At Global Action Institute, we believe that trust is the foundation of effective humanitarian work. That’s why we’re committed to complete transparency in how we use your generous donations. In today’s blog, you’re invited to follow the journey of your contribution, from the moment you make a donation to its impact on the ground.
Step 1: Your Donation Arrives
When you make a donation, whether online or by mail, it’s immediately recorded in our secure financial system. You’ll receive an acknowledgment and tax receipt within 48 hours, and our finance team, overseen by certified public accountants, will ensure every dollar is accounted for.
Step 2: Allocation to Programs
Our board of directors, in consultation with field experts, regularly reviews and approves budget allocations for our various programs. Unless you’ve specified a particular project, your donation is directed to the area of greatest need. We strive to keep administrative costs low, this ensures over 85% of donations are going directly to our programs.
Step 3: Planning and Preparation
Once funds are allocated, our program teams spring into action. They work closely with local partners to assess needs, plan logistics, and prepare for implementation. The ways our teams accomplish this includes:
- Identifying resources, labor, and solutions within the local economy
- Coordinating with locals to ensure community support and effective operations
- Training local staff and volunteers to develop sustainable impacts
Step 4: Implementation on the Ground
This is where your donation transforms into tangible action. Depending on the project, it might mean:
- Funding distribution of food and clean water in crisis-affected areas
- Enabling the building of schools or housing in underserved communities
- Providing educational materials and training for women, children, and other vulnerable populations
Our field teams thoroughly document all programs. Visit our website and social media to see exactly how your donation is being used.
Step 5: Monitoring and Evaluation
We never abandoned communities we have served. Our team continuously monitors the impact of each project and collects feedback from the communities we serve; your contribution does not stop when the aid is delivered. Monitoring and evaluation helps us:
- Ensure effective allocation of resources
- Allows for the rapid identification of challenges and problem solving
- Empowers our team to learn from every project and make constant development for the future
Step 6: Reporting Back to You
We believe you deserve to see the impact of your generosity. That’s why we:
- Provide regular updates on our website and social media
- Send detailed reports to our donors
- Share an annual report with a complete financial breakdown
Real-Time Transparency: A Case Study
Follow these steps of a donations through our project in Tanzania:
- Donations received: $10,000 for clean water and nutrition initiatives, educational supplies, clothing & shoes, and improving the infrastructure of the buildings.
- Project planning: Gathered information from a local community partner to identify the most critical needs
- Implementation: GAI donations directly funded the; water filtration system, structural repairs, cosmetic repairs, nutritional support, and educational supplies
- Monitoring: Our local partner sends back regular photos and updates on child well-being
- Impact: 200 children now have access to clean water, 30% reduction in waterborne illnesses, 4 children sponsored for boarding school, and many continuing impacts
The project archives with photos, videos, and detailed reports can be found on our website and social media.
Your Role in Transparency
We invite you to be an active part of the process, your participation can increase transparency and build trust:
- Ask questions about our programs and finances
- Follow our social media for real-time updates from the field
- Review our annual reports and financial statements
Your trust is crucial to our mission. By maintaining transparency, we hope to build lasting partnerships that change lives around the world.
Ready to start your transparent giving journey? Make a donation today www.GAIcares.org and watch as your generosity transforms lives in real-time.