OUR APPROACH
Our goal is to tackle the root causes of poverty in marginalized communities around the world. We believe impactful, cost-effective, and lasting change requires empowering locals to help themselves rather than imposing a project from the outside. When locals take ownership from the beginning, they are passionate about the project because it targets what they believe is their greatest need and empowers them to create their own solution. It brings hope and energy and dignity to a community.
OUR PARTNERS
Our most important role is choosing the local partner whom we will work with. The partner needs to be resourceful and capable of successfully developing and completing the project. He/she needs to be well-connected in the community to mobilize the needed support. And, importantly, he/she needs to have already demonstrated a sacrificial lifestyle in an effort to help the community without outside support. For such a person, helping the community is more important than personal gain, and we have thus avoided the corruption that often plagues international development work.
OUR U.S. TEAM
Once a partner is chosen, we work with that person and the targeted community to hear their concerns and ideas. We then develop a project plan with our partner, work to acquire funding, and monitor progress over time. We encourage our partners to think out-of-the-box and take some risks because we believe an entrepreneurial spirit leads to the greatest rewards. The founders of Global Pearls have Masters Degrees in Economic Development, Business, and Engineering, with extensive experience living in developing countries.
OUR FINANCES
We work hard to ensure that each of our projects is impactful and constantly improving. 100% of every dollar donated goes to programs helping the poorest of the poor. Administrative and fundraising costs (which are only 1%-2% of our budget) are covered by the board. Travel expenses are covered by those traveling. But we go even further. Our team is not only 100% volunteer, we also collectively donate over a hundred thousand dollars each year towards the projects. We want our donations, and yours, to really make a difference. We are excited about what we see, and we are committed to ensuring that every project thrives.
OUR ANNUAL REPORTS
In our annual reports we share highlights of what our partners have been up to. We typically change the theme each year to spice things up and keep it interesting. The reports are our gift to you – a glimpse of what your donations are allowing our local partners to accomplish. We hope you find the stories inspiring and fun.
