Fig Tree Foundation

Introduction:

The Fig Tree Charitable Foundation (“FTF”) is an independent non-profit organization based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Its scope is global, its objective is to provide assistance for sustainable projects in the developing world, and it pledges to be a good steward of all gifts it receives on behalf of the end users. This charter seeks to outline our: a) general operations as a non-profit entity, b) commitment to respective partners (donors, Round Table members and funding recipients), c ) our transparency in the quest for accountability, shared vision, continuous improvement and mutual respect.

Purpose

The Fig Tree Charitable Foundation is a Calgary-based group dedicated to helping disadvantaged populations around the world by raising funds for international organizations delivering aid and development programs in the field. The FTF is committed to supporting projects that demonstrate the best potential return on every dollar raised, as measured by the net positive impact on the lives of our end users. FTF is establishing an endowment fund to provide ongoing support to approved ventures/aid agencies.

Mission

By working in partnership with our Roundtable participants, in the most fiscally prudent fashion possible, we strive to alleviate human suffering through the thoughtful investment in development projects which provide long-term improvements in the quality of life for the end user.

Gifting Criteria

are viable
lever off existing projects and deliver tangible results within certain timelines.
demonstrate measurable creation of value to the recipient community, while minimizing unintended consequences.
maximizes the Fig Tree Foundation contribution by demonstrating a potential superior return on investment.
create sustainable outcomes beyond the scope and tenure of FTF’s involvement to build capacity as well as infrastructure.
are grass roots driven with proof of local ownership.

Relationship with the Roundtable Participants (RT)

The Roundtable participants are registered non-governmental organizations active in aid work, who have been invited to and have agreed to participate in the FTF vision.

The FTF has a formal interdependent relationship with RT participants, who maintain decision-making independence within their organizations. The FTF provides clear and unambiguous guidelines regarding its responsibilities to its own donor and end user community. The FTF role within the RT is to facilitate cooperative ventures between NGO groups operating from Canada, and act as an incubator for innovation and idea sharing between the groups, rather than as an administrative or supervisory role.

Funding Criteria

The FTF will accept donations from any organization and/or individual who shares its vision of doing no harm in the world. The FTF is not in competition with the Roundtable participants for donor investments.

Administration and operations

The FTF is administered to the standards required by the Government of Canada for all registered charities. The FTF does not operate directly in the field, but distributes funding to those organizations that are already experienced in the business of dispensing aid effectively.

Accountability

The FTF is primarily accountable to the end users by distributing funds to visibly improve their quality of life. We also are accountable to the Roundtable participants by providing them with consistent support and to the donors by ensuring a minimum of 80 per cent of all funds donated are spent in the field.

Measurement of Success and Process of Review

The FTF will monitor and assess progress for both its own performance as well as that of any of the projects for which it provides funding. These will be developed by the FTF directors who will receive input from the Roundtable participants and from the local communities in which they are involved. Both regular and time line-based reviews will be scheduled and the results of such reviews will be made available to donors, recipients and Roundtable participants.

Shared Vision

The end user is the focus of all FTF efforts and energies. Volunteerism and cooperation are two key components of the FTF. We will use all our talents, gifts and energies to achieve the goal of helping those in need.

Risk Management

Appropriate (legal or other) advice will be sought before investing in significant partnerships, projects alliances etc.

Long Term Strategy-What we will and will not become

The FTF focus always is the end user. Our vision is to become the go-to organization for joint project funding and informative dialogue between existing NGOs, foundations and individuals who share our goals/objectives. We pledge to run an organization without bureaucratic and/or political barriers to the ultimate goal of aiding needy populations. We will provide a venue for and support creative initiatives and idea sharing between specific aid organizations leading to a more efficient use of resources. FTF pledges to remain focused on these goals and to provide full transparency of organizational operations while minimizing any and all overhead.

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