Freedom from Hunger Foundation

1844 Da Vinci Court

Davis, CA. 95618

The Fund has received up-to-date information from the Freedom from Hunger Foundation. The Fund has previously contributed $755 from the General Endowment and $1400 from the Special Endowment.

The Freedom from Hunger Foundation began as Meals for Millions in 1947. Originally its main activity was distributing a high-protein multi-purpose food to hungry people after World War Two. Meals for Millions then merged with the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation and shifted its emphasis from relief of individual suffering. Its major activity now is making small loans ($14 to $400) to poor rural women in 150 countries so that they can open or expand small businesses such as raising chickens to sell eggs or making dresses, and also providing them with education as to how to run their businesses.

The financial statement by Freedom from Hunger Foundation lists unrestricted income in the year ending 30 June 2011 of $6.5 million, of which $3.2 million was gifts from individuals and $1.3 million was from corporations and foundations. The remainder included $0.4 million in contributions from governments and NGOs and $1.5 million in “assets released from restrictions”. That is, it is financed primarily by contributions and not by governments. It listed expenses of $4.1 million for program services and $1.3 million for “Program Information/Hunger Awareness”, which I read as $5.4 million in mission-related expenses, $0.6 million for fund-raising, and $0.5 million for management and general, so that 84% of expenses are on mission-related activities. Freedom from Hunger Foundation is well rated by Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau. Freedom from Hunger Foundation has an IRS status of 501(c)(3).

Contributions for micro-credit activities such as those of the Freedom from Hunger Foundation are permitted by various bylaw provisions, especially 3D6, which states: “Contributions may be made from the General Endowment or Special Endowment for:

economic self-sufficiency of a disadvantaged group.” I recommend that the Board categorize Freedom from Hunger Foundation as “eligible and currently nominated” for contributions from both endowments.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert McClenon

28 May 2012