icddr,b:: FAQ

FAQS ON FUNDRAISING

Q1: What is the endowment fund?

Answer: icddr,b endowment funds play a pivotal role in securing the long-term financial sustainability and growth of icddr,b. These funds include donations, bequests, or other investments to generate returns. The principal amount remains intact, while a portion of the investment gains is used to fund specific purposes, such as hospital expenses, research, and operational expenses. Endowments are managed to preserve the initial capital and generate income to sustain the organisation's activities in perpetuity using professional investment managers. By contributing to our endowment funds, donors become instrumental in ensuring the continuity of our impactful work, leaving a lasting legacy that benefits our community for generations to come.

Q2: How do you govern the endowment fund?

Answer: The responsibility of Endowment funds residing in the US, administration is with the Centre Fund Management Committee. The committee was historically established in the USA to oversee the activities of the Asset Manager for endowment funds under the precursory governance instrument (i.e., the by-laws) and subsequently established under these icddr,b endowment governance procedures. The Committee is a voluntary and global entity entrusted with the fund's administration, management, and governance as per these governance procedures; the Committee shall report to icddr,b’s Board of Trustees, who shall have governing authority over the Committee.

Q3: What is the purpose of the endowment funds?

Answer: The purpose of both the general and hospital endowment funds was to raise funds and generate income:

To contribute to the costs of patient treatment and free care at icddr,b hospitals
To provide financial flexibility to permit icddr,b to respond quickly in exploring research opportunities
To develop the infrastructure of icddr,b
To contribute to icddr,b’s administrative costs related to the maintenance and sustainability of the funds
To insulate icddr,b from unexpected fluctuations in revenue

Q4: Why are we raising funds for icddr,b Hospital?

Answer: Over the years, icddr,b hospitals have relied on contributions from corporations and individuals to cover a portion of these costs. This is used to pay our medical staff, life-saving medications and treatments, and facility maintenance. Our core donors have been supporting icddr,b’s efforts for a long time. Nonetheless, treating patients on a daily basis puts considerable strain on our resources. It is money that is increasingly difficult to recover from our research projects.

Q5: Why donate to icddr,b?

Answer: We urgently need donations to provide all-year-round treatment, particularly during the pre and post-monsoon season (March/April and August/ September) when we can admit more than 1,000 patients daily. During this time, we need:

new cholera cots
additional intravenous fluid, oral rehydration solution, zinc supplements, rice saline, and antibiotics
more doctors, nurses, health workers and other auxiliary staff to manage the seasonal peaks, which affect the most vulnerable in urban and rural Bangladesh.

Q6: How can I donate?

Answer: Your gift will not only save lives immediately but the innovations and discoveries we make during patients’ treatment will go on keeping people alive. There are many ways to make your gift. You can donate as an individual or as a business.

Q7: Is there any tax benefit for donors:

Answer: Bangladeshi nationals and businesses can enjoy tax rebates for donating to icddr,b. US citizens can also avail tax benefits for giving to icddr,b as we are registered as a 501(c)(3) organization in the US. You can check the status by searching for the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh at this LINK. For any query, please email us at donate@icddrb.org

Q8: Who audits our books / who are your auditors?

Answer: Our Annual Auditor is ACNABIN Chartered Accountants, an independent member of Baker Tilly International, the 8th largest network in the world with 145 independent member firms in 110 countries. Apart from ACNABIN, we have several other auditors for different projects as specific as per the requirement of donors.

Q9: How can I be sure that my donation will be managed and used efficiently?

Answer: At icddr,b, we ensure strong financial oversight. We have been qualified as a Low-risk Auditee, which signifies very strong internal control. Donations received through the appeal funds will be safeguarded by our Finance team, who will support the Hospital and central management to ensure expenses are accountable. The hospital management is the main responsible authority who works along with the Finance team to analyze, propose, and prepare budgets for hospital expenses. We have regular visits to the hospital from distinguished national and international visitors. If requested, we can also arrange hospital visits for our potential donors.

Q10: Can I donate from my Zakat to icddr,b?

Answer: Yes, you can. We welcome Zakat donations at any time. We have a Zakat management committee, which ensures the fund is utilized according to the guidelines. The zakat-eligible patients who receive free-of-cost treatment at our hospitals benefit from this generous contribution to the zakat fund.

Q11: Can I visit the hospital?

Answer: Yes. Please contact us at donate@icddrb.org to schedule an appointment.