FAQ

.What is ADRA Canada?

ADRA Canada (the Adventist Development and Relief Agency) is the humanitarian agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada. Established for the specific purposes of community development and disaster relief, ADRA Canada, as part of the ADRA worldwide network, assists those who need it most without regard to age, ethnicity, race, gender, political or religious affiliation. What does "Adventist" mean? Are you associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church?

The "Adventist" in Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is reflective of the fact that the Seventh-day Adventist Church established the agency. The church's involvement in organised humanitarian assistance began with the world wars. In 1956, the church created the Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Service, Incorporated (SAWS). The name was modified in 1973 to be the Seventh-day Adventist World Service, and in 1983, SAWS was reorganised under the current name ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency).

The Christian values that shape the agency include the belief in the potential of each individual to reflect the compassionate image of God, the dignity that is inherent in every person, and the importance of quality in human life. The ADRA network assists those who need it most without regard to age, ethnicity, race, gender, political or religious affiliation.

.Does ADRA Canada try to convert people to Christianity?

ADRA Canada does not engage in any evangelistic activity. It is motivated by God's example of meeting the needs of people with no strings attached. ADRA Canada’s initiatives express God's love through its compassionate service to humankind regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, gender, political or religious affiliation. The ADRA network has a presence in 125 countries and has an established record of accomplishment of working in harmony with, and respecting, a broad array of cultures, traditions and people of non-Christian faith.

.Who benefits from ADRA Canada’s programs?

Internationally, the ADRA network focuses on families and communities, with special emphasis on providing for the needs of the most vulnerable, especially mothers and children. Communities in critical need of food, clean water, healthcare, education and income are benefited.

During times of disaster or crisis, ADRA Canada assists people in need with immediate relief and often transitions its initiatives to long-term development to help rebuild communities and lives.

ADRA Canada funds projects and programs in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. In Canada, ADRA Canada supports a range of services for people affected by poverty, inequality, hardship and distress.

.Do ADRA Canada projects benefit Adventist Church members?

If Adventist church members living in the area in which an ADRA office is implementing a development or disaster relief project meet the eligibility criteria for receiving help, they will receive the same assistance as other community members.

ADRA Canada does not discriminate in its provision of services. It helps people in need without regard to their religious affiliation.

.How is ADRA Canada accountable to donors?

ADRA Canada is a certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities (CCCC) and is authorized to use the CCCC Seal for Organizational Integrity and Accountability. As a member of the Canadian Council of International Cooperation, ADRA Canada must certify compliance with the CCIC Code of Ethics, which delineates minimum ethical standards in the areas of governance, organizational integrity, management/human resources, financial management and fundraising communications.

ADRA Canada partners with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and is regularly audited for compliance.

As a registered charity, (#132056813RR0001) ADRA Canada is accountable to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

ADRA Canada’s commitment to accountability is also evident in its core values of integrity and transparency.

.Why don’t I see and/or read more about ADRA Canada in the media?

ADRA programs are mentioned on TV and radio, in newspapers and on web listings. When reporting on community development or disaster response, the news media will often use the blanket terms "aid agencies" or "humanitarian agencies" to cover all the organisations working in that area. Some media identify agencies with these generic terms to describe the work we each do. Also, in today’s fast-paced news industry, an agency may be featured for only a few seconds. Therefore, although ADRA Canada may be featured in the media, it can be easy to miss it.

If you have an ADRA story that you would like to share with your local media, or if you have a media contact who would like to know more about ADRA Canada's work, please contact us at pr@adra.ca.

.How is ADRA Canada funded?

ADRA Canada’s international projects are funded with resources and donations received from the public and the Canadian government. The freewill support of private and corporate donors also includes gifts-in-kind. Grants awarded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) are based on ADRA Canada’s expertise, infrastructure and expenditure of public funds on international projects.

ADRA Canada's national projects are funded by public donations made directly to our national program fund and to the ADRA Annual Appeal.

.What percentage of my donation supports projects? ADRA Canada uses approximately 10% of donations for administrative functions and approximately 10% for fundraising. However, in reality, 100% of all donations to ADRA goes toward projects. To run a successful project it is critical to have proper staffing, management, monitoring, evaluation, financial services and marketing. These project management support services are required to make the project happen. People are often reluctant to see part of their donation going to these supporting services, but it is important to realise that without them, the project could not happen. What is most exciting, however, is that because of the matching opportunities available to ADRA Canada, and its tradition of maximizing opportunities with partnerships, every dollar donated results in AT LEAST two dollars of project activity. Various “matching” arrangements with CIDA, CFGB and other partners, ensure matches of 1:1, 3:1, 4:1 and sometimes even more. The proven record of accomplishment of ADRA Canada’s programs and the faithful support of our donors across Canada ensures that we can access some government grants that do not even have a match component. A donation to ADRA Canada is a good deal!

 

.How does your Emergency Response Fund work?

Our donors provide funds for the Emergency Response Fund. We also allocate money for this from our general donations. We never have a “normal” year and consequently we usually spend more on disaster response than our budget allows. We are able to function this way only because of the generous response of our donors and supporters. We rely on appeals to replenish and augment our funds.

There are also some funds held in our reserves that are made available for emergency use. These advances are then usually replenished by the various targeted appeals with any restricted donations in excess of the amounts advanced also being directed to the projects specified by the donor. This method facilitates a rapid and timely response to emergencies while providing for future requirements.

. How can I donate in memory of someone?

You can make a donation in memory of a loved one either online or by calling our toll-free number (1.888.274.2372). If you wish to make a donation online, visit the Donate Now page, specify the amount and designation, and click “Add donation”. Fill out your personal details, and indicate in the “Comments” box that this gift is in memory of a someone. Complete your donation and we’ll send a card to you for you to personalize and distribute.

Alternatively, you may wish to select an item from our Gift Catalogue.  The procedure is a little different in this case.  As you choose items to add to your cart, you are given the option to indicate that the item is a Gift Donation.  Select "In memory of a loved one" from the drop-down box and the number of cards you require (in this case, likely only 1) and we'll send you a card to personalize and distribute to the recipient.  Then specify the amount before adding the item to your cart and checkout.  Please allow 3 weeks for processing and delivery of your gift.

.Can I sponsor a child through ADRA Canada?

ADRA Canada’s programs aim to benefit whole communities and families, strengthening intra-community relationships, rather than focusing on a single individual. Therefore, we do not finance child sponsorship programs. However, children are the most significant beneficiaries of ADRA Canada's community development and relief projects.

. What if ADRA Canada raises more funds than expected for a particular item?

Occasionally, programs receive more funding than is needed for a specific project, or conditions on the ground alter program activity. If that happens, ADRA Canada will redirect funds to similar activities that meet the immediate needs of the children, women, and men we serve.

. Is my donation eligible for tax credit?

All donations to ADRA Canada of $10.00 or more are eligible for tax credit under Canadian Charity Registration #13205 6813 RR0001

. I'm not a Canadian Resident, can I still give to ADRA Canada?

Although we are happy to accept donations from anywhere, donations given by residents of countries outside of Canada are not eligible for tax deductions. Donations given in foreign currencies are subject to variable exchange rates and, in some cases, bank processing fees. You may find that the ADRA office in your country will be able to issue you with a tax-deductible receipt for donations made to them.

. I don’t want you to mail me anything, how do I tell you?

Simply fill out the form on our Contact Page with your contact details and check the “No Mailing at this time” option.

. Is there government matching of corporate and private donations?

We currently receive a grant from the Canadian Government (through CIDA) for our work in five countries. This grant amounts to almost a million dollars a year and is based on the fact that we also contribute money to the project from the donations that we receive. This means that those donations are “matched” 3:1.

From time to time, we receive grants for relief projects based on a matching grant of 1:1. In addition, we sometimes receive grants without any match requirement; in part, because we demonstrate to the government that we have supporters across the country who give us donations. Recent examples of this include a match-free grant of $500,000 for the Myanmar Cyclone Relief Project and a similar grant for the China Earthquake Relief Project of $225,602.

As we are an owner/member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, (CFGB) any donations earmarked for our account at the CFGB receive significant government and other partner matching (often in the region of 4:1) when utilized in our CFGB projects.

As you can see, not every single donation automatically receives a match. Other donations are used for our projects here in Canada and around the world. However, our team makes every effort to maximize the value of our donations, and we frequently obtain matches from other ADRA offices, governments, and organizations!

. Do you accept applications for specific projects? I have a project in mind that I’d like ADRA to support.

ADRA Canada works within a network of ADRA offices around the world. Because of Canada’s taxation regulations, ADRA can only accept funds for an overseas project that is both approved and under management control of ADRA Canada. (Accordingly, we rarely accept applications outside of the network.)

Individuals who wish to support "their" project must gain the support of ADRA Canada, which in turn must gain the support and implementation of the local in-country ADRA office. This is to ensure full reporting and financial acquittals to the required standards.

As a professional and accredited development agency, ADRA Canada strives to meet both the taxation requirements and the ethical expectation for financial transparency.

For tax-deductibility to be granted, all giving to charities must be "disinterested". This means that no donations to ADRA Canada can remain under the control or direction, even in part, of the donor. The donor's rights are to receive a receipt and to be notified that the funds have been utilised in accordance with the purpose for which they were accepted.

. Can I pay tuition for a student overseas through ADRA Canada and receive a tax-deductible receipt?

No. ADRA Canada works with communities or groups of people to build their capacity to take care of themselves. ADRA Canada does not fund projects that benefit only individuals, because an inequitable distribution of support amongst equally needy individuals in a community/institution causes harm within community dynamics. Experience has shown that this approach frequently leads to the development of a “dependency mentality” by recipients. Further, some more enterprising students have initiated multiple sponsorships whilst poorer students that are more reticent have not received any help.

. How does ADRA Canada choose its implementing partners?

Primarily ADRA Canada works with its partner agencies in the ADRA network, which operates in 125 countries of the world. This relationship brings considerable synergy and efficiency in program implementation.

ADRA Canada chooses partners with local and national knowledge of both the community’s challenges and the resources it can bring to a relationship.

A major consideration is the level of experience that a partner has in the area, the sector, and the type of intervention required.

The choice of a partner is determined by the capacity of the local organization to carry out the chosen program.

ADRA Canada seeks implementing partners who will help maximize opportunities to ensure that every donor dollar contributes to the best value solution.

. How does ADRA Canada assure results/outcomes?

Part of this assurance is built in by wisely choosing implementing partners with a track record of delivering successful programs that make a genuine positive difference for communities.

Monitoring, evaluation and audit exercises are all part of the ongoing relationship with implementing partners to ensure positive results. ADRA Canada understands that the ADRA network is a growing and learning organization, and it endeavours to build partnerships that benefit all.

. Is there a need to build effective local organizations that can reduce poverty?

Absolutely! This is one of the positive aspects of the ADRA network. Each ADRA country office is a local organization that builds relationships with local communities. The expertise, insights, energy and resources of local people are used whenever possible to ensure that the solutions are “owned” by the communities that benefit from the partnership. ADRA Canada is excited to discover that in many communities, solutions and activities are in place long after an ADRA project has been completed.

. What is the best way to help ADRA Canada respond to a disaster?

Cash donations are the best as they allow ADRA Canada to respond immediately. These donations can be used to purchase relief goods from local merchants to bolster their damaged economy. This process also protects their dignity and honours their right to own their recovery. Procuring items in the region can often stretch donations further, as items are often cheaper and money is spent on aid rather than shipping fees.

While well intentioned, goods sent to the affected region often do not match real needs and oftentimes further damage the economy by causing local merchants to miss desperately needed sales. Additionally, unsolicited goods (such as used clothing, canned goods, etc.) clog transportation routes, hindering needed supplies from gaining clearance at shipping ports.

To ensure we meet real needs, ADRA Canada provides funding for items identified in needs assessments conducted by on-the-ground coordinating government agencies and the local ADRA office. This coordination also helps ensure multiple agencies do not duplicate services or items provided.

When disasters strike, ADRA Canada turns to its Emergency Response Fund to meet survivors needs. You can donate now. Donations to this fund enable ADRA Canada to make immediate commitments to a disaster.

. I donated to ADRA Canada through my church. Why didn't I receive a receipt from ADRA Canada?

All donations given to churches are forwarded to ADRA Canada as a lump sum and the receipt is provided by the church. This means that your name is not provided to ADRA Canada and we have no record of your portion of the total donation.

If you wish to receive a receipt from ADRA Canada or wish to give a donation to a specific project, country or disaster, you must make your donation directly to ADRA Canada by calling 1.888.274.2372, by donating online, or by posting your donation to:

ADRA Canada
1148 King St. E
Oshawa ON, L1H 1H8


. How can I physically support ADRA? Do you have a volunteer core at these places where people can travel to and work for a period of time?

  Thank you for your interest in volunteer opportunities for ADRA Canada. See elsewhere in our website for current volunteer opportunities.

As we are a part of a network of ADRA offices around the world, each ADRA office advertises for volunteer and staff positions separately. You may wish to directly contact the specific country ADRA office in which you are interested to see if there are any openings that fit your qualification and interests.