Friday Feature: LoveMore Foundation

Hi friends,

  Well, it is Friday Feature time once again!  I would like to share with you one of my favorite non-for-profits that is working in the DRC, Love More foundation.  

  Katie was kind enough to do a Q&A with me about her foundation.  After the airport and seeing all that I saw in Africa I knew I could not sit around twiddling my thumbs.  I knew that I needed to continue to help.  One of the ways that I have been able to do that is through non-for-profits like Katie's that are doing amazing works of love in the Congo.  

  I hope after reading you will moved to serve.

  Tessy

     What is the mission of your organization, LoveMore Foundation?

The Love More foundation a 501(c)3 was founded to love more by serving the women and children of impoverished nations with basic needs, education and sustainability. (focusing on the Democratic Republic of Congo and beyond).

What inspired you to start this non-for-profit?

We went. We saw. We wanted to help. After our first adoption, we realized that adoption wasn't ever going to be the whole answer to the orphan crisis. We began to feel our heart tugged towards finding other solutions that would help improve the life of orphans and the women who are their mothers. 

What is unique about your foundation compared to other non-for-profits?

Our foundation is running on a volunteer basis and 100% of public donations fund our projects. Invested, engaged and accountable partners on the ground and in country are the basis for all of the work we will do.  Confirming these partners are ethical and reliable will be part of our constant effort in country.  We are committed to working with ethical partners and are committed to documenting our funding well. If a partner uses funds in an inappropriate way, we will stop all funding.  We believe by supporting project, orphanages and missions that are ethical will allow them to flourish and hopefully help discourage unethical organizations.  

What advice would you give for anyone else considering to start a non-for-profit?

First, travel and experience the country and culture. There is so much that can be learned from the internet and others experiences, but without in country experience it's hard to fully understand. It's also imperative to have trustworthy, ethical people on the ground that can be trusted to use funds for their intended partners. Second, find reliable counsel. There is much legality behind non-for-profits and you need to make sure that you are doing things the right way. Being a 501(c)3 comes with checks and balances and you want to make sure that you have everything covered for your own personal reassurance, but also for your donors. Finally, be committed. 

Can you tell us how we can help LoveMore Foundation to hit the ground running?

 It's been so exciting to see the beginning projects of the LoveMore Foundation develop. We are so excited about our direction and mission and are excited for others to join us on our journey. One of the best ways to help us hit the ground running is to share our vision and mission with others. The more exposure we have, the more impact we will be able to have on the women and children. So for starts, click "like" on facebook and be willing to share our vision and mission with others. Second, help us fund our projects. We've got some exciting projects coming up, but without donors help we can't make a lasting difference. 

How can donors keep updated on projects that they donate to?

The Love More Foundation is on facebook and on the web at lovemorefoundation.org. We will also be working on sending out periodic newsletter directly to our donors.  We at the Love More foundation are an open book. As a 501(c)3 we are required to document our works well. So for instance, we are currently working to fund an additional property at an orphanage. Before funding is turned over, we will be requiring documentation including the purchase price and deed. We are more than willing to share this documentation with our donors. If we purchase mattresses, pictures will be proof of purchase, etc. We want our donors to feel a sense of ownership and connection and are excited to make their donations come alive.

How can people donate to LoveMore Foundation?

Donations can be made via paypal on our website at lovemorefoundation.org or
To Donate by check: Please make check payable to the “Love More Foundation”
and send to: Love More Foundation, PO Box 235, Westfield, IN 46074

Do you have any ideas of future plans or ways you will expand?

Our long term goal is to begin a boarding school similar to what can be seen at villageprojectafrica.org focusing on education for the least of these, sustainability through farming and development of a women's community where education and life skills are a priority.