Frequently Asked Questions
1. How
are you able to commit that 100% of project dollars will be used for projects?
The founders and board of directors of HFL have been
committed since the inception of the organization that we operate on a transparent giving
priority, in which 100% of funds given to projects will be used for projects. Many
organizations hide and narrowly define operational and implementation costs in
project dollars. Because we raise operational and salary costs separately, a
church’s or group’s project dollars are used only for their project.
2. How
are you funded?
We are funded by focusing separately on our three revenue needs. First, our
staff members are committed to raising all their financial support. They ask
people to partner with them, providing HFL with the needed funds for their
ministry and living expenses. Secondly, our executive leadership and board of directors have committed to
raising funds needed for the operational costs through separate fundraising
efforts. These administration costs include: capital and expansion,
communications and development, office expenses, staff care and training, and
travel. Thirdly, project dollars are raised by churches and groups who have
international projects. Funds for these projects are used to bring relief and
development to impoverished communities worldwide.
3. What
happens to funds directed to a specific staff member?
Funds directed to support a HFL staff member are not directly given to that
staff member. The funds are given to HFL and are used to pay the employment
expenses of that particular staff member. HFL sets salary levels and retains
control of all funds.
4. What
happens to directed funds if a project becomes overfunded or fulfilled?
Funds will be accepted only for programs or projects that are within the
objectives of Hungry For Life (HFL) that have been approved by the executive
leadership team and the board of directors. Each gift directed toward an
approved program or project will be used as directed. However, when a program
or project need has been met or cannot be carried out for reasons beyond the
ability of management and/or board to control, the donor agrees that funds
directed may be used by HFL for other programs or projects. HFL will make
every effort to use these funds in similar programs or projects as the original
direction.
5. What
is the connection between Shekinah worship events and the relief and development
work of HFL?
The ministry of HFL is based on the rationale that global poverty is primarily
an issue of the spiritual poverty in developed nations. Key passages of
scripture such as Isaiah 1, Isaiah 58, Matthew 25, James 1 & 2 teach us
that real spiritual life results in people “spending themselves on behalf of
the hungry” (Is. 58:10). These passages also teach us that the quality of our
spiritual lives—the very power and presence of God—is dependant on what we do
for the poor. As we seek the face of God through music and prayer at Shekinah
worship events, we do so knowing that true revival will result in cultural and
social transformation. Visit the Shekinah website for more information.
6. Are you a disaster or emergency relief agency?
HFL is not
primarily an emergency relief agency, however, there are times where we have
the ability to establish partnerships quickly which enable us to respond to
emergency or crisis situations necessitating a humanitarian response. When
those situations occur, HFL looks for opportunities to establish long term
community development projects in the areas affected by an emergency.
7. How
do you decide on what projects to do and where?
HFL exists to serve churches and groups who desire to be involved in
international compassion projects. If a church or group desires to invest their
time, people and resources into a project but doesn’t know where or how, HFL
comes alongside to provide direction and focus as well as logistical and
administrative support. Through our network of global organizations, we connect
churches and groups, matching the skills and passions of the people, with
specific project partners worldwide. Our staff work directly with our various
international partners and with local churches and groups to: access project
needs and manage project details; provide project updates and communication;
organize and lead short-term teams; and send humanitarian aid shipments.
8. To whom
are the staff members accountable?
The staff members are accountable to the Executive Director of HFL who is
accountable to the board of directors.
9.When are tax receipts issued?
HFL is a
not-for-profit, registered Canadian charity authorized to issue tax-deductible
receipts. To reduce costs, we total each donors financial contributions for the
year (ending December 31) and mail receipts before the end of February of the
following calendar year.