Fig Tree Charter
(2008)
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 participants and funding recipients), c) our transparency in the quest for accountability, shared vision, continuous improvement and mutual respect.
This charter is considered a ‘living document’ whereby the content is continuously changing to meet the needs of the Fig Tree Foundation and its stakeholders.
Purpose
The Fig Tree Charitable Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities to 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 by and between participating development agencies.
Mission
By working in partnership with our Roundtable participants, in the most fiscally prudent fashion possible, we strive to create opportunities through the thoughtful investment in development projects which provide long-term improvements in the quality of life for the end user.
Funding Criteria
Funding for Roundtable projects will include but are not limited to some or all of the following criteria: ● are viable from a developmental ‘best practices’ perspective, with respect to intent and project expectations
Relationship with the Roundtable Participants (RT)
The Roundtable participants are CRA registered non-governmental organizations active in international development work, which 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 collaborative ventures and encourage cooperation 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. The FTF board of directors reserves the right to determine which organizations it shall support both financially and otherwise.
* Non-registered organizations may be invited but are ineligible to receive funding
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 delivery of international development.
Accountability
The FTF is primarily accountable to the end users by funding projects or initiatives that 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 every dollar collected by the FTF is used in the most fiscally responsible fashion possible.
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 subsequent input from the Roundtable participants and from 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 primary foundations of the FTF. We will use all our talents, gifts and energies to achieve the goal of helping those in need in the most efficient and effective manner.
Risk Management
Appropriate (legal or other) advice will be sought before investing in significant partnerships, projects alliances etc. Any potential risks (with regards to both gifting and funding opportunities) will be reviewed based on best practices and ethical priorities.
Long Term Strategy- What we will and will not become
The FTF focus is always dedicated to the end user (in the country which are supporting). Our vision is to become the go-to organization for joint project funding and informative dialogue between existing I/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 populations in need of development assistance. We will provide a venue for initiatives 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 keeping its operating expenses to a minimum.
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 participants and funding recipients), c) our transparency in the quest for accountability, shared vision, continuous improvement and mutual respect.
This charter is considered a ‘living document’ whereby the content is continuously changing to meet the needs of the Fig Tree Foundation and its stakeholders.
Purpose
The Fig Tree Charitable Foundation is dedicated to providing opportunities to 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 by and between participating development agencies.
Mission
By working in partnership with our Roundtable participants, in the most fiscally prudent fashion possible, we strive to create opportunities through the thoughtful investment in development projects which provide long-term improvements in the quality of life for the end user.
Funding Criteria
Funding for Roundtable projects will include but are not limited to some or all of the following criteria: ● are viable from a developmental ‘best practices’ perspective, with respect to intent and project expectations
- Lever off of existing projects or RTP core competencies and deliver tangible results within specified timelines
- Provide measurable value to the recipient community, while minimizing unintended consequences
- Maximize the Fig Tree Foundation contribution by demonstrating a potentially superior return on investment
- Drive towards long term outcomes beyond the scope and tenure of FTF’s involvement to build capacity and infrastructure
- Demonstrate grass roots driven initiatives with proof of local ownership
- A comprehensive funding application will be made available to Roundtable Organizations when a project or initiative is being considered.
Relationship with the Roundtable Participants (RT)
The Roundtable participants are CRA registered non-governmental organizations active in international development work, which 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 collaborative ventures and encourage cooperation 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. The FTF board of directors reserves the right to determine which organizations it shall support both financially and otherwise.
* Non-registered organizations may be invited but are ineligible to receive funding
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 delivery of international development.
Accountability
The FTF is primarily accountable to the end users by funding projects or initiatives that 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 every dollar collected by the FTF is used in the most fiscally responsible fashion possible.
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 subsequent input from the Roundtable participants and from 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 primary foundations of the FTF. We will use all our talents, gifts and energies to achieve the goal of helping those in need in the most efficient and effective manner.
Risk Management
Appropriate (legal or other) advice will be sought before investing in significant partnerships, projects alliances etc. Any potential risks (with regards to both gifting and funding opportunities) will be reviewed based on best practices and ethical priorities.
Long Term Strategy- What we will and will not become
The FTF focus is always dedicated to the end user (in the country which are supporting). Our vision is to become the go-to organization for joint project funding and informative dialogue between existing I/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 populations in need of development assistance. We will provide a venue for initiatives 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 keeping its operating expenses to a minimum.
