|
|
 | "Working in a highly restricted context, it is our responsibility as Christians to prepare the ground for a more opportune time."
World Vision Laos |
Programs. The majority of ministry costs represents programs administered by sponsorship, such as providing immunizations, constructing schools, and drilling wells. This includes the costs of operating and staffing the projects.
Evaluation. Donations also go toward monitoring the quality of World Vision's work through financial audits, evaluations, project reports, and annual reports. This monitoring is coordinated through the World Vision International Office.
Advocacy and Education. World Vision considers it a crucial practice, in heeding Christ’s call to be a voice for the voiceless, to provide funds for advocacy tools, such as World Vision’s magazines and policy papers, which are designed to create public awareness of poverty and injustice issues that afflict children.
Sponsorship Reserve Fund. Part of sponsorship dollars are allocated to a reserve fund for emergency situations that affect sponsored children or to meet the special needs of a particular child. When an earthquake devastated the Philippine city of Baguio, dozens of World Vision sponsored children and their families received special kits, with food, clothing, and blankets, designed to help them survive those first crucial days until the roads were cleared and they could be evacuated to safety.
Special gifts. Special or restricted gifts from sponsors and other donors are allocated according to donors’ intent as indicated by their instructions.
Administration and Fund-Raising Costs
Administration. Sponsorship dollars provide donor updates confirming how funds were used in the community as well as other communication tools to explain sponsorship. Management also includes the processing of infor-mation about sponsored children and providing photographs to sponsors.
Fund Raising. To attract and retain child sponsors, World Vision utilizes influential media that reach diverse donor audiences: television, telemarketing, Christian musicians, Christian radio, advocacy activities and events, magazines, and direct mail. These activities accomplish fund-raising and promote transformation among those in a position to act on behalf of the world’s poor and needy.
Improving Effectiveness While Monitoring Costs
Perhaps more important than asking, "How efficiently does this organization use my money?" is the question, "How effectively does this organization use my money?" An efficient relief agency may fly supplies into a country and leave without effecting any long-term changes. An effective agency implements a program that will take care of both short-term and long-term needs. World Vision strives to deliver at the lowest possible cost programs that best meet the long-term needs of the poor.
| |
|
