The 100%-model
The 100%-model means a small group of private individuals, families, and foundations cover all our operating costs – expenses like salaries, office rent, or travel – allowing us to use 100% of every other donation on learning initiatives in the countries we work.
How do you cover your operating cost?
Generous foundations like The Kavli Trust and One Life Foundation have supported our operating costs over the past few years. We also receive a yearly grant from Slots- og Kulturstyrelsen, as well as generous individual donors like Flemming Topsøe, who has been a constant support since the very beginning.
We call this group of dedicated individuals, families, and foundations The Founders.
Who funds your learning initiatives?
Grants from Danish and international foundations, The Classroom, one-time donations from private individuals, schools, or companies.
Once we have enough funds in our project account we draw up a project agreement with our local partner, and disburse the funds directly to them. Read more in our “What is my donation being spent on?” guide.
It is really 100%?
It sure is! When we transfer funds to our local partners, we even cover the bank fees associated with international transfers and the credit card fees charged from donations collected online. That way we can keep the 100% promise and tell all our incredible and generous supporters that every single cent has gone directly to supporting our work of building a world where every kid learns.
A note on operating costs
The 100%-model does not mean we think operating costs (a term we use for overhead and admin. costs) are “bad”. They are not. Operating costs are absolutely necessary to run and build an effective organisation, where people love coming to work in the morning. It’s necessary to pay your people fairly and be able to attract talented people to your team, to invest in a new coffee machine for the office, or a yearly employee retreat or a solid project management platform.
We want to be clear on this: we chose the 100% model for its transparency and simplicity, not because we think operating costs are inherently “bad” or “evil”. They are not. They are an essential part of sustaining and growing healthy and effective nonprofits.