Maximizing Giving

In the United States alone, more than $260 billion USD was given toward charitable purposes in 2005.  That’s a lot of money.  To put this in perspective - $260 billion is about the size of the total United States car market.

So it is fair to ask:  Is much good being accomplished at all?  Are the best intentions of charities being matched by the best results?

Aristotle had it right when he said “To give away money is an easy matter in any man’s power.  But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easy matter.”

Andrew Carnegie echoes the same thoughts in his 1889 essay, saying “It is more difficult to give money away intelligently than to earn it in the first place.”  

Founded in 2000, Bridges of Hope International Network of Development Agencies Inc. has developed a great team to bridge this gap, to help thoughtful givers meet this challenge.

Our philosophical approach is about promoting the potential of people and organizations and empowering them to become increasingly intentional and disciplined to do what it is that their contribution is, in a manner that connects well to their “authentic” person and purposes as well as that of the indigenous leaders and organizations overseas.

The functional approach we have applied at this point is to build cooperative relationships with people and organizations who promote poverty relief and community empowerment amongst the poorest nations of the earth in a way that most honours and serves the interests of all parties.

We serve a range of donors who want to see their charitable investing result in effective community-based grassroots organizations that accomplish extraordinary results within developing nations.  Results that are highly effective, and results that last.

We are successful when our clients are successful; when their hopes are invested in highly effective indigenous organizations, leadership, and people that accomplish extraordinary good in the poorest regions of the earth.

What $35 Can Do?

For a dollar a day - or a monthly contribution of $35 - YOU can help save the life of a child or a parent who cannot afford essential treatment and care.  Sponsoring a child will give a child and their community access to things they need to survive and grow - You will be bringing hope for a better life.  Right now, a child under 5 dies every 3 seconds because they lack simple vaccinations and medications, adequate food and clean water.  This isn't a game about survival.  These statistics represent real poverty.  It doesn't have to be this way.  It can cost only $35 to make a micro-loan in some of the poorest countries of the world.

What $30,000 Can Do?

The average size of grants managed by Bridges of Hope International Network of Development Agencies Inc. is only a little over $30,000 USD.  Because local people run these programs, the cost is low for the impressive results they deliver.  The list below describes recent grants we managed.  This is a representative sample of project recently funded by Bridges of Hope International Network of Development Agencies partners.

Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, widespread poverty forces families to send their children, as young as age 7, to full-time work.  Most of these children never complete elementary school.  $30,000 invested here provides access to education to 160 girls and boys from the child labour trap. They receive scholarships and other support including medical assistance and access to a lunch programme.  

This $30,000 invested provides healthcare for the families and special training for indigenous leaders.  $30,000 invested in this program brings increased income to more than 500 farming families through microloans.  With $30,000, more than 100 orphan and vulnerable babies under the age of two benefit from improved nutrition and basic medical services.  More than 400 orphan and vulnerable children also receive weekly care.  $30,000 opened one clinic and made access to medical services available to thousands of children.

So, how much can be accomplished when you exercise your heart with $30,000?  So much more!