“IF YOU SUSTAIN A WOM AN, YOU SUSTAIN A G ENERATION.”
BOARD OF RECOMMENDATION Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet Member of the board of the International Federation of national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
Sigrid Kaag United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL)
Caroline Princen Member of the Managing Board of ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Thea Hilhorst Professor Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Inge Brakman Chairman of the Netherlands Red Cross
Starting out as a Nursing Assistant First Class, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet has been involved in the Netherlands Red Cross since 1967. From 1987 to 2011 she was vice-chair of the Netherlands Red Cross. With her tireless dedication to the Red Cross she is an inspiration for many people. We are
AN INTRODUCTION
therefore very grateful that she is a member of the Board of Recommendation of Tiffany Circle.
It is my pleasure to introduce to you The Tiffany Circle in the Netherlands. Our mission is to enable sustainable change and to help improve the lives of the most vulnerable women in our communities, be they in our own country or anywhere around the world. Tiffany Circle is for women, by women. We work with three core values: United, Active and Engaged. 1+1=3 Our vision is that investments in strengthening the situation of the most vulnerable women will create greater social impact because a woman’s improved situation will bring about a positive impact on her children and surroundings as well. The Tiffany Circle is an international leadership network of women. We unite active and dedicated women and engage them around a shared conviction: Their ability to make things happen, by investing their Time, Talent and Treasure in the Red Cross. With a worldwide network of more than 17 million volunteers the Red Cross is always on site. We help people in need and provide shelter, food, clean drinking water and medical facilities. We offer our help next door and far away. With compassion and our sleeves rolled up. For we are the Red Cross. It is an honor to be part of an international network of women of all ages who are continuing a long legacy of women supporting the Red Cross and helping people in need. I hope that I will soon be able to personally welcome you as a new member of the Red Cross Tiffany Circle as well. Together we will be able to create sustainable change and meaningful impact on the lives of so many underprivileged women throughout the world. I therefore hope that you will join us and the many other like-minded, strong women who are interested in getting closer to their giving. Yours sincerely, Dorien ter Haar Chair and founding member
M OV E M E N T A C R O SS T H E W O R L D The Tiffany Circle is a growing movement of women who are leading the way in philanthropy. A global society of influential women of action and commitment to whom giving is about much more than just contributing financially.
The Tiffany Circle is named after the beautiful windows produced by Tiffany Studios in 1917 for the American Red Cross headquarters in Washington D.C. The windows were funded by the Women’s Relief Corps of the North and the United Daughters of the Confederacy of the South as an act of reconciliation and hope following the end of the American Civil War. A grant of $5,000 each was made to honor the work of women in the mission. The total sum of $10,000 remains a symbolic amount for the Tiffany Circle. The women in these windows personify virtues synonymous with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: hope, mercy, charity, truth and fortitude. Members of the Tiffany Circle provide living examples of these virtues in their local communities, by ensuring the Red Cross has the ability to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to life’s emergencies.
Founded in 2007 by the American Red Cross, the Tiffany Circle is a global, women-only giving circle. It engages dynamic women from all backgrounds and corners of the globe to come together to forge friendships and to further the work of the Red Cross through its powerful network. As a member, you will have the opportunity to be actively involved. You can choose to attend a series of unique, informative and engaging briefings and events throughout the year. You will also have the opportunity to meet and engage with a diverse group of successful and passionate women throughout the country and at international events all over the world. Members will receive invitations to international Tiffany Circle events in America and other locations as the network expands around the world – for example the annual national summit in Washington D.C. The Tiffany Circle currently has branches in the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, France, and the United Kingdom. Switzerland will join this year as well. Tiffany Circle members collectively determine the goals of the circle. In January 2016 we started a Tiffany Circle in The Netherlands as well. With this unique initiative you’ll become part of a strong growing movement of active and dedicated women engaged around a conviction: their ability to make things happen.
Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have. Margaret Mead
E M P OW E R WO M E N – BUILD FUTURES We believe in the power of women. Women are the gateway to improving the health and prosperity of an entire population, starting with their own children and families. They may lead different lives from us but, just like us, they are caretakers, mothers, daughters, providers, fighters and dreamers. By committing to the work of the Red Cross, we support projects in the Netherlands and across the world that empower women to become more self-reliant. Our projects are designed in close co-operation with local women and based on their needs. 1+1=3 By empowering women we believe we can truly make a difference in the lives of many. Women reinvest over 90% of their income into health, nutrition and education of their families – triple the value of men’s investments. The improved social circumstances of women will have a direct positive impact on children and on entire communities. Women are therefore the key change agents to enable next generations to build sustainable futures.
The projects are designed to make a sustainable and measurable impact in order to really create sustainable change in the lives of women and thus on entire communities. The Red Cross uses an integrated approach by helping women not only to generate an income, but also providing them with the means to be healthy and safe. On the following pages, we will inform you on our projects, one in the Netherlands and one overseas, selected by the board of Tiffany Circle.
TIFFANY CIRCLE PROJECTS
E M P OW E R M E N T O F THE MOST VULNERABLE W O M E N I N A M S T E R D A M
As a network of powerful women, Tiffany Circle aims to help empower the most vulnerable women in the Netherlands and abroad. Especially in a city like Amsterdam, the number of vulnerable women with a low economic status and limited social contacts is high. These women are socially isolated and most live in poverty. They have a limited network to fall back on, and they barely have perspective to get out of this situation. In many cases, their ability to develop and fully participate in society is limited by the situation at home. The Red Cross in Amsterdam offers a course for these women, “Strong through your network�. The aim is to empower these women to become self-reliant, to involve them more in their local society and to end their isolation. 1+1=3 The isolation and the poverty spiral in which they find themselves also has an impact on their children. With the knowledge and the network that we offer these women, they will become more self-reliant and more active in society. This will in turn give them the ability to better guide their children. If you invest in a woman, you invest in her family - and you sustain a generation. When women fully participate in society, their chances to end the poverty situation will improve, and their children will have more opportunities to realize their full potential.
TIFFANY CIRCLE PROJECTS
SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE W O M E N I N M A L A W I Malawi is among the poorest countries in the world and approximately 65% of the population lives below the poverty line. 47% of all children under five years old suffer from malnutrition, making Malawi one of the countries with the highest prevalence of malnutrition in the world. Malnutrition is the single biggest contributor to child mortality, because it predisposes children to various infections and diseases. The country also has one of the highest maternal mortality rates. Women constitute 52% of about 15 million people in Malawi, but for many years illiteracy and some cultural practices have put many women in a disadvantaged position. Studies show that when women are supported and empowered, all of society benefits. Their families are healthier, more children go to school, agricultural productivity improves and incomes increase. They are the essential element as key change agents to achieve the end of hunger and poverty. 1+1=3 Therefore the Tiffany Circle will help empower women in Malawi by increasing their knowledge on health care and ensuring better access to health care. They will be united in Mother Clubs, where they will be trained on health issues, nutrition, safe pregnancy and child care. To further enhance the empowerment of the mothers we will support them in developing income generating activities. This may even go as far as helping them setting up microfinance constructions. With an income, the women will be able to afford health care and to send their children to school. Healthy and strong women will have a positive impact on the development of their children, and their communities. Investing in the empowerment of women is therefore an important step in breaking the vicious circle of poverty.
O N E C A U S E Tiffany Circle members worldwide are committed to the work of the Red Cross, the world’s largest humanitarian relief organisation. With a significant global reach, and a presence in 189 countries across the world, the Red Cross acts before, during and after natural disasters, health emergencies and conflicts to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. And it does so without discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. Its volunteer base ensures the harnessing of local knowledge leading to increased sustainability. The Red Cross neutrality provides the organisation with unparalleled access in situations where other organisations may not be able to operate.
As a new member, you will be able to become directly involved in the work of the Red Cross and you will also become part of the international Tiffany Circle network. You will get the chance to go behind the scenes of relief and development operations and obtain first-hand knowledge about the impact of the programmes on people’s lives. You will have the opportunity to be responsible for an irreplaceable gift: improved lives and chances for vulnerable women in the Netherlands and abroad.
Only those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world succeed. Henry Dunant, founder of the Red Cross
BECOME A TIFFANY CIRCLE M E M B E R T O D A Y The Tiffany Circle is open to all women with an interest in philanthropy and the drive to make a difference. By joining the Tiffany Circle, you will become part of a powerful international network of women. At regular times throughout the year, members gather to meet, share ideas, determine the goals of the circle, and experience the work of the Red Cross at first hand. Philanthropy Tiffany Circle members play a key role in helping the Red Cross by contributing to special projects developed by the Red Cross, not only by committing financially, but also by using their skills, time and enthusiasm. International networking Members will receive invitations to international Tiffany Circle events in the United States and other locations as the network expands around the world – for example the annual national summit in Washington D.C. Unique events Experience the work of the Red Cross first-hand at events at inspiring locations in the Netherlands, and attract new members and raise vital funds. Members receive regular information on the impact of their support and will be offered the chance to visit the programme. Inspire By becoming part of the Tiffany Circle, members will help promote the work of the Red Cross and inspire other women to take a more active approach to their giving.
W A Y S T O G I V E
There are three different ways by which you can donate your annual Tiffany Circle membership contribution:
TIME
TALENT
TREASURE
Personal donation Your donation to the Tiffany Circle is tax-deductible from your income. In the Netherlands, a threshold of 1% of the aggregate income applies (minimum of € 60) while a maximum of 10% of the aggregate income is deductible. It is also possible to donate via a periodic donation. This is a donation with a duration of five years or longer and over this period, you donate a fixed amount each year. With the periodic donation system, your contribution is fully deductible each year from your income tax return. As of 1 January 2014, a notarial deed is no longer required. The Netherlands Red Cross has created a donation agreement which you can use for a periodic donation to the Red Cross (Appendix 1). Simply fill in the agreement and send this to the Netherlands Red Cross. The Red Cross will then fill in the portion of the agreement that applies to it, and the original will then be returned to you by post. Your donation will officially start from that time, and you will be able to take advantage of the extra tax benefits for the coming years. If you would still like a notarial deed, the Netherlands Red Cross will pay for the civil-law notary costs involved. It has made special agreements with a civil-law notary firm for this purpose. Sponsoring by your company Businesses can make a contribution in the form of a sponsorship. This will enable them to reinforce their brand awareness and create a positive image through a partnership with an ANBI (Dutch-based institution for general benefit) and any other services which can be provided in return. These costs are deductible as business expenses, regardless of the company’s financial results. A company may sponsor one or more Tiffany Circle memberships. A donation from your company Your membership to the Tiffany Circle may also be financed by a donation from your company. Companies may deduct donations to ANBIs for corporation tax purposes. The donation is deductible from the profit starting from the first Euro. Annually, an amount may be deducted that does not exceed 50% of the profit, up to a maximum of € 100,000. Any deduction is therefore limited to 50% of the profit. Profits may not become losses as a result of the deduction.
J O I N U S TO D A Y A N D M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E T O M O R R O W Tiffany Circle members participate by investing their Time, Talent and Treasure. The government of the Netherlands supports the treasury part. Your annual gift of € 10.000 will cost you, with the help of the so-called “Geefwet*”, € 4.800 nett in the 52% income bracket. A Tiffany Circle member can also be sponsored, with a donation made on your behalf by a relative, corporation or foundation. If you would like any further information about becoming a Tiffany Circle member, please contact one of the board members.
BOARD MEMBERS
Chair and founding member Dorien ter Haar dorienterhaar@outlook.com +31 (0) 6 – 53 31 81 82
Board and founding member Heleen ten Heggeler-Verloop tenheggeler@yahoo.com +31 (0) 6 – 21 21 69 63
Board and founding member Patricia Hallers-van den Broek patricia@vandenbroek.com +31 (0) 6 – 50 23 15 71
*In the Netherlands, your donation to the Tiffany Circle is tax-deductible from your income if you donate via a periodic donation agreement. This is a donation with a duration of five years and over this period, you donate a fixed amount each year. With the periodic donation agreement, your contribution is fully deductible each year from your income tax return.