OCHS Friends and Funds Campaign: From short-term deficit to long-term planning

Thursday, 19 July 2007

As 2006 drew to a close it became apparent that the accelerated growth of the OCHS left us with a budget shortfall for the year. OCHS Director, Shaunaka Rishi Das, said: 'Until now the OCHS has been kept financially viable thanks to the dedication of a small group of supporters. As the Centre reaches new heights, new funding sources must be found to allow us to consolidate our base and allow for further expansion.'

The first step in bringing the Centre back to financial health was addressed at a special meeting of Benefactors and Friends on 16 November 2006. The resulting Deficit Campaign was very successful and raised pledges for £41,500. This campaign was co-ordinated by Dr Ramesh Shamdasani. The other Campaign Team members were Harish I. K. Patel, Kamlesh Patel, Jaimin Patel, Jai Vadhar, and Patrick Tusler.

The end-of-year deficit outlined the need for the Centre to develop a medium- and long-term fund-development strategy. The purpose of this strategy is to achieve financial security and development for the period 2007-11 and then to provide a firm foundation for the long-term future development of the Centre.

The first phase of the Centre's development was realised with the granting of Recognised Independent Centre status by Oxford University. This established the Centre as an academic institution worth investing in.