Guidelines For Effective Philanthropy

The BEF has provided resources for communities to accomplish their own goals, relying on relationships for successful projects. The principles that we have established for successful philanthropy and sustainable projects are:

• Getting to know the people you want to help.

• Asking the people exactly what kind of help they want and need.

• Getting a commitment from the people being helped—labor, money, etc.—so they feel invested in/ownership of the project

• Having local people, who know the culture and societal norms, lead the projects in their communities

• Knowing the structure of the local governance—how decisions in communities are made and followed

• Knowing what knowledge and skills are available within the communities and what outside expertise and resources are required

• Providing training in financial management and maintenance