FAQs
General
Fundraising
CARE's work
General
Is CARE an acronym for something?
CARE began in the United States in 1945 when it sent food parcels to Europe. The name stood for 'Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe'. As CARE's activities broadened, this was changed to the 'Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere'. Today the name is used in its own right rather than as an acronym.
What is the meaning behind CARE’s logo?
CARE’s brand mark – the community of hands – symbolises our humanism, and evokes the concepts of self expression and industriousness. The circular shape suggests the holistic and collaborative nature of CARE’s work and our global scope, as well as unity and diversity. The earth-toned colour palette conveys warmth, optimism and a grounded sensibility, combining to illustrate the spirit of working together, and the power of what is possible when people unite around a common goal.
Where is CARE based?
CARE has offices in 12 developed countries as well as in more than 65 developing countries. In Australia, CARE's offices are located in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne. Contact us
Does CARE Australia have political or religious affiliations?
CARE Australia is non-religious and non-political, allowing us to deliver humanitarian assistance to anyone in need regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, age, religion or political view.
I've never heard of CARE - can it be trusted?
CARE is one of the world's largest independent relief and development organisations working with some of the world's poorest people in more than 65 countries throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe. CARE Australia is one of Australia’s leading overseas development agencies.
As a registered charity, CARE is fully accredited by the Australian Government Aid Agency (AusAID) and adheres to its stringent standards of accountability. CARE is a signatory to international codes of conduct and the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct which sets out standards on how organisations should be managed, how they communicate and how they spend the funds they raise. CARE is externally audited every year.
Does CARE receive funding from governments?
CARE receives funding from governments and bodies such as the Australian Government and the Asian Development Bank. For a full list see the Funding section of this website.
Why does CARE focus on women?
We believe supporting women and girls is one of the most effective ways to create sustainable outcomes in poor communities. CARE’s experience shows that a development project focused on women and girls will benefit everyone, but a development project that focuses on everyone may not benefit women and girls. Learn more
Can I volunteer for CARE?
CARE Australia does not maintain a formal volunteering program; however opportunities do arise from time to time. We occasionally accept volunteers to assist us with administration or specific projects in both our Canberra and Melbourne offices on an as needed basis. We are also a key partner for two significant overseas volunteering programs, AYAD and VIDA. For more information go to the Volunteer section of this website.
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Fundraising
Can I donate clothes, food or other supplies to CARE?
CARE no longer accepts donated goods, as experience has shown that this is usually not cost effective, creates logistical difficulties and often is not the most relevant way to meet local needs.
It is a CARE Australia policy that whenever possible we procure items in the country in which we operate, thereby supporting developing economies.
If you would like to help, we ask you to send a cash donation, which can then be used to buy what is most needed in the region concerned. If you wish to give money to a particular emergency, you can select this option when you donate. Donate now
How do I know that the money I donate actually reaches those most in need?
CARE Australia has direct operational responsibility for its programs. We have our own staff on the ground working with local partners and communities to directly deliver assistance. We plan, design, implement and evaluate projects with these local partners while retaining management and contractual control on all projects. This gives us a high degree of accountability and transparency.
How are CARE's projects funded?
We are primarily dependent on support from the Australian public to continue our work. We build on that support to attract significant additional funds. For every $1 we raise from the Australian public, we raise a further $4 from institutional donors such as the Australian Government, United Nations organisations and the European Union.
How much of the money CARE raises goes to projects overseas?
You can be confident you are supporting one of the most efficient and accountable organisations of its type in the world. CARE prides itself on maximising the donations that go to our overseas projects. In 2009 CARE Australia spent 90 per cent of our total revenue on our work in the field. The remaining funding was spent on administration and fundraising that is vital to expand our work and bring our messages to the wider public.
How can I raise money for CARE?
There are many ways that you can get involved with CARE and raise money for our life-saving work. Check out the Get Involved section of this website to learn more about our overseas Cycle Challenges and the World Hunger Campaign. To find out about gift registries through CAREgifts, CARE’s Empowerment Circle regular giving program and more, see Ways to Give.
Can I donate to CARE by setting up a gift registry?
Yes, to set up a gift registry through CARE is easy. Just follow this link to our CAREgifts website to find out more information: www.caregifts.org.au. Should you wish to set up a gift registry or have any further questions, please feel free to contact us.
How can my school get involved with CARE?
Schools can get involved with CARE in many ways. You can invite CARE to your school to give a presentation about our work, raise money to purchase an item from our CAREgifts catalogue or get involved in the World Hunger Campaign. Contact us to discuss options.
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CARE’s work
Where does CARE Australia work?
For a full list of the countries where we work and the projects we are undertaking, go to the Where we work section of this website.
How does CARE decide what projects and areas to support?
We start by assessing people's needs in consultation with the local communities. We then design programs that respond to these needs. We also work with local authorities and government to ensure we have their full support.
Over 90 per cent of CARE staff come from the countries in which we work, so the staff speak local languages and understand local culture. Each CARE project has a director who will oversee the project from within the country and bring in specialists from other countries to provide training as needed. Generally, these are likely to be the only people involved with the project who will not be country nationals.
How is a project designed?
CARE's aim is for each project to be designed by a broad team, including technical specialists, CARE's national staff, and the communities who participate in and benefit from the project. Research is done at the beginning to ensure that local needs and priorities form the core of the project's activities.
Is there ongoing evaluation of projects?
CARE’s projects are regularly monitored and evaluated during their implementation and appropriate adjustments are made to ensure sustainability. Upon completion, projects are evaluated to determine their impact and effectiveness. Lessons learned are shared with other CARE Country Offices and staff through workshops, policy documents and the CARE International network.
CARE works to maximise efficiencies by creating models that can be replicated in other countries and other situations while retaining our focus on sustainable development.
How do CARE's projects have lasting effects?
Each project is based on the goal of improving the capacities of local people so that, after CARE completes the project, development will be sustainable and the benefits of the project will continue. To achieve this, the needs, preferences and the beliefs of project participants are always central to project design and planned outcomes. Communities are often directly involved in the provision of labour and materials, which not only provides additional skills but also encourages ownership of the subsequent improvements in community services.
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