Helping people to help themselves

Partners
"Brot für die Welt" ("Bread for the World") only implements its development-aid programmes and projects in cooperation with partners. It does this by working out agreements with partner organisations in the respective countries. The partners include cooperatives, self-help initiatives, human rights groups and other nongovernmental organisations striving for social justice through peaceful means.

Application Procedures
Partners can either apply for support direct to the head office in Stuttgart or approach one of the ecumenical institutions in their own country (such as the National Christian Council). Another possibility is to contact the World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World Federation – both based in Geneva.

Staff
"Brot für die Welt" staff members process project applications received from overseas and transfer the agreed funds. They supervise and advise partners on the implementation of projects, check financial statements and inform the general public in Germany about project activities. Staff members have a variety of professional backgrounds. They have a good command of foreign languages and many of them have lived in a developing country for several years.

The Decision-Making Structure: Committee for Ecumenical Service
All decisions with regard to project applications received by "Brot für die Welt" are taken by the ”Committee for Ecumenical Service”, which simultaneously serves as the Allocation Committee for "Brot für die Welt". Its 17 members are nominated by the “Diakonische Konferenz” of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) in agreement with the Council of the EKD and the managing bodies of the Free Churches. After project applications have been carefully scrutinised by the staff of "Brot für die Welt" they are presented to the committee for approval or rejection.

Informing the Public
The Public Relations Department of "Brot für die Welt" acts as a link between the head office, partners, parishes and the media. It is responsible for fundraising and informs the general public about how donations are used. At the same time it tries to explain the complex causes of worldwide poverty and encourages the public to act responsibly with regard to developing countries – which is more than merely offering money.