Netherlands

In addition to supporting partner organisations around the world, Tear carries out a significant part of its mission in the Netherlands. We do this by making people aware of the need for poverty alleviation and by urging them to take action on this issue.

Raising awareness
Tear seeks to make people in the Netherlands aware of the need to engage with poverty and to take personal responsibility in this process. We do this through a series of activities and campaign models focused on different target groups: India Indepth, Micah Campaign, Micah course and Happietaria

Working with young people
Involving young people in the work of Tear and our partners is the aim of all our activities targeted at young people. The starting point for the youth work is that we want to connect young people with people far away and in so doing provide them with a real opportunity for action. This connection and that action can be found in all activities for, by and with young people in 2007: WWKidz, Just Care, Nacht Zonder Dak ('Night without Shelter').

Communication
Tear uses various media to communicate with its supporters. Tegenberichten is published twice a year as a magazine and four times a year as a newsletter. The primary purpose of the magazine and newsletter is to inform supporters about the progress of Tear-supported projects. Articles about poverty-related issues are also published. In addition to this Tear publishes digital newsletters aimed at businesses and volunteers.

Another important medium is the website. Besides news, the Dutch version of www.tear.nl provides a wealth of information about projects in other countries.

In recent years the annual report has been considerably expanded in response to a growing demand from the Dutch public for more transparency in charities’ activities.

To optimize its communication Tear deploys supporter studies and communication with interested parties.

Own fundraising

Tear’s funding comes partly from institutional sources and partly from private sources. In 2007, 58% of Tear’s total funding came from its own fundraising activities with private individuals, businesses, churches/parachurch organisations and charitable foundations (private income). About 10% came from joint campaigns with other organisations and 32% came from the Dutch government.

Tear always aims to carry out all educational and fundraising activities at minimal cost. Where possible, sponsors are sought. Tear’s fundraising costs in 2007 were 16.9%: the CBF (Central Bureau on Fundraising) standard is a maximum of 25%.

Within its own fundraising activities, Tear distinguishes several target groups: private individuals, churches and denominations, schools, businesses and charitable funds.