Group of charities to set up association

JAKARTA: A number of charities are planning to set up a fundraising association aimed at upgrading fund raising activities and making them more professional in terms of accountability and transparency.

The planned association will be established in April and affiliated to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which has chapters in 174 countries and over 26,000 members.

Sampoerna Foundation operations director Elan Merdy said on Friday that association members would be able to exchange information, tips and network as well as participate in various activities and seminars aimed at maximizing resources in raising funds.

Such an association is important to help Indonesia boost its corruption-tainted image, due to which many international donors prefer to work alone here rather than channeling their funds through local charities and foundations, he said. --JP