RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Looking Back, Planning Forward
by Harry Olfert
As I reflect on the last two months of 2008 through my IDE glasses, I must say that we are thankful for the modest surpluses of previous years.
Our fund-raising goal for 2008 was $720,000, which looked doable in early fall and then “it”, the financial crisis, happened with a result that IDE Canada received donations totaling $648,969 – a shortfall of $70,000 but $90,000 more than 2007.
Thank you for your support and investment in the IDE goal to partner with farmers living on less than a dollar a day. I find it exciting to know that even though our donations fell short, we partnered with 2,600 families with the result that they doubled their income from under $250 to $500. Maybe this isn’t a big deal here in Canada, but for farmers in Zambia, Ethiopia or Nepal this is huge. Not only did they receive a full return on their investment, but they are now able to produce food year-round, pay school fees for their children and improve on the basics of life and farming.
And now, we are into year 2009. What is doable? At what level can you partner with us? The 2009 Budget presented last fall had a donation line of $900,000, but that was before “it” happened, so what can be expected? Maybe the key to this dilemma will be to only take on new projects when current projects are funded or major new investors come to the table.
Join us in giving this matter your thoughtful consideration. IDE Canada Board member and key fundraiser Bill Fast, executive director Stu Taylor or I will be pleased to be in contact with you for further conversation during the next months.
How about a goal to partner with 3000 families in 2009? This would require an investment of $750,000 on our part as IDE donors/investors. Is it doable? I believe it is and I look forward to sharing this opportunity with you.