I founded and manage a non-profit ministry in Uganda, and know first-hand the challenges with international development projects. I also sit on the board of World concern, and am impressed with their drive to minister the love of God in some of the most difficult places in the world. They truly reach out to the least and the lost and those at the end of the road with dedicated and capable staff. They implement programs and projects in alignment with best practices and in a way that equips and empowers instead of creating dependency. They carefully steward resources to impact as many lives as possible.
My family has been supporting World Concern for several years now. The reason we support this organization with our giving is because they reach people where no other organizations bother to go with physical help (like child protection, water wells, etc.) and with the Gospel of Jesus. World Concern is staffed by nationals who know the area and build relationship with the people we serve. I have also seen firsthand the enormous amount of work/responsibility each staff person has. There is no extra "fat" in this organization and its programs effectively improve lives, so I feel my donation has a "big bang for each buck". The leadership manage the organization with integrity and whole-heartedly believe in its mission.
I have been exposed to World Concern for many years now and have had an overwhelmingly positive experience. Their approach to helping the poor is unique and long lasting and they understand the importance of listening to, and partnering with, the people they are trying to help. 95% of their staff are indigenous to the countries they work in and they don't try to force a one size fits all way of helping. This is a great place to invest your ministry dollars to improve the physical and spiritual health of people who are suffering.
After starting as a financial supporter I have volunteered with World Concern for 3 years. In that time I've seen nothing but the most dedicated and loving people I have ever encountered. The staff at world concern have Christ centered in their work to help others as do the other volunteers. Also fiscal responsibility is a top concern and there are numerous internal initiatives that strive to lower our operating costs and help more and more communities around the world!
One concern with this non-profit is compensation among the leadership. Is a half million dollar salary justified for the leader? I think it's excessive. Another concern is the desire by World Concern to "partner" with governments . . . resulting in obvious compromises. For me, these are reasons to put my funds elsewhere.
90% of funds go to help others, intentional hiring of local staff,including country leads, willingness to cooperate with other NGOs, and seemingly tireless energy and commitment, this NGO has proven itself time and again. Commited to funding acute relief efforts AND sustainment and development projects and programs, WC has a focus of providing the tools and skills to indigenous populations to lift them out of chronic ineffective and abusive systemic patterns. These folks truely want to work themselves out of a job. Send all your humanitarian funding through these guys and rest easy that it will be used effectively around the globe to bring relief, empowerment, and sustainable development.
I have been donating to World Concern for three years now and I do not have one regret with choosing them for my donations. They have one of the highest amounts money going where it should be--to the people. I believe it is 93.5% of all donations go to help the people, the rest goes to administration and fundraising. They are about creating viable jobs for people struggling to live and they help people, then further that by going back to those people to buy supplies to help another family in the same area. I love this program and am so glad that I found it. I plan on donating every year to this program. Love it!
I like to personally check out an organization before contributing - and since I live near the WCDO headquarters and have seen firsthand how hard they work to limit overhead and maximize the amount of funds getting out to clients around the world - this is an eyewitness vote of confidence in them. When visiting in Africa I spent time at their regional headquarters and met staff from around the world that work for the organization. Several friends of mine are in the field working for WCDO and I have been impressed by the cultural sensitivity they bring to their work, and their amazing energy. WCDO has had staff in Haiti for many years and can "put to work" the money you donate, and do so today.