World Neighborhood Fund

Our Message:

Many things in this world are not perfect. There are too many good causes to count and problems can often seem overwhelming. But behind every major problem there are a million individual stories - real people who have been left behind the relative health, wealth and comfort that we enjoy. With the World Neighborhood Fund (WNF), we know we aren’t going to solve the world’s problems, but we can try to pick up a few people along the way. We aren’t going to make the AIDS tragedy in Africa go away or clear all the landmines that have been planted in decades past. But if we can help 10 or 20 children to grow up, have an education, and look forward to a productive and healthy life, then we’ve done something wonderful.

WNF was formed by a small group of dedicated volunteers who’ve traveled a lot and have seen first-hand some of the desperation that people live (and die) in. We have felt saddened at the plight of many people around the world and grateful for our own relative abundance. Finally, we’ve decided to try to do something about it.

We believe that many people share our concern and would love to help, but are just too busy to research the issues and organizations working to help. Or money’s too tight to think about giving right now. Or there are so many choices that you don’t know where to start. So we’ve created a site that focuses on just a few causes that touch us in some way. We want to create an easy way for concerned people to learn about some of the struggles others are facing and some of the efforts to help them, and easy ways to help out. You can read about these issues and charitable efforts on our website or by subscribing to our newsletter. And, if you’re interested in helping, there are simple things you can do that make a big difference.

How can you help?
First, you can help by searching from our site. Simply by using the Google search boxes on our page for your normal internet searches, you can generating advertising revenue that goes directly to our spotlighted cause. There is no cost to you and it is easy and quick. We encourage you to make this your search page.

Second, when shopping online come to our site first. By clicking from our shop-to-give page to your online store you are earning commissions on each of your purchases that go directly to our spotlighted cause. There is no extra cost to you, you don't form an account with us or sign in, ever. It's quick, anonymous, and efficient, and 100% of the collected commissions will be going to help people around the world.

Third, if you’re interested in helping even more, you can give direct donations to us or directly to the causes that we’ve researched.

People don't realize just how little it takes to make a life-changing difference. For instance, a project that caught my attention was the Rasuwa Clinic in Nepal, founded with a $5000 initial investment and a daily budget of just $15, and providing health care to thousands in a valley that had nothing. How can we afford not to help?

The charities we support all focus on direct person-to-person aid. They are working with little funding for sustainable solutions in some of the world's poorest places. They don't often find a big audience, and we hope to bring some very worthwhile causes to people's attention. By supporting WNF, you are supporting them.

We cover our own administrative costs and we staff on an entirely volunteer basis. By keeping overhead costs extremely low, we are able to pass on 100% of commissions and received donations to our causes. If you like what we’re doing, please use the site for searches and shopping, and pass it along to your friends! We would also love to hear from you with ideas and support.

Purpose:

The purpose of the World Neighborhood Fund is three-fold:

1. Educate. Educate the public about the living conditions of people across the globe, and the efforts currently being made to raise the standard of living of the world’s poorest citizens.

2. Inspire. Inspire contributors to realize that individuals can make a considerable and crucial difference in the lives of others.

3. Aid. We hope to help the chosen projects through monetary contributions and increased exposure.

World Neighborhood Fund supports a variety of small humanitarian projects around the world. The highlighted projects are chosen in accordance with the principles set forth in our mission statement and the guidelines adopted by our board of directors. WNF receives income through Google searches, online shopping commissions, and direct donations. All commissions received are sent directly to the projects we support. We cover all of our own administrative costs.

In this way we hope to provide a convenient, concise forum for people to learn about some of the survival challenges that others face around the world. We hope to spread the word about life-changing work being done by small, dedicated non-profits, and we hope to provide an easy way for people to contribute to these organizations.

Mission Statement:

We believe that all people have the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well being of themselves and their families. We are therefore committed to raising awareness of and funds for ongoing, sustainable efforts to meet the basic human needs of the world's citizens; including food, water, clothing, housing, medical care, and social services.

Our Founders:

	Troy Haines (President and co-founder) is owner and founder of www.alpinehikers.com, leading hiking tours in Switzerland and other locations around the world. He has a BA in linguistics from Stanford University and has traveled extensively in many of the targeted areas. Stunned by the level of poverty on a recent trip to Nepal and Cambodia, and how little it takes to make a huge difference, he vowed to do what he could to help. Troy lives in Prescott, AZ.
	Mikelle Davlin (Vice-president and co-founder) holds BAs in Anthropology and History from Central Washington University and has worked in numerous poverty-stricken areas around the world. Her background in the nonprofit sector has produced wide-ranging experience with nonprofit structure and management. Mikelle is dedicated to teaching and inspiring others to help. She is married to Ian Davlin, and teaches math in the Bronx.
	Marty Maley (newsletter editor/grant coordinator). Marty holds a BA in Communication/Journalism from Central Washington University and has an array of media and design skills. She is currently working on her MPA at Eastern Washington University focusing on non-profit administration. She lives in Spokane, WA.

Volunteers:

We would also like to thank our volunteers for their generous time and help: Michelle Willix and Katherine Pittner (project managers), and Tory Jones (design - www.toryj.com).

Financials:

100% of commissions earned are passed on to non-profit organizations.

Contact:

World Neighborhood Fund
1203 Loren Dr
Prescott, AZ 86305
troyhaines@hotmail.com
503-459-3940
707-356-4234 fax