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FROM THE PRESIDENT & THE EXECUTIVE DIREC TOR 2011: Our first year as a public charity It’s a new decade at Firelight Foundation. After 10 years of grantmaking as a private foundation, we celebrate our first year as a public charity. In 2011, we provided over $2 million to 134 African grassroots organizations working to improve the lives of children and families. This past year while the economy continued to struggle, many still chose to give. Our community of donors continues to grow. In fact, Firelight Foundation received a higher number of individual gifts in 2011 than in any previous year. Coupled with the support from our institutional funders and the Firelight Endowment, this year our income was the greatest since we were endowed in 1999.
Kerry Olson Founder & President
We’re proud of what these funds are able to accomplish, thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of the Firelight team, and the vision and resourcefulness of the community organizations we support. Every day, Firelight Foundation’s grantee partners are working to ensure that children stay in school and receive the love, care, and necessities they need not just to survive, but to thrive. In this report, we share the inspiring story of one Firelight donor and one grassroots group making a tremendous difference for children and families. Our theme, 1 + 1 = 3, highlights what we see in action every day: When needed resources and support are brought together with innovative and locally grown initiatives, the impact is even greater than imagined.
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Peter Laugharn Executive Director
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Letter
When poverty and AIDS affect a family, the life of a child is marked by a lack of food, clothing, opportunity for schooling, and the comfort of a parent’s love. In Africa, millions of children face these hardships daily. Vincent Worms believes that children should not have to struggle for their basic human needs. He also wants his philanthropic giving to provide opportunities for a brighter future. When searching for an organization that would help families meet their children’s needs while creating long-term change, he learned that Firelight grantee partners do just that. Since 2004 Vincent and his family have funded 29 organizations identified and supported by Firelight. “Each year we are impressed by the quality of Firelight’s relationship with its grantees and the results that are achieved by the organizations they support. We know that by funding Firelight, we are getting resources to the grassroots, where they are needed most. Through modest resources we are improving the lives of hundreds of children.” Most donors understand that lasting change happens when those affected by the problem develop the solution. But they don’t know how to identify the organizations that are delivering results. That’s where Firelight comes in. Our experienced staff, a vast network in the countries where we fund, and an in-depth evaluation process help us to find effective organizations that improve the lives of children. Funding from donors like Vincent Worms allow us to resource, mentor, and network grassroots organizations.
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Sunlight. It’s one of Africa’s most abundant natural resources. Association Inkoramutima is leveraging this abundance to solve multiple problems. Using Firelight funding, they purchased solar panels, then leased them to 40 families. As families pay off their leases, Inkoramutima uses the revenue to buy solar panels for another group of families. Replacing oil lamps and batteries with solar power means a cleaner and safer source of energy, reducing respiratory problems and fire hazards. Spending less money buying oil and batteries increases money for food. There is also the potential to earn a modest income by recharging cell phone batteries for a small fee. This kind of creativity and resourcefulness illustrates some of the qualities that grassroots organizations draw upon to solve multiple problems with a single solution.
Association Inkoramutima in Rwanda opens their first solar panels.
Grassroots organizations often struggle to secure funding from donors. Their leadership and understanding of the challenges facing children and youth are essential to reaching and effectively serving their communities. When Association Inkoramutima applied for Firelight funding, staff recognized their enterprising spirit and their ability to foster sustainable livelihoods. A site visit confirmed their skill in translating vision into tangible results. Firelight funding, advice, and networking all make a critical difference to this grassroots organization realizing its full potential.
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Grassroots
Family members receive training on the care of their newly donated cow.
A survivor of the Rwandan genocide, Yves is responsible for providing food, clothing, and schooling for his younger brothers and sisters. When he joined Association Inkoramutima, the support of peers eased his burden. But it’s the cow donated to Yves by Inkoramutima that is the talk of the neighborhood. Purchased with Firelight funding, the cow is a source of nutrition and income. When it had its first calf, the cow produced seven liters of milk per day. Yves and his siblings used two liters. They gave one liter to a neighbor with a malnourished child and sold four liters to a local restaurant. And that’s not all. Manure from the cow was used in the vegetable garden and shared with neighbors. The next calf will be passed on to another family in the community. Now, Yves and his siblings can count on regular meals, afford school fees, and go to the clinic when they are sick. There is joy and laughter in the home. Support to and from the neighbors helps to overcome daily challenges. One cow. One household. Community-wide benefits. Transforming the lives of poor children and their families takes patience, tenacity, and problem solving skills. That’s where grassroots organizations make a difference. They coordinate community support and local contributions such as food, clothing, and land. Firelight funding provides financial resources to purchase equipment or pay for training. Guidance from Firelight staff helps to refine programs, increase confidence, and provide links with new donors to expand the numbers of children served. Each player—the donor, Firelight, the grassroots organization—adds something to the equation. The radiant smile on the face of a thriving child makes it evident that the results equal more than the sum of the parts.
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2011 FINANCIAL REPORT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
STATEMENT OF AC TIVI T I E S
Note: Financial data is presented on an accrual basis. Support from Foundations includes US$1.765 million in grants receivable recognized in the current fiscal year but restricted for use in future fiscal years. 81%
13%
6%
(JULY 1, 2010—JUNE 30, 2011)
ASSETS
2011
Cash and Equivalents
2,380,978
Support from Individuals
927,729
Grants Receivable
3,036,443
Support from Foundations
8,061,638
Other Current Assets
47,599
Property and Equipment, Net
20,014
Total Assets
5,485,034
396,500
Fundraising
Other Income
Total Revenue and Support
63,117
9,052,484
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expense
Grants Payable
Total Liabilities
General & Administrative
2011
205,759
602,259
Total Program Expenses
REVENUE AND SUPPORT
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Total Net Assets
EXPENSES
Grants Awarded
2,062,600
Program Services
1,336,677
General and Administrative
524,824
4,492,905
Fundraising
245,608
4,882,775
Total Expenses
4,169,709
5,485,034
389,870
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
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Change in Net Assets
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4,882,775
www.firelightfoundation.org
FROM PRIVATE FOUNDATION TO PUBLIC CHARIT Y When Firelight Foundation began in 1999, our founders endowed the foundation allowing us to focus on our core mission. They focused their investment on African community-based organizations serving children because they wanted funds to go where they were most needed and could have a significant impact. Over the years, Firelight Foundation has stayed true to its mission while building on its strengths as a grantmaker. Our child-centered, family-focused, community-based approach, coupled with a funding model that reaches and supports effective grassroots organizations, has attracted many partners and donors. By the end of our first decade, Firelight Foundation had awarded over 1,100 grants totaling nearly $14 million to more than 330 community-based organizations serving an estimated 250,000 children. This milestone was achieved largely due to our increasing public support—from individuals, foundations and corporate partners, schools, and churches. In July 2010, we became a public charity. This transition opens new doors for partnership and public support.
In FY11, income was very good. Firelight brought in a number of multiyear grants from foundations and generous support from individuals. In addition, the Firelight Endowment provided a $1,500,000 grant to establish a $400,000 reserve and to contribute to operating costs through FY13. We transferred $881,359 of grant balances as part of the establishment of the public charity. In FY11, we made grants totaling over $2,000,000 to 134 organizations with an additional $1,336,677 for program services covering due diligence, capacity building, organizational learning, and advocacy. Our operational and fundraising expenses combined were kept below 20 percent. We start FY12 with a net asset base of $4,882,000. Of this, $1,765,000 is restricted for use in FY13 and FY14. Our vision moving forward is to greatly broaden Firelight’s base of support as a public charity. This will enable us to assist many thousands more vulnerable children and families, to help more grassroots organizations develop their reach and capacity, and to leverage our impact by continuing to persuade other funders to channel their resources directly to the grassroots.
Firelight Foundation’s complete audited financial statements are available at www.firelightfoundation.org
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DONORS
(JULY 1, 2010—JUNE 30, 2011)
We are grateful to all of our donors for their generosity. Their commitment to Firelight makes it possible for us to support communities and families in sub-Saharan Africa who are working to improve children’s lives. INDIVIDUALS
Daniela Bryan
Audrey DeLoache
Anonymous (17)
Hilary & Dave Bryant
Barnabe Diarra
Suzanne Abel
Keyna Bugner
John Donnelly
Karim & Lisa Abuhamad
Lawrence Carbone & David Takacs Cecilia Marie Carreon
B.P. & Vimal Agrawal Nayna Agrawal Aleene Althouse Karen Ande & Jeff Johnson Matthew & Carol Gilbert Arozian Catherine Bacon Eric Balog
Dave Carter & Linda Carter Ted Chaiban Bruce Chamberlin Anand Chandrasekaran Leigh Christian Randall Clare Judy Clement
Keinde Bankole
Paula Clupper
Bilge Bassani Rob Becker
Steven Corbato & Susan Bratton
Isaac & Andrea Bempong
Dawn Cornelius
Michael Berkovec
Matthew Craner & Lynn Ploch-Craner
Marci Berman Marla Bobowick Nick & Fran Bongo
Dennis Culp & Simone Steinhaus-Culp
Barbara Horscraft
Fabien Lombard & Liz Gilbreath
Julia Gaudinski & Jim Whitehead Jr.
Mark Lorey & Deborah Forbes
Marti Jeffers Mary Jessen
Lisa Luiso
Joan Duncan
Arnab Ghatak & Anu Gupta
Dave Katz & Kerry Olson
Michelle Eames
A. Edward Katz
Paola Gianturco
Janice Manion & Michael Lingelbach
Judy Edghill
Debbie Kennedy
Julie Goldstein & Eric J. Goodman
Lisa Luiso
Larry Kerr & Jennifer Antrim
David Margrave
Vikki Golsh & Richard Cervantes
Noreen & Kilby
Martha Egan Peter Ehrhardt George Ehrhardt Britt Ehrhardt Olof Einarsdottir Randle Ellington Patrice Engle Debra & David Evans Joris Evers Carolyn Fairman Concepcion & Benito Falcon Terri Fette Richard Fleming
Mary Darby
Roger Frankham
Sarah Brinda
Julie Dargis
Max Friedman
Jamie & Melanie Brown
Christopher Davis
Betsy Gaiser
Donors
Des Gasper & Shanti George
Alan Kanner
Caroline Foote
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John Lohr
Ted Hochstadt
John & Elise Gerich
Ron Da Silva
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Gina Loftis
Bonnie Ho
Nora Jimenez
Megan Fogarty
Jack Bradley
Pedro Hernandez-Ramos
Aviva Garrett & David Doshay
Mark & Belinda Geiger
Phil Curtiss
Jayne Booker
Marcel & Elisabeth Gani
Mike Goodkind Linda Gray Gretchen Gudenkauf Debbie Hall Karen Halverson & Steven Gilborn
Ali MacGraw Keith & Evy Macklis
Deborah Marzi Jody Lynn McBrien
Heather Kilner
Annie McDonough
Sharon Kosecki
Benjamin Milder
Aili Langseth
John Miller
Sandy Lansdale
Alan Miller
Richard & Dorothy Laugharn
Philip & Maribel Mitnick
Peter Laugharn & Marie Kagaju Laugharn
Kristin Molina Stephen & Susan Morriss
Katrina Hartman
Marc, Lily, and Kate Laugharn
Bryan Hassemer
Tory Lawson Albert & Pearl Lee
Franklin Mount
James Hayes John & Tracy Heathcote
Mary Lee
John & Susan Hebberger
Wendy Leonard
Kimberly Heldt
Tony Li & Lisa Bourgeault
Edward & Cheryl Heneveld
Laura Lo Castro
Lynn Murphy & Ward Heneveld
Kathryn & Ian Hermann
Rebecca Lo Presti
Dorothy & Mel Myers
Ruthann & Jay Hammer Jane Hartman
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Tammy Moody Bruce Morton Jane & John Munger Dennis Murnyak Erin Murphy
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Geeta Narayan & Kevin Black
Michelle Roland
Michael St. Johns
Peter Neal
Lawrence Rosler
Anne Staunton
GIFTS IN HONOR OF
FUNDS & FOUNDATIONS
Marcie Rubardt
Juniper Stein-Catanach
Nayna Agrawal
Aid for Africa
Peggy Newell
Joop Rubens & Laura Marcus
Yolande Sterling
Karen Ande
Robert Rubens
Cathy Aronson
Alpert & Alpert Foundation
Albert and Mary Nibbe
Don Stoll & Marianne Kent-Stoll
Dana Nichols
Kathleen Rubens
Linda Sussman
Leila Nimatallah
Emmanuel Rurema
Jules Niyogakiza
Emily & John Salcido
Christopher & Mary Szecsey
Zelda O’Brien Kelly
Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
Lester Olmstead-Rose
Jenny Sandrof
Gayle Ortiz
Suzanne Savage
Janis Ost
Patricia Sayler
Peggy & John Overcashier
John Nelson
Alysha Owens Lisa Palm Jim & Sandra J. Palmquist Geoff Parcell Christine Pareja Lori Perbeck
Firelight Endowment
Randy Trigg
Isabel Matina
Benita Tsao
John & Judy Neary
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Thomas & Tania S. Schlatter
Fred Tung
Kerry Olson
Monique Van der Pauw
Lisa Palm
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Contribution Fund
Stephen Schottman
Rien Van Gendt
Ruthann Richter
Nike Foundation
Patricia Schroeder
Ronald Vertrees
Joop Rubens
Oak Foundation
Paola Scommegna & Paul J. Jackson
James & Sally Vittorio
Stefan Stec
Opportunity International
Luke & Georgia Tollin
Cliff & Leslie Sellery
Deborah Voisin
Robert Rhodehamel
Howard Ward
Hirut Townsend
Rotary of Scotts Valley
Jim & Judy Warner
Katie & Madeleine
Jonathan Warren
Kitty & Thomas
Tsadik Foundation c/o Partech International
Ellen Weiss & Jonathon J. Greenberg
Victims of War and Genocide in Rwanda
United Way of New York City
CHURCHES
Sherrie Witt
GIFTS IN MEMORY OF
Lynn Zachreson
Jeanne Atkinson
Leland & Marian Zeidler
Steve Warila
2011 ANNUAL REPORT
Pradeep Sindhu & Marie-Francoise Bertrand Suzanne Skees Thomas Skibo Pete & Sally Slicer Allison Smith & Thomas E. McManus
Teresa Roberts
ROI Communication
Peter Laugharn
Hayward Simoneaux
Rosalea Roberts
Idaho Power Company
Bill Tod
James Potash & Sally J. Scott
Linda Richter
Cars 4 Causes
Marie Laugharn
Dan Shapiro & Hester Parker
Peter Rice & Judith M. Rice
Dave Katz
Peter & Deborah Wexler Chris & Nancy Wilson
BUSINESSES Burness Communications
Paul & Mary Telford
Victoria Pilate
Edward & Michelle Elcoat Poulton
Steve Cisler
Pacific Collegiate School
American Jewish World Service Elton John AIDS Foundation–UK
Nancy & Kent Shallow
Clemens Pietzner
Jennifer Astone
SCHOOLS Hales Corners Lutheran Elementary School
The First Presbyterian Church of West Virginia
Zaplin-Lampert Gallery
FAITH TO AC TION INITIATIVE * Bethany Christian Services Better Care Network Bright Hope International UNICEF World Vision
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION FUNDERS GROUP * The Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Foundation Inc.
Nancy & Ernie * Firelight acts as the Fiscal Agent for these groups.
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BOARD OF DIREC TORS, ADVISORY COUNCIL & STAFF BOARD OF DIREC TORS
ADVISORY COUNCIL
VOLUNTEERS
Kerry Olson, Founder & President
Geoff Foster, MD, Consultant Pediatrician,
Rachel Broshears
David Katz, Vice President & Secretary Jonathan C. Lewis, Treasurer Diana Aubourg Millner Barbara Fagan-Smith Geoff Foster, MD Rowland P. Hobbs
Ministry of Health, Zimbabwe
Jesse Clark
Mulugeta Gebru, Executive Director, Jerusalem Children and Community Development Organization (JeCCDO), Ethiopia
Allison Fiffer Jessica Hemphill Amanda Hill
Stefan Germann, (Dr), Director, Learning and
Peter Kent-Stoll
Partnerships, World Vision International— Global Health & WASH Team, Switzerland
Pamela King
Catherine H. Milton
Howard Kasiya, Country Program Consultant, Malawi
Kate Laugharn
Richard Staufenberger
Wairimu Mungai, Program Director, WEM
Lily Laugharn
STAFF
Linda Richter, PhD, Distinguished Research Fellow,
Peter Laugharn, Executive Director Robin Dixon, Communications Officer Gretchen Ellis, Program Associate Aili Langseth, Program Officer Dila Perera, Program Officer Scott J. Pietka, Grants Administrator Joop Rubens, Director of Development Zanele Sibanda, Director of Programs Jane Stokes, Finance Manager
Integrated Health Services (WEMIHS), Kenya
Cameron Miller
Human Sciences Research Council & Senior Specialist (Vulnerable Children), Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, South Africa
Cati Vawda, Former Director, Children’s Rights Centre (CRC), South Africa
VISITING SCHOLAR Louis Mwewa, Executive Director, Lupwa Lwabumi Trust (LLT), Zambia
Anne-Marie Mitchell Bob Moon Jordan Rose Annabella Sakasai Myriam Scally Mia Schmid Amanda Sosnowski Emiley Stake Adam Stieglitz Brandi Young
Cheryl Talley-Moon, HR & Office Manager Dawn Weathersbee, Development Assistant Bridget Zwimpfer, Program Assistant 12
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Lists current through October 2011.
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SUPPORT FIRELIGHT It all adds up Become a Firelight Foundation Volunteer Host a Firelight Event at Your Home Like Us on Facebook and Tell Your Friends About Us Share This Annual Report with a Friend Make a Gift to Firelight Foundation
QUESTIONS? Contact our Director of Development at development@firelightfoundation.org or call 831. 429 . 8750
SUPPORT FIRELIGHT It all adds up Become a Firelight Foundation Volunteer Host a Firelight Event at Your Home Like Us on Facebook and Tell Your Friends About Us Share This Annual Report with a Friend Make a Gift to Firelight Foundation
QUESTIONS? Contact our Director of Development at development@firelightfoundation.org or call 831. 429 . 8750
The mission of Firelight Foundation is to improve the wellbeing of children made vulnerable by HIV, AIDS, and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Firelight supports grassroots organizations that help families and communities meet the needs of their children.
You’ll find more news and stories online at Ubuntu, the Firelight blog where we publish articles about our grantee partners twice a week. There’s no reason Firelight can’t be where you are, so please take us with you and let the world know you support Firelight and its grantee partners.
Firelight Foundation 740 Front Street, Suite 380 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 USA Tel: +1.831.429.8750 Fax: +1.831.429.2036 info@firelightfoundation.org www.firelightfoundation.org
Direction by Robin Dixon. Writing and editing by Robin Dixon, Kerry Olson, and Zanele Sibanda. Photos by Joop Rubens and various photographers. Photograph on page 8 supplied by COPORWA. Design and production by one | em design. Printed by Community Printers on paper made with 100% recycled fiber. Copyright © 2011 Firelight Foundation. All Rights Reserved.