- DRAFT PROPOSAL -
Support & Encouragement Fund
https://justpaste.it/supfun
Word ahead
This is a draft proposal. Not an application form or an immediate call for project submissions.
The text oulines the creation, aims and functioning of a primarily financial support fund.
Introduction
Background & Evolution
Initially named "The Dawn House Support Fund" (DHSF), the proposed
Support & Encouragement Fund (SEF) has evolved through ongoing consultation and debate about the necessity of retaining
Dawn House, a property in Portugal. The fund's name was adapted to reflect these discussions. While no final decision has been made, selling Dawn House could significantly bolster the new fund's initial growth. However, if a
Volunteer Site Manager emerges and trustworthy builders—hard to find in this depopulating area of Portugal—provide actual quotes before the sale is finalized, alternative decisions regarding the property and the funding of the fund may be considered.
Purpose of the Fund
The Support & Encouragement Fund (SEF) will support projects and individuals that align with the Fund's aims, primarily focusing on strengthening the synergy of Permaculture, Midwifery, and Spirituality, and developing and realizing the
Permaculture Pathways Course (PPC) curriculum.
Unified Budget Approach
If the sale of the Dawn House premises occurs, there will be only one budget: the Support & Encouragement Fund (SEF). This fund will operate without the constraints of property management, led by a Board, and support proposals in line with the set aims.
Mission and Vision of the SEF
Support Beyond Physical Assets
The fund’s mission is to extend its impact by supporting initiatives that align with its values and aims. Until the Trust is established to help the Board manage the Fund, the assets will be privately managed at the discretion of the legal owner, in the interest of achieving the set aims.
Focus Areas for Support Initiatives
The SEF is dedicated to contributing to the improvement of midwifery care in communities by raising professionalism and enhancing the livelihood of caregivers and their families. Additionally, the fund aims to support educational programs and scholarships that study and promote the synergy of permaculture, midwifery, and spirituality. Aiding social causes that align with the Fund’s values and have the potential for sustainable, long-term impact is also a priority. Furthermore, the SEF will support the specific needs of individuals and organizations that align with the core values of the Fund, including the publication and dissemination of materials, to help increase their impact. Another key area of focus is the development and dissemination of culturally appropriate technologies that address local needs and foster sustainable development. Finally, the fund will facilitate projects that build community resilience and encourage the exchange of knowledge and resources.
Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries will be individuals or projects whose aims resonate with the core values and missions of the SEF. The Board managing the Fund can propose its own projects and will issue a Call for Candidates to attract individuals and/or initiatives to implement the proposed projects. Additionally, the Board welcomes proposals from external parties that align with its mission.
Criteria for Beneficiary Selection
The criteria used to select which projects or individuals will receive support will be based on alignment with SEF’s principles and vision. Projects that in particular bring forward the synergy of Permaculture, Midwifery and Spirituality will be encouraged to come forward. Curriculum developments in the vein of the Permaculture Pathways Course (PPC) will received the Board's special attention.
Application Process
Submission Requirements
Detail of the documents which applicants will need to submit might vary but will include detailed proposals that include a dated timeline, other funds available, budget estimates, previous or existing cooperation with supportive other organisations, impact statements, etc.
Deadline
Applications will be subject to a procedure to be followed within a pre-set timeframe.
Selection Process
Assessment by the SEF Board
The Board will evaluate submissions based on merit and alignment with the SEF’s goals.
Additional requirements might emerge. The Board intends to provide in writing its assessment and conclusion to the applicant with the intension to find if needed a compromise. The SEF's aim is indeed not purely financial but its Board also aims at acting as a soundboard and provide advices that can help applicants to reach their goals.
Transparency and Fairness
To ensure the selection process is transparent and fair, the Board will publish the proposals received. Decisions made on assigning funds, full or partial rejection, or requests to alter the proposal, etc., will in principle not be made available in public until final and in agreement with the applicant.
Assignment of Funds
Gifts or Loans
The fund may, after assessment by the Board, provide either gifts or loans, depending on the budget available and the project’s nature and needs. In principle funds will be provided in envelopes as the project evolves and requirements (e.g. publication of results and further intentions of cooperation) are met.
Financial Limits
In the first 5 years after receiving the first application, only loans will be provided. These, as well as future loans, will be funded exclusively from the interest earned on the invested capital. Gifts will never exceed 80 percent of the average annual return made on the invested capital in the past 5 years, ensuring they come solely from the interest received and not from the principal capital. If exceptional circumstances demand the use of the principal capital, then the amount provided will not exceed one-tenth of the average capital available in the current account over the last 5 years as of October 23(*) at the time of disbursement. No further gifts or loans will be considered until the principal capital is restored to its previous amount before the principal was used.
From Here: Unlocking Potential
The transition from maintaining Dawn House to focusing solely on the Support & Encouragement Fund (SEF) marks a pivotal step forward. The sale of the house will provide significant kickstart capital, far surpassing the current available funds and eliminating the burdens of property management. This strategic move not only resolves various logistical and financial challenges but also addresses
potential concerns within the midwifery community. With the proceeds from the sale, the SEF can immediately begin offering loans and gifts to support midwives and other aligned initiatives, ensuring a swift and impactful start without the need for prolonged fundraising efforts. This approach allows us to fully realize our mission of promoting the synergy of Permaculture, Midwifery, and Spirituality.
Periodic Review of the Functioning and Operations of the Fund
The fund’s processes will be periodically reviewed and improved based on market circumstances, legislation, feedback, and the evolving needs of the community.
Conclusion
Commitment to Impact
The Board is committed to using the fund as a tool to advance broad social impact, aligning with its foundational principles.
Call for Feedback
Invitation to Discuss
Potential stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed structure and operations of the Fund. To do so you will have to subscribe to our Roots Of Change forum on the Mighty Networks platform. The MailChimp mailinglist you might have been on has been pauzed / disbandoned.
