In a world characterized by complex social challenges, collaboration between non-governmental organizations and companies has become increasingly important to address critical societal issues.
NGOs come with the experience of working in the field, of direct contact with vulnerable people in extreme situations, they come with passion and compassion for others, but also with the right approach to social problems such as: poverty, education, health and the environment.

Companies bring financial resources, human resources and expertise in project management. Through collaboration, innovative solutions and effective solutions to such problems are born.

"In the business world, success is not only measured in numbers, but also by the positive impact you have on the community in which you operate. The "Save a Heart" Association demonstrates with each action that solidarity and care for those in need are not only important values in a society, but also opportunities to make real changes in the lives of the vulnerable.

By financially and logistically supporting the projects that the association carries out, our partners in companies demonstrate their commitment and responsibility towards the community in which they operate. In this way, corporations or entrepreneurs at the beginning of their journey choose to actively contribute to improving the quality of life of those in need and at the same time develop a solid reputation as responsible social partners."

Marinela Doboșeru is a fundrasing manager within the Save a Heart Association, the man who makes miracles come to life. Marinela is the liaison between the dramatic cases of children on the border between life and death and companies with financial power capable of lending a hand. Only on the basis of the CSR partnerships carried out this year, the Save a Heart Association managed to save the lives of dozens of children and alleviate the suffering of hard-hit families.

In support of children in unprecedented medical situations, dozens of companies have joined over the years, many in the medical, pharma, but also insurance fields. Hundreds of children have thus received, in the 12 years of activity of the association, a chance at life-saving treatments abroad.

"I'm a mother too, and I know what it means to have a sick child, even if it's a simple cold... I can only imagine the desperation and helplessness felt by the parents we chose to support. My previous experience in a multinational helped me understand the values and needs of business people. Thus, they meet them with strategies that match their CSR objectives.

I really wanted to find a way to bring these two worlds together and contribute to saving innocent souls. Fundraising in Romania is both engaging and challenging. Each company has its own values and goals, finding those that fit our mission was a complex but essential process. As proof, the companies that joined us in one project stayed by our side in the following ones."

Collaboration between NGOs and companies is essential for a healthy society. These partnerships benefit both those in need and companies, strengthening relationships between the non-profit sector and the business environment in a joint effort to make the world a better place.

"You certainly know the story of Ecaterina Dima, the 12-year-old daughter of Father Nicolae Dima from Bucharest, who spent more than a month in a deep coma, due to a tumor discovered in her head. It was one of the most serious cases that the "Save a Heart" community has taken care of.

We had to raise a colossal amount: 200,000 euros. 3,667 people donated from their little, hoping that Ecaterina would wake up. We received 18,014 donations via SMS, 59,061 euros through the association's online platform and we concluded sponsorship contracts with no less than 20 companies. They are actually the ones who saved Ecaterina."

In addition to the tax benefits – many CSR projects are deductible – orimage – by improving the perception of the brand, strengthening the trust of customers and business partners in the services and products offered – companies are gaining more and more trust and loyalty from employees when they get involved in social projects.

"Another emotional case, in which the social involvement was remarkable, was that of Ana Ivănescu, Roxana Ciuhulescu's daughter, diagnosed with severe scoliosis at only 15 years old. In record time – only 8 calendar days – we managed to collect the necessary amount: 21,500 euros. The operation that saved her life was possible with the support and generosity of 672 donors, ordinary people and companies. Among the partners who contributed significantly to this success was an insurance company with Romanian capital.

In a show of solidarity and compassion, the insurance company contributed 5,000 euros. For us it was further proof that when we join forces we can make a difference in the lives of those in need. Such acts of generosity show the importance of corporate involvement in the community and their ability to make a significant change in the lives of those in need."

The power of example is essential, and now it is even easier to join a humanitarian cause. Everything is just a click away. To meet the needs of companies that want to support a specific humanitarian cause, the Save a Heart Association has launched a unique system in Romania, with a digital signature for sponsorship contracts.

"Current trends include increasing digitalization, collaborations with social impact, promoting circular and sustainable donations. As a fundraising manager, we need to keep up with these trends and adapt our future strategies to fit the requirements of the companies and communities we serve."

The collaboration with the "Save a Heart" Association is not only an act of charity, but also an opportunity to invest in a better future for the community and to develop a brand with solid values and authenticity.