Travelers' Philanthropy Handbook - Center for Responsible Travel

and projects to support and then Giving Circle members vote to approve or deny theserecommendations.We work directly with the people who run thecommunity-based organizations (CBOs) and NGOsthat receive grants. In one location we have a contacton the ground who helps monitor the project we fundand recommends additional projects.Our Philosophy of Giving:o Support sustainable, grassroots projectswhere limited amounts of money will make asignificant difference.o Rigorously research projects beforecommitting funds.ovisits.oto how our support can be best utilized.ooMeeting caretakers of orphaned children,Livingstone, Zambia. Credit: Global SojournsMonitoring the projects we invest in through regular communications and occasionalGive input, but more importantly, listen to what those running the projects express asEducate ourselves about the projects, the issues, the cultures /communities, andabout best practices in international philanthropy.Connect with the projects and the people running then.Projects We Support:o Funding of education expenses for extremely poor and often orphaned children.o Income generating projects that help the caretakers of these children.o Educational and empowerment workshops for girls.• How are Funds Raised?Information about the GSGC is primarilythrough word of mouth via current membersas well as newsletters, the Global Sojourns’website, and the GSGC blog. Gatheringshosted by members have been effective forincreasing awareness and raising money forGSGC. We realize that we need to improveGSGC communications with GlobalSojourn’s clients about the mission andwork of the Circle and how they can getinvolved.GSGC members attend community meeting to learn about thelocal issues, Dambwa, Zambia. Credit: Global Sojourns.• Are Donations Tax Deductible?Yes. All donations are tax deductible. We started out working through a U.S based fiscalsponsor which receives the funds and provides the required tax deduction verificationletters to donors. The fee for this service and all overhead expenses are paid by Global79