1. Project supervision and assistance
Kindernothilfe pursues two key objectives here: First, it ensures that the funded projects steadily improve the living conditions of children, their families and communities. Second, it safeguards that project funds are used effectively and efficiently. To achieve this, Kindernothilfe has developed the following key components:
2. Project application
Every new project requires a proposal that includes information on the project partner, goals, target groups, monitoring, risks and financing. All applications are reviewed: from a content-related and a professional perspective by the relevant international division; and from a financial perspective by the controlling department.
3. Contractual basis
A cooperation agreement defines the collaboration with partners and projects. This contract contains a general section with rights and obligations, and a special section that covers agreements on goals and areas of focus.
4. Annual plan
All projects and partners have to present a plan with goals, benchmarks, requirements and activities along with a budget. This plan is mandatory to receive funding. No payments will be made without a plan that meets all requirements.
5. Acknowledgment of receipt
A written acknowledgment of receipt of payments is required (date, amount in euros and in the local currency).
6. Progress report
Projects should report on their progress. All projects that annually receive more than €75,000 must present semi-annual reports that provide information on deviations from plans and budgets.
7. Project visits
Projects and partners are regularly visited. Kindernothilfe staff evaluate project progress, design and management. They also audit the accounting, financial management and financial statements. Furthermore, they conduct workshops to improve the work. If projects fail to use funding as agreed, or even misappropriate funds, those responsible will be held accountable (repayment of funds and, in some cases, legal prosecution).
8. Annual report
All projects are required to present annual reports that include information on activities and whether objectives have been met. These reports are supposed to illustrate both successes and difficulties/problems. The annual report serves as the basis for the project report that is sent to all sponsors every year.
9. Annual financial statement
All projects and partners are required to submit annual financial statements (balance sheet, profit-and-loss statement) that must be reviewed by an independent auditor and include an audited report. All annual financial statements are evaluated and comprehensive audits are conducted randomly. If an annual financial report is not submitted in a timely manner, fails to meet the required standards, or does not include an unqualified auditor’s opinion, no payments will be made until these shortcomings are remedied.