax-deductible 501(c)3 status of Omprakash. All donors receive receipts for their donations. Unlike most other similar platforms, Omprakash charges absolutely zero fees for processing donations. Partners are required to report promptly and transparently on the charitable use of all funds, and Omprakash retains the right to withhold funds or terminate a Partnership at any time. Every Partner's public profile displays a real-time Donation Log and Expense Summary page. Partners are expected to login frequently to update their Expense Summary with information about how they are using funds received through Omprakash. Partners can login at any time to check their 'balance' of earmarked donations. Omprakash generally forwards funds to Partners via check or bank wire at the end of the month, but more immediate transactions can occur when necessary. Because bank wires tend to cost upwards of $30 to execute, we generally wait until a Partner accumulates more than $1000 before we initiate a transfer. Share Media and Resources Our website offers a space for Partners to compile photos, videos, and stories about their important work. Volunteers play a crucial role in this process: when volunteers register in our network and post 'stories' about their work with an Omprakash Partner, these stories act as testimonials that build the credibility of that Partner and provide insight for future volunteers and donors. We strongly encourage our Partners not only to post their own 'stories' on the Omprakash website, but also to require that all of their volunteers do the same. In addition to sharing media and stories, Partners and volunteers can post and download resources that can help others users learn about their work. Our Expectations There are absolutely zero fees associated with being an Omprakash Partner-- our platform offers a truly no-cost model through which Partners can receive donations, volunteers, and general publicity. However, we do ask that all of our Partners do the following: - Post consistent 'stories' with photos, video, and other content to help users learn about your work and your needs
- Instruct your volunteers to register in the Omprakash network and to post 'stories' about their experiences serving your organization-- this will build your credibility!
- After receiving funds through the Omprakash network, use your Omprakash profile to report all expenditures in a timely and transparent manner
- Post educational resources to share with other members of our network-- for example, teaching resources, fundraising strategies, or videos about a successful intervention
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