Page 224 - GHES-3-2

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Innovative fundraising for palliative care

for smooth execution of these events. A dedicated team is or through other communication media such as WhatsApp.
needed to orchestrate and manage various aspects, from This grassroots approach is a time-tested fundraising
curating artworks to marketing and event coordination. It approach, unlike corporate social responsibility initiatives,
should be noted that during a pandemic, stringent infection which may be limited during times of crisis. Mobilizing
prevention measures are implemented to safeguard the personal networks and engaging individuals on a
health and safety of attendees, adding an additional layer of voluntary basis fosters a sense of collective responsibility
complexity to event planning and execution. and solidarity within communities. Contributors are

While careful planning, collaboration and event encouraged to give what they can, whether it be monetary
management are necessary, the benefits of art and donations, medications, food supplies, or educational
photography exhibitions include community engagement, resources, depending on local needs. An ethos of gratitude
cultural enrichment, and revenue generation potential, and non-judgment is also cultivated regardless of the size
which can make a meaningful impact in advancing the of the donation, promoting inclusivity and appreciation
goals of palliative care. for individual contributions. The personalized nature of
this fundraising method makes it less intimidating and
3.2. Piggy bank project can facilitate meaningful interactions and discussions on
In the piggy bank project, piggy banks are gifted to school palliative care.
children, and the savings after a year will be directed However, at the outset, the amounts collected may be
toward palliative care. While achieving the fundraising small, and thus, patience and perseverance are required
purpose, this project also fosters awareness about palliative to build a donor base. Scaling its impact and ensuring
care among children, parents, and school staff. Besides, sustainability require a snowballing effect to establish a
educational materials and information regarding palliative critical mass of supporters. The time-intensive nature of
care can be distributed together with piggy banks to the contacting individuals and maintaining communication
students. The materials may include QR codes linked to and engagement with donors demands dedicated effort
palliative care information and details of a designated bank and organizational support. As multiple individuals
account for larger-sum donations. are involved, transparency and accountability in fund
This initiative cultivates charitable giving among management also requires stringent oversight and
children, instilling values of empathy, generosity, and social adherence to ethical standards.
responsibility from a young age. The act of saving toward This grassroots approach leverages personal connections
a charitable cause also instills a sense of accomplishment, and collective action to effect positive change, builds
while reinforcing financial literacy skills and prudent resilient networks of support and solidarity, and advances
money management habits. Clay piggy banks can be the principles of compassion, equity, and social justice in
obtained with low start-up costs, rendering this project palliative healthcare delivery. This was the foundation of a
affordable as a consistent annual fund collection event. successful and sustainable yet comprehensive community-
This approach has been used as an innovative fundraising based palliative care service in Kerala (Azeez and
program for pediatric palliative care (Knapp et al., 2009). Anbuselvi, 2021).
However, the variable amounts collected from students
can lead to unpredictability in whether this fundraising 3.4. Charity shops
approach should be continued in a consistent annual The main advantage of charity shops selling donated goods
fashion. Inherent risks such as the potential for misplaced with proceeds going to palliative care is its affordability,
money, theft, or diversion of funds must be addressed both for donors contributing goods and shoppers
through robust safeguards and accountability measures. purchasing items. The start-up investments required for
There is also a risk of a high dropout rate due to loss of opening charity shops are minimal, and the individuals
interest or other competing priorities, which necessitate from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who would like
ongoing engagement to sustain participation. Resistance to support this cause are free to donate goods according
from families or school management, whether due to to their financial capability. Reusing second-hand
skepticism or logistical concerns, could also pose obstacles items also contributes to environmental sustainability,
to the successful implementation of the project. reducing waste and carbon emissions associated with
production and disposal of goods. Charity shops also
3.3. Community-based fundraising foster community belonging and social connectedness,
Community-based fundraising involves reaching out to providing opportunities for meaningful interactions
personal contacts, approaching individuals door-to-door between volunteers and community members. These

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 216 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.3809