REWATI DHAKAL’S IMPACT STORY

From struggling fundraiser to inspired changemaker.

Rewati Dhakal embodies everything we seek to achieve with the International Fundraising Congress. Through attending the event in the Netherlands, as well as IFC Asia, Rewati was inspired to change the fundraising and philanthropic landscape in Nepal.

Rewati joined the event for the first time in 2014 and returned again and again and again. “I was new to fundraising and wanted to be part of the community,” Rewait said. “Being at the IFC made me realise the gaps I had in my knowledge.”

Inspired by what he learned, and by connecting with fundraisers from his region each year at each IFC, Rewati made the decision to establish an in-person event for fundraisers in Nepal – the first of its kind.

One hundred and twenty people attended the inaugural Philanthropy Beyond Fundraising conference in 2019. They spent their time together sharing stories, challenges, and solutions, addressing, for the first time, the unique regional challenges affecting their work in Nepal.

“Before this, there were no motivations for fundraisers in Nepal,” Rewati explained. “It was not even recognised as a career.”

Rewati’s efforts are helping to shape fundraising in Nepal into a cohesive and sustainable system, supporting the growth of a culture of giving.

“I want to empower the younger generations of fundraisers to support more impactful and ethical fundraising,” He told us.

Rewati has continued to grow as a fundraiser and changemaker. As well as being the founder & CEO of Nepal Center for Philanthropy and Development, he now works with Giving Tuesday and AVPN.

Rewati continues to use the inspiration he gained through the International Fundraising Congress – as well as the concrete learnings he brought home and the deep well of connections he made – to make a difference. His long-term goals are to continue to support fundraising and fundraisers and philanthropists in Nepal.