Letter from the President

Dear Friends,

Heifer International Foundation is rooted in the Christian tradition and joins with people of faith everywhere to work for the dignity and well being of all of God's people, by supporting and uplifting Heifer International. We are stewards of what is entrusted to us and we must be faithful.

As you know, Heifer International knows that the solution to hunger lies not only in encouraging people to donate money to buy animals for families in need, but also in establishing a meaningful connection between donors and recipients. Many of us have experiences during our lives that have drawn us to care for people in a specific country. You may have been a missionary; traveled with the Peace Corps; your construction group has assisted a community in a far off land; or perhaps you are a physician who has provided medical care to a country in need. There are hundred's of examples of connecting with other countries, but we would like to offer another. Heifer International Foundation continues to educate people on how they can give the ultimate gift to build an endowment that will support an organization that puts a human face on statistics, and helps people see the connection between their own lives and the people on the other side of the numbers.

The mission of Heifer International is to develop local partnerships to alleviate hunger, poverty and environmental degradation. Our vision is that by locally establishing proven and sustainable practices, world peace can be achieved. This mission of working in partnership with others has remained fundamental for all operations throughout our history. Also key to Heifer International's operations has been the concept of self-reliance and self-determination. The foundation of our work is with individual farmers and community groups, and increasingly with our country programs. Heifer International's strategy for the expansion of its work is based on these concepts.

The Country Endowment Program was established by Heifer International Foundation to support Heifer International's goal of each country program moving toward self-sustainability. You will be happy to know that 100% of funds contributed to this endowment program go directly to the local country programs. If each country program were able to become self-sustaining, it would guarantee a team working to end hunger and poverty on the local level that the world has never experienced before. One that would truly change our world in a dramatic and sustainable way!

Through the country endowments, Heifer International Foundation will be providing direct and sustainable support to the local level of our programs. Heifer International has seen amazing successes around the world with an international staff supported by a central administration. With self-sustaining country programs around the world, the successes could be infinite.

Heifer International believes that many global problems can be solved if all people are committed to sharing what they have and caring about others. We know that the solution to hunger lies not only in encouraging people to donate money to buy animals for families in need, but also in establishing a meaningful connection between donors and recipients. Sustainable development requires as strong a commitment on the part of benefactors from developed nations, as well as the recipients from developing nations.

Because you are reading this, it is apparent that you share our, and many others, concern for the future of those most in need and the future of our world. I would ask that you join us in providing hope to struggling countries who experience poverty as a way of life. Your generous gift to Heifer International Foundation will be used to support the ongoing work of Heifer International by providing sustainable country programs. Every year, income from the endowment will be used to help families produce food and income for themselves.

Thank you for your gift and may you be blessed with the knowledge that your concern for others will live on in the stronger, healthier lives of families and communities around the world. What a great legacy.

Yours for a better world,


Janet K. Ginn
President, Heifer International Foundation

A Donor's View...

Heifer Foundation Launches Country Endowment Program

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Download a pdf on Country Endowments from our download center.