For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. –2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV) Most of you reading this blog may have seen or heard about the April 17 60 Minutes story concerning Greg Mortenson, author of the bestselling book Three Cups of Tea, and allegations that he received substantial financial benefit from the non-profit organization he founded, the Central Asia Institute (CAI). Those allegations include: Only 41 percent of the funds donated to CAI in fiscal year 2009 went to schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan; Mr. Mortenson personally received all honoraria from his speeches; and CAI spent more than $1.7 million in fiscal year...
Category Archives: Conversations
News that matters: Tornadoes, conflict minerals, maternal health
Editor’s Note: This is the second post in a new, periodic series called “News that matters,” meant to highlight coverage in news articles and blog posts about important, current issues that affect those living in poverty around the world. Recent breaking-news headlines might lead you to believe that some of the less prominent stories lack significance and aren’t worthy of our attention. The truth is, there are many equally critical issues that directly affect the lives of the world’s poor and dispossessed – and so many of them don’t see the kind of coverage they really deserve. I’ll let you follow the breaking news on your own, and I’ll highlight some other stories that you may not see otherwise. As...
News that matters
This is the first post in an ongoing, monthly series called “News that matters.” The purpose is to highlight coverage in news articles and blog posts about important, current issues that affect those living in poverty around the world. You’ll find that I’ve selected three issues I think are worth paying attention to, and some recent news coverage that addresses those issues. While these selections are based on my personal judgment calls, I’m hopeful that these stories inspire you to learn more, challenge you to think about your own views of the world, and encourage you to join the conversations going on this blog and among your own circle of friends. I’m curious to know what you think about this...
GIK financial standards
In our ongoing series on Gifts-in-kind (GIK), today’s post covers financial topics - what influence overhead calculations have on organizational decisions and what standards of accounting we comply with in valuing donated resources.
The influence of overhead rate calculations on organizational decisions
All donated resources, including GIK, cash contributions, and government grants impact overhead rates. World Vision’s primary reason for acquiring GIK is to meet programmatic needs. Our earlier post about how GIK is a resource aligned within a larger community development program illustrates this. However, as an organization, we must prepare organizational plans to meet all of our obligations and provide balance in our financial portfolio.......
GIK and development programming
In our ongoing series on Gifts-in-kind (GIK), today’s post covers how GIK resource fits into the broader work of community development programming. Specifically we’ll look at:
* Uses of GIK, including as match for grants
* Standards for managing GIK
* Evaluations of projects with direct provision of goods
Uses of GIK
World Vision operates in nearly 100 countries with 1,600 development programs and 1,200 sector projects that integrate education, health, economic development, advocacy, microfinance, agriculture, and water and sanitation. Our programs go through intensive assessments and planning, beginning with a country macro-assessment and strategy and continuing with local area assessments, a comprehensive design document, baseline survey, and regular audits and evaluations. These...