Help Feed 120 Orphans in Matopeni Village Nairobi

The Ingrid Education Centre, an organization in Kenya that you supported, is being investigated by GlobalGiving because it’s largest past funder (AVIF) has expressed concerns about how Ingrid managed AVIF’s grant in 2009. After collecting several perspectives on this organization, I (Marc Maxson) am writing on behalf of GlobalGiving to share what we have learned, and then to ask you what we should do with your money.

AVIF sent about $5000 to Ingrid in the last two years and is by far Ingrid’s largest funder. AVIF also nominated this organization to join GlobalGiving. Ingrid included a strong letter of support from AVIF in their application, excerpted here:

• “I have had the pleasure to interact with INEC for over 3 years and correspond daily with the director, Douglas Monene Onkware, who regularly hosts our volunteers.”

• ... “INEC won Best CBO, offering quality early childhood education and care during the year 2008. The director is affiliated and recognized by various non-governmental organizations including Plan International, Little Sports Organization (L.S.O) and the Kenya community based group’s network, Kecobagnet.”

AVIF’s director was unaware that this letter was submitted in her name, and denies writing it. She was not aware of any awards INEC (Ingrids Educational Centre) won in 2008, nor any connection with Plan International. I also think this AVIF letter was very likely faked.

Last week AVIF contacted us. They had doubts about whether their grant money was being used for the purposes it was intended. AVIF provided funding to purchase land in the slum of Matopeni (near Nairobi, Kenya). Purchasing land in any “informal settlement” (AKA slum) is a difficult venture, and title deeds are generally not available as proof of the purchase. Ingrid has provided some documentation of this, but not to the funder’s satisfaction. In addition, Ingrid has never completed an audit, citing a lack of funding for what would be an expected activity after operating for several years in continuity. At the bottom of their budget (submitted to GlobalGiving in March, 2010), they wrote:

• “Annual contributions to our budgets have been slow and erratic. This has made it difficult for us to conduct Audited report, at the end of the year, although internal Audit is undertaken. The funding has been small for us to have a enough money for Audit fees. Usually between 5 to 10% of the budget.”

Audits actually cost far less than the 5-10% number cited, as noted in dozens of budgets from other GlobalGiving partners in Kenya.

There are several other serious allegations against Ingrid that I chose not to include because they could not be substantiated without revealing the sources, who wished to remain anonymous.

Because this organization appears to have forged its referral letter and faces serious allegations, GlobalGiving would prefer will not work with them. We cannot say for certain whether these allegations are all true, but a pattern of deception is alarming, especially when combined with an inability to maintain partnerships.

We are writing to all past donors and offering them our 100% Guarantee. You have two choices:

1. You may reallocate your past donation to Ingrid Education Centre to any other GlobalGiving project instead. Contact us about it.
2. If you do not reply, your disbursement (if pending) will be automatically reallocated to the GlobalGiving Fund (and used for matching and prizes to NGOs in 2011).