Meet Nineta Avani, a Programme Officer at the Global Fund, where she’s not just managing grants in Azerbaijan and Kosovo—she’s driving impact, forging partnerships, and championing sustainability. With a background at the European Commission and hands-on experience tackling violence against women and child exploitation, Nineta is on a mission to build stronger, more equitable communities.
In 2024, she took her expertise to the next level by completing the Mastering Fundraising Practices Executive Course at the Geneva Graduate Institute, sharpening her skills in resource mobilisation and strategic fundraising. We had the pleasure of catching up with Nineta to hear about her biggest takeaways from the programme, what inspired her to join, and how she plans to put her newfound knowledge into action.
Why did you choose to participate in the Mastering Fundraising Practices Executive Course at the Geneva Graduate Institute, and how does it align with your career goals?
Given my extensive experience in grant management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability planning, I wanted to deepen my expertise in fundraising strategy and resource mobilisation to better support the organisations and programmes I work with. The Mastering Fundraising Practices course at the Geneva Graduate Institute offered a practical, evidence-based approach to fundraising, covering private sector engagement, innovative financing models, and donor relations—areas that are crucial for long-term sustainability.
This course directly aligns with my career goals by equipping me with cutting-edge fundraising methodologies that I can integrate into my work at the Global Fund, particularly in supporting countries transitioning from international donor funding to domestic resource mobilisation. Additionally, as I continue to grow professionally, I see fundraising and strategic partnerships as key competencies that will allow me to broaden my impact in global health and development.
What are your main takeaways from the programme?
The programme provided a comprehensive understanding of modern fundraising techniques, emphasising both the strategic and operational aspects of donor engagement. One of my key takeaways is the importance of storytelling and donor engagement—how crafting compelling narratives can significantly enhance fundraising success. Another critical insight was the role of diversification in funding sources, from corporate partnerships to high-net-worth individuals, and how different revenue streams contribute to financial resilience. I also gained a deeper understanding of data-driven decision-making in fundraising, including how to leverage analytics to improve donor retention, lifetime value, and targeted fundraising campaigns.
Additionally, I found the discussions around impact investing and blended finance particularly relevant, as they highlighted alternative funding mechanisms that could support long-term sustainability. The course also provided practical case studies that demonstrated the successes and challenges of fundraising in different sectors, offering real-world insights that I can directly apply to my work. Overall, the programme reinforced the idea that successful fundraising is not just about securing funds but about building lasting relationships and strategic partnerships that align with an organisation’s mission.
How do you plan to apply the fundraising knowledge and strategies you’ve gained to your current role?
In my role at the Global Fund, I work closely with countries like Azerbaijan and Kosovo to ensure the sustainability and long-term financial viability of health programmes. The knowledge gained from this course will allow me to better advise and support grant recipients in diversifying their funding sources, ensuring a smoother transition from international aid to domestic resource mobilisation. I also plan to strengthen private sector engagement strategies, helping countries tap into new partnerships and corporate sponsorships for health financing.
Additionally, I will apply a more structured approach to donor stewardship, ensuring better retention of funding partners and fostering long-term commitments. The insights on data-driven fundraising will help me assess fundraising potential more effectively and optimise existing funding mechanisms for efficiency and scalability. Lastly, I aim to advocate for innovative financing solutions, such as public-private partnerships and impact investments, to ensure the sustainability of critical health programmes. Ultimately, this course has provided me with the tools to not only support my current work more effectively but also position myself as a stronger resource mobilisation strategist in the global health sector.
Want to learn more about our Executive Course in Mastering Fundraising Practices? Visit the programme page.
Nineta is a fabulous colleague!