Frequently Asked Questions

WHO IS IDEAS?
IDEAS is a non-profit, humanitarian and development organization. We are a professional organization and have a vision to see lives and communities experience hope and holistic transformation.

WHAT DOES IDEAS DO?
Our work is to meet tangible and holistic needs among communities of forgotten and over-looked people. We do this by developing projects which meet tangible needs and create an environment for hope and change. Holistic projects reflect our belief that people may need assistance to realize their hopes or to escape from a cycle of poverty or neglect.

WHERE DOES IDEAS WORK?
We develop projects among communities in North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, South and East Asia. Our home office is located in Littleton, Colorado.

WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS DOES IDEAS DEVELOP?
IDEAS develops projects that fall under five categories: Agriculture, Business, Community Development, Education and Healthcare. These projects reflect the needs of the communities and are developed through relationships with our partners and people in the community.

DO YOU WORK WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?
Yes, partnership is one of IDEAS' core values. We work alongside numerous organizations and individuals. Through partnerships we enhance our ability to provide long-term focus on forgotten individuals and communities.

WHAT IS "WHOLE, OR HOLISTIC"?
We believe that holism includes four categories of human need: social, intellectual, physical and spiritual. We believe these four categories are connected and inseparable, but we identify each category to emphasize the importance of the whole person. Rather than addressing only one of these needs, IDEAS projects are designed to meet these "whole," or "holistic," needs in combination. IDEAS believes that each of these needs is vitally important to the communities and individuals we serve.

WHAT IS "TRANSFORMATION, OR TRANSFORMATIONAL"?
Transformation is the process of identifying need, addressing need, and attempting to mend brokenness into wholeness. Areas of need are areas which require transformation.  For some, the needs may be visible: food, clothing, work and education. For others the needs may be hidden: abuse, oppression and discrimination. As people experience need, they in turn long for help, relief, and tangible assistance to realize their hope.

We believe some needs can be transformed directly. We can help communities identify needs which they believe are important, and we can work together to address these needs. However, we also know that some needs require institutional or long-term concern, and these needs may be beyond our ability to address.

We believe that transformation begins with an initial event, but beyond the initial event, transformation is a life-long process.

WHAT IS A "TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECT"?
Transformational projects are the way by which IDEAS identifies, addresses and attempts to amend the needs of forgotten and over-looked people.

WHO ARE "FORGOTTEN PEOPLE"?
Forgotten people are those with unmet or unaddressed social, intellectual, physical or social needs. They are people who may need help in realizing their hopes or escaping from a situation of neglect or poverty. Most importantly, they are people with whom we are called to serve. Forgotten people live in communities and countries unable, unaware, or unmotivated to help. Forgotten people may be largely or completely unacknowledged, and their needs forgotten.

HOW LONG DO ASSOCIATES STAY OVERSEAS?
Initial assignments last for two years. During this time Associates learn language and culture, and explore project opportunities and extended service. IDEAS will consider assignments shorter than two years if a candidate desires to explore and investigate project opportunities. Additional assignments may last for extended periods of time. These decisions are made jointly by Associates, IDEAS and project leadership.

HOW CAN I APPLY TO WORK WITH IDEAS?
If you are interested in working with IDEAS, whether by starting a project, assisting a project, or developing an organizational partnership, please contact us.

Becoming an Associate does not happen overnight. Complete the Personal Information Form (PIF) and email it to us. Then we will schedule a phone call with you to review the information and together we can identify opportunities for project involvement. Our Application Process can last as long as six weeks. Prior to scheduling an interview we must gather background and reference information.

DO YOU HAVE ANY JOB OPENINGS?
Yes! Please check out our Opportunities page.

ARE DONATIONS TO ASSOCIATES, PROJECTS AND OPERATIONS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?
Donations to IDEAS for the support of IDEAS Operations, IDEAS Projects, and IDEAS Associates are tax-deductible.

HOW ARE THE ASSOCIATES FUNDED?
Each Associate, along with the counsel and training of the IDEAS office, shares the responsiblity to raise funds for themselves and their project.   Building a support network is the first step to working for IDEAS. Individual friends, family and churches support the majority of Associate needs. Logistically, tax-deductible donations are sent to IDEAS. IDEAS provides receipts to each donor, and issues a monthly paycheck to Associates.

HOW ARE PROJECTS FUNDED?
Projects are funded through individual Associate fundraising. Funds raised for Projects are tax-deductible donations.

HOW DOES IDEAS FUND OVERHEAD AND OPERATING EXPENSES?
These expenses are funded through an administration fee from our Associates and through the IDEAS Fund. The IDEAS Fund provides the funding necessary for whatever the administration fee is unable to cover. These excpenses include operations, logistics, technology, employee care and special projects.

DO YOUR EXPENSES REQUIRE IDEAS TO GENERATE FUNDS BEYOND THE ADMINISTRATION FEE?
Yes, for IDEAS to provide employees and projects with care and support, we must engage in donor development and fund-raising activities. IDEAS' projects have three components: 1) people, 2) funds and 3) a support structure. Recruiting people, funding Associates and projects, and maintaining a care/support network requires donors to contribute generously.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I DONATE TO IDEAS?
When you partner with IDEAS and donate funds, we commit to several things:

1. We will invest your gift responsibly.
2. We exercise stewardship and ensure that your donation goes to the area(s) of greatest need.
3. If you give to a designated project or fund, we will use it as you specify.
4. We respect the partnership in which we have together engaged by respecting your privacy and wishes.

CAN I VIEW A COPY OF IDEAS' FINANCIAL STATEMENTS?
IDEAS financial statements are audited on an annual basis and may be viewed upon request.