Text Box: Frequently Asked Questions

Text Box: Does Relief Foundation receive government funding?                                     No. We believe that our responsibility to provide value added services to children is the responsibility of the community, and not that of the government alone. All our projects are towards strengthening existing services provided by the government by making the community and the corporate sectors participate actively.   Who funds Relief Foundation?                                                                             80 % of the funds are from local individual donors, 10 % from foundations and funding agencies located within Tamil Nadu and 10 % from individuals and funding agencies outside the country.   Are Relief Foundation's employees paid? What are their functions?          Yes. We have 15 paid staff, mainly placed in local governmental institutions, schools and Balwadis in Chennai. This is to ensure a respectful treatment of institutionalized children and their education, offer services for children to increase their retention in the schools like evening coaching classes, sponsorship and fee support, breakfast program, besides early child care and stimulation program in Government Crèches-Balwadis.   How does Relief Foundation choose the projects it wants to support?      We make a situation analysis and the feasibility for a partnership to provide value added services to the target group. We then identify potential donors and make a presentation for support.   How are the financial and human resources used?                                        91 % of the funds generated are used for projects, 9 % of the funds generated are used for administrative costs. Does Relief Foundation employ volunteers?                                                    Yes, we do. We noticed that corporate, local and international volunteers come forth to volunteer despite language and cultural barriers. For more information click here. (Volunteer) How and who decides to start a project? (E.g. do government officials identify groups that need help, or do they come to you?)                             We have discussions with government officials and then arrive at a conclusion the proposal and the stages of implementation.   Do you need approval from the government (or other groups) to proceed with a project? Who decides if a project continues or not?                          For government projects, the government gives the permission. However we have a committee that discusses the progress of other projects.   How do you identify the needs of people involved in your projects? (E.g. talking to individuals, questionnaires, through group representatives?) We have group discussions with each focus group- our staff, their staff, higher officials, also the children (they too have a say in a project or activities related to it)   Who is held accountable for the success or failure of a project?                   Both parties take stock of the situation and summarize the failures, successes and the learning. Each of us - the Govt. and Relief Foundation a make presentation of the learning in our various review meetings, individually or jointly.   Have these procedures changed much over time?                                         The procedures were spelt out during the start up. However there was a lot of ironing out of expectations, realities and responsibility sharing that was needed to be done. It was easy to share success, but the challenges were hard to digest till a couple of years ago.   Do you hand projects over to people or are you always involved with running the project?                                                                                             There is a certain hierarchy of delegating responsibilities. However, the main supervisory role Vidya Shankar still holds, and is aware of the day to day activities and issues in all the projects.   How do you empower people through your projects?                                    Our staff often participate in training programs, workshops and seminars. Additionally they participate in team meetings where they are an active part of decision-making. With regard to our beneficiaries - we conduct programs with their future in mind, providing inputs on practical life and community living skills, besides responsibility for the future through savings, and a stable career.   How do people participate in your projects?                                                   Discussions and periodic focused surveys   What have been your biggest obstacles (perhaps in relation to specific cases)?                                                                                                                    Attitude towards change and acceptance of the principle of mutual accountability and responsibility by a bureaucratic setting.   Do you have targets and deadlines in mind when planning projects?      Yes. These are also evolved through discussion with field staff and other stakeholders.