Initiative Transparent Civil Society
Help is a signatory to the Initiative Transparent Civil Society declaration of commitment. Based on the initiative of Transparency Deutschland e.V. a large number of players from civil society and academia have defined ten basic points, which are intended to make every organisation within civil society accessible to the general public. Help has signed the declaration of commitment and is proud to be participating in this initiative.
How high are administrative costs at Help?
Every year Help receives the DZI donations seal of approval from the German Central Institute for Social Issues (DZI). Help’s overhead costs are low; costs of administration, donation advertising and public relations accumulate to just 5% per year. The criteria for awarding the DZI seal of approval can be summarised as follows:
- true, clear and factual advertising,
- verifiable and cost-effective use of funds,
- clear, reproducible accounting,
- verification of the annual accounts and submission to the DZI,
- internal monitoring of the management committees by an independent supervisory body.
Help instructs a tax advisor for the annual accounts and has been audited by a well-known external auditing company for more than 20 years.
How is the management monitored at Help?
Help is a registered association. The honorary Executive Board, including current and former members of the lower house of the German parliament (Bundestag), monitor the management. Meetings are held three to four times per annum for this. The meeting of members discharges the Executive Board and meets once every year. In addition, Help applies the dual control principle when awarding contracts for goods and services. Our projects are assessed by sponsors and/or external auditors.