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.

Partners in Development

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:

Environmental Impact

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.

Institutional and Financial Sustainability

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.

Expertise and Accountability of Implementing Organization(s)

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.

Decision-Making Structures

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.

Gender and Development

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.

Indigenous Culture

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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