1% Fund  > FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQ are for employees of the Rome-based UN agencies.

Apart from contributing financially, I would like to help assess project proposals but I am not a development expert. Would this stop me from participating in meetings of the Project Appraisal Group (PAG)?

Apart from contributing financially, I would like to help assess project proposals but I am not a development expert. Would this stop me from participating in meetings of the Project Appraisal Group (PAG)?

No it wouldn’t. In fact, many colleagues who come to the PAG discussions have no technical background at all. When we come across technical questions that need to be assessed we consult Fund members and other colleagues for their specialized input. It’s a great way of learning from those in the know and, over time, you can build up your own knowledge of how community development projects function.

I have a busy job and not much time to spare. Are there any Fund activities that I can get involved in without making a regular commitment?

I have a busy job and not much time to spare. Are there any Fund activities that I can get involved in without making a regular commitment?

Sure – you could come to the Project Assesment Group (PAG) meetings, which are open to all Fund members and take place every Tuesday in room B- . There is no obligation to attend every week. Give it a try!

I come from a developing country and know of community projects that could do with financial assistance. Can I make a proposal to the Fund on behalf of one of these projects?

I come from a developing country and know of community projects that could do with financial assistance. Can I make a proposal to the Fund on behalf of one of these projects?

We normally deal directly with prospective beneficiary groups, but we would be very happy to make a first contact through you. Write to us first for further details.

How do you know if requests for grants are from bona fide groups?

How do you know if requests for grants are from bona fide groups?

We enter into a dialogue with requesting groups and normally get a feel for the degree of reliability of the group by asking questions and not proposing that a project be funded until we are convinced that that it is a viable community based activity. Some projects are proposed through third parties such as FAO staff and NGO workers who have had personal contacts with the requesting group.

How do we know that all of the projects were successful?

How do we know that all of the projects were successful?

When a project is put to the vote it means the Project Appraisal Group (PAG) is confident that it is has all the characteristics of a potentially successful small-scale development activity. Each project is studied in detail by the PAG and expert advice often sought. Before the groups receive the funds, they need to agree to provide a status report and generally feedback is positive.

How much is spent on administration costs each year?

How much is spent on administration costs each year?

There are virtually no administration costs. All of the work is performed by volunteers and zero cost. This is one of the beautiful things about the 1% Fund. The only “non-project cost” is the money spent on the 1% calendars which is purely done for marketing purposes.

Being such a small operation, what are the internal controls?

Being such a small operation, what are the internal controls?

It’s true that we are a small operation however we are audited each year by an external source. We also have strict segregation of duties that any normal small company should have.

How is the 1% calculated?

How is the 1% calculated?

For staff members, the deduction is based on your net salary (plus any post adjustment if your pay is based on USD). It is therefore approximately 1% of your take home pay.

In the same way, for consultants who need to make their own payment arrangements, please simply calculate 1% of your take home pay. When you join, we will advise you how to set up your payments.

I want to support the fund but I can't afford 1%. What can I do?

I want to support the fund but I can't afford 1%. What can I do?

There are other options for supporting us. One is to make a donation or donations as and when you want. The second is to become a volunteer and help us manage the funds activities. For example, helping the Projects Assessment Group (PAG) in the evaluation and initiation of new projects or helping to administer the website or our Facebook page.

How can I pay if I am not a staff member?

How can I pay if I am not a staff member?

As a non-staff member (consultant, PSA) all you need to do is set up a monthly standing order (1% of your Monthly Take Home Pay) to our bank account. Use the Join us today form and we will give you all the relevant details you may need.