Frequently Asked Question(s)

1. If I give a donation, how am I assured that my money is properly utilized for the service of the poorest people?

Friendship has been created with the synergetic effort of like minded people who give their time and energy to the organization with the sole commitment of caring and improving the life of those people who are marginalized and disadvantaged within Bangladesh. Maximum utilization of funds and goods are one of the most positive attributes of Friendship. The amount of funds needed for each of its beneficiaries is indicated in project proposals, projects and financial reports and includes all overhead costs. The money given can be clearly ear marked for a certain number of beneficiaries as per the will of the donors. Friendship organizes regular internal and external audits of their projects, employing external auditing services of, for example Rahman Rahman Huq partners of – KPMG.

2. I want to give some time as a volunteer. What are the procedures?

Friendship works with volunteers individually and through organizations – both for technical and non technical expertise. The steps or procedures are: 1. Please write to us directly c/o the Executive Director. 2. Please a. state your area of interest or specialty b. the period including tentative dates you can commit to Friendship c. your expectations from Friendship and your limitations 3. Friendship will write back to you with the possibilities and areas of work you could help in 4. If you agree a TOR and letter of contract will be drawn up 5. Visa responsibilities will be with the volunteer but Friendship will fill the requirements of issuing invitation letters. 6. All external tickets and lodging requirements in Dhaka would require to be borne by the volunteer. However, Friendship will be responsible for the travel to the site and all food and lodging there.

3. So many funds are given to Bangladesh. Why should a small organization like yours be effective?

Many of the large funds are given as bilateral and multilateral grants and donations. These are given in co operation with the Government of the country. The government has priority areas which are for broad scale implementation rather then focus groups. NGOs like us deal directly on focus groups to bring immediate effect and impact.

4. What is your relationship with the Government of Bangladesh?

We complement and as and when needed, supplement the work of the Government. The impact of our projects can directly be considered as part of the overall Goal of Development of the country. Hence we are working together in harmony and co-operation.

5. I have equipment (medical etc) ready as a donation. How do I proceed? Can I send it to Friendship? Are you interested?

It is recommended that small, light specialized equipments are given in donation. Transportation costs can be enormous and most items even for NGOs are subject to duty tax. Unless it is unavailable, expensive or a specialized specific equipment, required by Friendship, it is not economically viable to donate equipments from overseas, which are readily available within Bangladesh.

6. I am a journalist. Can I help you?

Thank you for asking us. The media is an important tool for all genuine work especially in the development sector - it can be the Voice of the Voiceless. It can reach to those levels of decision makers who can make a difference, in carrying the cause of the underprivileged and making their grievances heard.

7. If I were to donate to your organization, can I get a tax reduction?

If you are a Bangladeshi national then you will get the tax reduction for the amount you will donate to Friendship. For the foreign national it depends on his/her country policy.