|
A unique principle and trademark of True Volunteer Foundation (TVF). TVF is an award
winning, international NGO with projects in 28 countries impacting 110,000 people.
Pay to Work is the key to TVF achieving a near zero cost base and offering a simple
message to its donors and other stakeholders: TVF will not deduct any administration
costs, wages or commissions or reimbursement of personal expenses from the donations
received. There are over 100 True Volunteers who Pay to Work. Not only are they
not paid for their work but they also do not claim back personal expenses which
included travel, telecommunications and postage costs.
Why is Pay to Work important?
Pay to Work is fundamental in TVF achieving a near zero cost base and is the key
principle in attracting corporate donors and True Volunteers. For example, one project
in Asia saw the redevelopment of three villages with the provision of nearly 3 acres
of new facilities, including a school, micro-finance farm, drama studio, football
and cricket pitches and village hall. The project saw the provision of over 4,000
hours of free service by True Volunteers to make the project fundable at a relatively
low budget.
What attracts True Volunteers to Pay to Work?
TVF believes there is an incipient demand within the voluntary sector. This is untapped
as potential volunteers are disillusioned with high cost bases within charities
and finding it hard to volunteer on their own terms. With TVF the cost base is near
zero percent, True Volunteers are empowered and can decide when and how they contribute.
The Business Model
True Volunteer Foundation (TVF) addresses a number of issues within the charity
sector. One such issue is the rising cost base of the sector and the reduced amounts
which are finding their way to the ultimate beneficiaries.
Pay to Work™ is more than a concept, its a financial principle which is embedded
into every aspect of the charity, be that the Articles of Association, Charity Partner
Agreements, Corporate Sponsor proposals or True Volunteer and Supplier Contracts.
Auditor’s Message
"Our goal each year is to keep expenses around the £3,000 mark. We could
easily make this figure zero but they felt it was important to have
commercial paying relationships with certain parties such as accountants and
regulatory bodies that provide governance so they can carry out their duties
impartially."
Derek Mitchell, Kingsmill Partnership
|