DWS Finances
An overview of DWS finances has the following components:
- Approving Programs and Authorizing Fund Raising
- Sources of Funds
- Main Funding Partners
- Uses of Funds
- Financial Control Systems
- Monitoring and Reporting System (MaRS)
- Making a Contribution to Support Programs
Approving Programs and Authorizing Fund Raising
At the appropriate stage in planning, the Standing Committee For World Service (SCWS) submits for the approval of the Program Committee for World Service (PCWS) and the LWF Council the Summary of Needs (SoN) relating to country strategies and programs. This approval authorizes the SoN (a three year program summary and financial projection) for fund raising with the member churches, national committees, related agencies and other potential funders.
For further details, see DWS Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
Sources of Funds
As the operational development and humanitarian agency of the LWF, DWS Country Programs implement: approved programs and projects, and bilateral projects in line with the Country Strategic Outline (CSO). Funds for emergency projects are not budgeted, but are provided through ACT (Action by Churches Together) or the UN system.
Main Funding Partners
The main funding partners fall into three categories: 1) member churches and national committees; 2) related agencies; and 3) inter-governmental organizations such as UN agencies and the European Union. In many situations, member churches or related agencies are able to access government funds for development and humanitarian aid.
The main funding partners include the following:
- Australian Lutheran World Service
- Bread for the World
- Canadian Lutheran World Relief
- Church of Sweden
- DanChurchAid
- Diakonisches Werk
- European Union
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (EED/KED)
- FinnChurchAid
- GNC/HA Deutscher Hauptausschuss
- Icelandic Church Aid
- Lutheran World Relief
- Norwegian Church Aid
- Swedish International Development Agency
- UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- UN Development Programme (UNDP)
- UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- UN World Food Programme (WFP)
- World Bank
Uses of Funds
The following chart shows the distribution of funds for programs in different regions in 2004.
In 2004, 96 percent of total funds received by DWS Geneva were designated for programs and projects in the field. DWS Geneva operating costs were funded by four percent of the total donated funds.
Financial Control Systems
The complex network of programs and partnerships entails significant responsibility for transparent and faithful stewardship of financial resources that are intended to serve people and communities in need. Professional finance offices, systems and procedures are employed in all aspects of program and project relationships between DWS Geneva and field offices, and in reporting to donors. Monthly finance reports ensure timely monitoring and accountability. External audits of programs and projects are conducted by recognized accounting firms.
Monitoring and Reporting System (MaRS)
The LWF Monitoring and Reporting System (MaRS) provides a Web-based platform for fast and comprehensive information exchange (including financial accounting) between DWS field offices, the LWF Geneva secretariat, member churches and supporting agencies.
Making a Contribution to Support Programs
Individuals or organizations that wish to make a contribution in support of DWS programs are asked to make their contributions through their national church (which is an LWF member church) or a related agency in their country. If you have difficulty contacting the appropriate office to accept your contribution, please contact Mr Barry Lynam.
For further information please contact:
Finance Coordinator Mr Barry Lynam or Secretary Ms Ursula Yorulmaz.
