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Change for Children strives to support sustainable
community development in Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean
through the cultivation of long term partnerships with community
groups who are working for positive, long-term social change.We
are committed to understanding what our role is- as Canadians and
Albertans- in the struggle to alleviate global povertyand ensure
a future for next generations.
We support community development in the areas of:
Basic Human Needs, Health and Nutrition, HIV/AIDS
Prevention and Treatment, Basic and Alternative Education, Sustainable
Agriculture, Indigenous Peoples' Cultural and Environmental Preservation,
Child Protection: Outreach, Advocacy and Support, Promoting Human
Rights, Democracy and Good Governance, Capacity Development and
Income Generation for Women..
Projects are supported by donations from our members
and supporters, as well as grants from the Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA) and the Wild Rose Foundation of Alberta.
Project seed funds are usually matched by CIDA on a three-to-one
basis, and often by Wild Rose on a one-to-one basis. 88 cents of
every project dollar goes directly overseas. The remaining 12 cents
is used for administration, which includes development and submission
of project proposals and reports, fees for services to ensure accountability
and transparency, and to meet the legal and public obligations that
all charities must abide by. The administrative money also goes
to support global education and public awareness events in Canada.
Below are some of the things we look for in project
submissions, as well as an outline of our acceptance, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation processes. For our a copy of our complete
project policy, please contact the office
CFCA highly values the partnerships we have developed with a variety
of Canadian-based community groups and individuals who are advocating
for Southern communities. These groups and individuals raise the
initial funds needed for the particular project they are supporting,
maintain close relations with the Southern communities involved,
and often are involved in grassroots development education in Canada.
Please see the “What We Do / Partners in Development”
section of this website for project acceptance guidelines.
Change for Children analyzes each project submission
according to the following categories:
CFCA recognizes that environmental issues are an
integral part of the struggle for justice and peace, and we’re
dedicated to protection of the environment. We will not support
projects that are neglectful or harmful of the physical environment.
By supporting community development projects designed
and implemented by Southern partners, CFCA aims to promote empowerment
and self-sufficiency in the communities we assist. In most cases,
proposals must demonstrate that the project will continue after
external support ceases. For example, if the project is to fund
a community agricultural co-operative, plans should be in place
for its continuation after our financial support ends. However,
if the project is to fund a one-year educational campaign, we don’t
expect that the educational campaign as such will continue after
the withdrawal of our support.
As CFCA's approach does not involve sending staff
members to the South to assist with the implementation of the projects,
it’s vital that the organizations and/or community group(s)
implementing the projects are organized and accountable. All project
proposals are analyzed with this in mind; the project partners must
demonstrate that they have the organizational capacity and necessary
expertise to undertake the project.
CFCA recognizes the importance of full community
participation in the process of just transformation. Although decision-making
structures will vary according to the needs of each particular project,
it’s important that decisions pertaining to projects are not
made by one or two people but communally by a representative population
of the project participants.
CFCA recognizes the fact that women face systemic
discrimination on a global scale and generally earn less than men,
are prevented from owning land, face numerous obstacles to holding
positions of authority, and face many threats of violence just because
they are women. We are dedicated to justice for women and therefore
strongly favour projects that are thoroughly conscious of gender
equity.
CFCA recognizes the fact that indigenous peoples
throughout the world have faced systemic oppression in ll areas
of life. We are committed to the maintenance and preservation of
indigenous cultures, traditions, and dignity. As well, we are dedicated
to the elimination of the injustices that have resulted in the oppression
and abuse of indigenous peoples on a global scale.
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Our Approach