POLICY ON ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGES FOR DONATIONS

Bridges Educational Foundation (BEF), a Section 8 Non-Profit NGO, is committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainability in all its programs and projects. To efficiently manage and sustain operations, a 9% administrative charge is levied on all donations received for projects under BEF. This policy outlines the rationale, applicability, and management of administrative charges.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure financial sustainability of BEF by covering essential administrative and operational costs.
• Maintain transparency with donors and stakeholders regarding fund allocation.
• Enable efficient and effective execution of projects without compromising quality and accountability.

This policy applies to:

• All donations, grants, and funding received for projects under BEF.
• National and international donors, including individuals, corporate entities, government bodies, and philanthropic organizations.
• Funds received through fundraising campaigns, sponsorships, or other forms of financial contributions.

The 9% administrative charge is allocated towards covering essential operational and managerial expenses, including but not limited to:

• Salaries and wages for administrative staff.
• Office expenses, utilities, and maintenance costs.
• Compliance, auditing, and financial reporting requirements.
• Fundraising and donor engagement activities.
• Monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment of projects.

• The 9% administrative charge will be automatically deducted from the total donation amount received before allocation to project implementation.
• Donors will be informed about this charge in advance through official communication, agreements, and project proposals.
• The foundation will ensure that the administrative charges are utilized exclusively for the stated purposes and not for personal or unrelated expenses.
• BEF will provide financial transparency by maintaining accurate records and annual reports accessible to donors upon request.

• Any exemptions to this policy will be considered only under exceptional circumstances, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
• Restricted grants or project-specific funding may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis if donors provide direct administrative support.

This policy is subject to periodic review by the Board of Directors to ensure alignment with the foundation’s financial requirements and donor expectations. Any amendments will be communicated to stakeholders in a timely manner.

Bridges Educational Foundation remains committed to upholding the highest standards of financial stewardship and operational excellence. The administrative charge ensures the foundation’s sustainability, allowing it to continue its mission of empowering tribal communities through education and holistic development.

At Bridges Educational Foundation (BEF), we believe in financial transparency and accountability. We ensure that 91% of all donations go directly to educational programs, student support, and community projects. The remaining 9% is allocated to essential administrative expenses that enable us to operate efficiently, maintain compliance, and sustain our mission.

To maintain a well-functioning organization, the 9% admin charges are distributed as follows:

Supports essential administrative staff, including finance, project coordinators, HR, and compliance officers.

Covers rent, utilities (electricity, water), internet, stationery, and daily operational costs to keep our foundation running smoothly.

Ensures we meet government regulations, including audits, NGO registration renewals, tax filings, and other legal requirements.

Includes charges for bank transactions, payment gateway fees for online donations, and fund transfers.

Maintains our website, email services, donor engagement, and marketing efforts to spread awareness and build support.

Covers transportation costs for staff monitoring field projects, visiting partner communities, and conducting stakeholder meetings.

Invests in professional development, training workshops, and capacity-building initiatives for our team.

Provides for unforeseen administrative expenses, emergency needs, and small operational costs.

A well-managed organization needs a strong foundation to create lasting impact. These minimal administrative costs ensure that:

• Our programs run efficiently and legally.
• Funds are securely managed and allocated.
• Our organization remains sustainable for long-term impact.

We are committed to maximizing the impact of every donation while maintaining high standards of transparency and governance. By covering essential administrative costs responsibly, we ensure that your support reaches those who need it the most.

For more details, please contact us at contact@befserve.org.

Approved by:
Board of Directors
Bridges Educational Foundation
Effective Date: 31^st January 2025
Review Date: 30^th January 2026