Background. Cost-benefit analyses of programs that support abandoned or orphaned children in developing countries suggest that indigenous programs can provide up to a 10-fold savings over traditional foreign-based initiatives. Indigenous programs are also culturally sensitive and frequently more sustainable. Although many multilateral agencies are beginning to support indigenous initiatives, little information is known about the funding practices of non-profit faith-based organizations. Objectives. To determine if non-profit faith-based organizations have adopted funding practices that support indigenous programs that target abandoned or orphaned children in the developing world. Methods. A review of over 900 non-profit faith-based organizations with annual budgets exceeding $50,000 was performed to identify those that targeted abandoned or orphaned children in developing countries. Fifty-one agencies were selected based on programs such as child sponsorship, child health programs and child relief and development initiatives. Organizations were subsequently divided by program guidelines and descriptions to determine whether indigenous or foreign-based initiatives were supported. Results. Of the 51 organizations selected, only 21 listed significant donor support to indigenous programs caring for abandoned or orphaned children. These organizations donated an estimated $434,363,325 during the 1999 fiscal year. Thirty organizations supported programs limited to foreign-based initiatives and donated $743,420,501 during the 1999 fiscal year. Conclusions. Although a significant number of organizations do support indigenous programs, a majority of non-profit faith-based organizations provide funding for programs that exclude indigenous efforts to assist abandoned or orphaned children in the developing world. Such organizations should consider altering donor funding to include indigenous programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this poster presentation will be able to discuss differences in non-profit faith-based organizational support of indigenous versus foreign-based programs that assist abandoned or orphaned children in the developing world.
Keywords: Developing Countries, Funding
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.