Use this section to find answers to many frequently asked questions (and answers) about VITAL. If you are not able to find an answer to your question, or the answer provided is not detailed enough, please email us.

What is VITAL?
Which organisations are partners of VITAL?
How is it possible that 100% of donations go directly to the children in need?
What is The Neuman Foundation?
Is VITAL affiliated to religious organisations?
How is VITAL accountable?
How is VITAL′s accountability measured?
Is VITAL audited?
Can I volunteer for VITAL?
How can I contact VITAL?


What is VITAL?

VITAL is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works to eradicate the poverty of children worldwide. Founded in 2007, VITAL is a fully registered charity within the United Kingdom, the United States of America and India and is currently operating in the region of Kolkata, India.


Which organisations are partners of VITAL?

VITAL is currently partnered with Child Rights and You (CRY), The Hope Foundation and Child in Need Institute (CINI ASHA). VITAL’s partners are all non-profit, non-partisan organisations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. For more information please visit the ‘Our Partners’ section.


How is it possible that 100% of donations go directly to the children in need?

VITAL’s work is supported by The Neuman Foundation which completely covers all administrative costs such as bank fees and the high expenses associated with staff project visits for project monitoring. This ensures that 100% of donations go directly to the projects helping children in need!


What is The Neuman Foundation?

The Neuman Foundation is a charity established by the Neuman family to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children around the world.  It has chosen to do this by pledging its indefinite support to VITAL by providing for all administrative costs to ensure that 100% of all private and public donations to VITAL reach the children in need. The Neuman Foundation is approved by the U.S.A. Internal Revenue Service as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. To find out more of the family members who formed The Neuman Foundation please visit VITAL’s Board of Trustees section.


Is VITAL affiliated to religious organisations?

VITAL is not affiliated with any religious or similar organisation. VITAL is a non-partisan, non-discriminatory organisation assisting children, families and communities regardless of race, gender, caste or creed. We respect the cultures and religions of all the people we help and we do not evangelise.


How is VITAL accountable?

VITAL is a fully recognised non-profit organisation subscribing to the legal regulations of the United Kingdom Charity Commission and the United States Internal Revenue Service. VITAL is partnered with some of the world’s most renowned and accountable non-profit organisations and through a series of measures it ensures the public both accountability for its projects and transparency of its financials. In terms of auditing, VITAL’s first fiscal year of operation will end on December 31st, 2008. The Board of Directors will retain and meet with an independent accounting firm that will conduct its annual audit. This will be presented annually in our Annual Report and will be available to the public.


How is VITAL′s accountability measured?

VITAL strongly believes in the importance of monitoring and specific planning to ensure that the greatest efficiency is yielded from every donation. The quality and accountability of VITAL’s projects is measured by a Monitoring and Evaluation Method (MEM) specifically designed for each committed project. This MEM is drafted and approved by the Board of Directors prior to any distribution of funds or any commitment to any given project. For example, for projects in partnership with The Hope Foundation, a MEM is used to identify whether specific activities have been undertaken and if the desired outcomes and outputs have been achieved. Defined indicators are assessed and updated to incorporate necessary changes.  The system involves three components: Monthly Activity Monitoring; Quarterly Outcome Monitoring; and an Annual Evaluation. All objectives, activities and results are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound (SMART).


Is VITAL audited?

VITAL′s first fiscal year of operation will end on December 31st, 2008. The Board of Directors will retain and meet with an independent accounting firm that will conduct its annual audit. This will be presented annually in our Annual Report and will be available to the public. Of the financial year 2007-08, a total of 100% per cent of VITAL′s fundraising income has been distributed to overseas projects improving the lives of children in need.


Can I volunteer for VITAL?

VITAL relies upon the talents and help of many contributors around the world. Volunteers assist with a full range of administrative, clerical, research, and writing tasks, as well as in staffing special events. We are continually accepting inquiries and value any support. If you are interested in becoming an intern or volunteering, please contact us at info@vitalforchildren.org and a staff member will contact you as soon as possible.


How can I contact VITAL?

If you have any queries about our work or helping out please feel free to phone, fax or email us.