Actions such as thorough accountability and maintaining transparency are fundamental for social organizations. Increasingly, companies strive to adopt governance in their actions.
However, many people do not realize that this topic should not be limited to the private sector. Governance in the third sector is essential for the success and sustainability of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). By implementing the practices discussed below, it becomes easier to gain the trust of donors and partners. Additionally, the organization can maximize the social impact of its actions.
The importance of governance in the third sector was highlighted at the Inter-American Forum on Philanthropy and Strategy, which showed how it impacts the results of social organizations. During the event, it was emphasized that many organizations focus solely on social activities and neglect efficient management, which can compromise results and sustainability.
Thus, good governance is crucial for attracting and maintaining donor and partner support, ensuring that resources are used effectively and actions generate long-term positive impact. Solange Bottaro, vice president of Ramacrisna, participated in the event to discuss the Institute’s practices. For her, governance in the third sector is not just an internal administration matter, but also a fundamental tool for social transformation. Ramacrisna, for example, demonstrates how robust governance practices can lead to significant results.
“Governance is fundamental for the sustainability of organizations, for generating long-term positive impact, and for transforming lives. We work almost like a company, but the result is not a product; it is the transformation in people’s lives,” she explains.
According to Solange, an important part of third sector governance involves transparency and accountability. Ramacrisna, for example, publishes periodic reports detailing activities, resources received from partners and their use, and the impact on beneficiaries. This practice not only attracts donors but also reinforces the organization’s responsibility.
The Institute also maintains an active deliberative council. The members are independent and set strategic guidelines. This ensures that the Institute stays focused and efficiently achieves its objectives. Another positive aspect is professional management. Since 2008, the Institute has partnered with the Dom Cabral Foundation, one of the best business schools in the world according to the Financial Times Executive Education Ranking 2024. This partnership enables the training and development of leaders and employees and the improvement of internal processes, ensuring effective and transparent use of resources.
Moreover, to ensure financial sustainability, Ramacrisna invests in generating its own revenue. This is the primary goal of Cercas Ramacrisna and the Belgo Cercas franchise. This strategy provides financial security and allows the continuity of actions, regardless of fluctuations in external funding.
Finally, the Institute forms partnerships with companies, the public sector, and international organizations, expanding its work and, consequently, its impact on the communities served. By promoting the dissemination of good governance and management practices, the Ramacrisna Institute acts as a reference in transparency, credibility, and excellence in accountability.
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