Situation Background
Most of SPREAD's work is funded by a handful of partners. These larger organizations dole out large amounts of aid money to NGOs like SPREAD, in exchange for completion of specific activities (e.g. meetings to teach villagers about their land rights, helping disabled illiterate people fill out forms to receive their monthly government pension). Any activities outside of the project plan aren't covered by the partner, no exceptions.
This gap means that SPREAD staff working in the villages oftentimes see examples of need and have no means to do anything about it. For instance, a new widow might need money to learn a simple skill like tailoring to bring in small income, a child might need a one-time surgery, a family might need books and school materials or their children cannot attend school. Or the needs are even simpler, like the children of a particular family are literally dressed in rags or do not have any blankets for wintertime.
Success Stories
Individual donors from across India and around the world have donated to the Immediate Needs Fund, which helps individuals and families address problems that are not covered under SPREAD's current development projects.
For instance, Arjuna Muduli has 2 sons and 2 daughters. He chiefly depends on agriculture to support his family, but he mortgaged his land for Rs. 5,000 during a lean period. He was working in others' fields and doing manual labour to meet his daily needs and slowly pay to unmortgage his land. After a few years, he still had Rs. 3,000 remaining on his mortgage. SPREAD's Immediate Needs Fund paid the remaining amount, to allow Arjuna to better support his family and escape the cycle of debt.
Ghasadi Santa is a widow who lives with her 2 granddaughters aged 4 and 7 years. She chiefly depends on daily labour to meet expenses. Her husband died 10 years ago and her son, who was the only bread earner of the family, passed away 6 years ago. After the death of her son, his wife abandoned her 2 daughters. Ghasadi got a house under the IAY government housing scheme when her husband was alive, but the condition of the house was very bad. A new roof was needed to prevent further damage, so an individual donor provided Rs. 6,000 for a new roof.
We Use Your Gift Wisely
Financial contributions to the Immediate Needs Fund will be used within 3 months of receipt. A brief report, financial data and a photograph will be provided to allow the donor to see how he or she has changed a life.
If you have a specific area or group that you want to support (i.e. disability, widows, income generation projects), let us know and we will accommodate your request.
For information regarding how to get your money to us, see the How to Give page.
