FAQs
Is India Friends Association (IFA) an official Non profit organization?
Yes, India Friends Association (IFA), 2261 El Nido Court, Camarillo CA 93010. www.indiafriendsassociation.org is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization (I.D. 77-0386909).
What is IFA’s mission?
IFA's mission is to help empower the underprivileged all across India.
What is IFA’s vision?
IFA is dedicated to fostering grassroots development in India. Its vision is to function as a catalyst in activities that promote economic empowerment and self sufficiency of the most under privileged population of India and become a vehicle channelizing the diaspora energies and resources into bringing about positive change in India. IFA is neither a charity nor a debating society.
What are IFA’s beliefs and values?
Beliefs
Values
How is IFA different from other NGOs / Charity organizations?
IFA addresses root causes without ignoring symptoms.
- Most charities offer much needed immediate relief while IFA’s focus is on long term issues and root causes
- IFA emphasizes “path to self-sufficiency”, a key evaluation factor in all IFA funding decisions
- IFA supports both “projects” and “fellowships”
- IFA Projects have modest and tangible objectives, over a short time frame, in a relatively local context. They are awarded to organizations that would create a model action plan that can be replicated elsewhere.
- Fellowships have more potential to effect widespread changes due to emphasis on diverse social and economic reforms. They are awarded to individuals with outstanding record of active on-the-ground engagement with the masses.
IFA is community-based, and an all-voluntary organization
Can I attend the IFA meetings?
Yes, anyone can attend IFA meetings as a guest without the pressure of expectation or immediate commitment.
How does IFA claim to be transparent?
We encourage everyone to attend our meetings and engage in volunteer activities to realize the degree of our transparency. Please contact us for any specific question about IFA and we will be happy to answer that.
Is IFA affiliated with any other organization or Government?
No. Although we network with several organizations across India for individual issues, causes, movements and projects, it is not a contract based relationship. In essence, our stand may be supportive of partner organization on a particular matter but we reserve the right to have independent opinion on another matter.
Who are IFA fellows and how are they selected?
IFA fellows are essentially foot-soldiers undertaking grassroots action in geographically remote or economically impoverished communities of India. Typically, they are first recommended by senior activists in India who know of candidate’s work. The matter is then debated in IFA meetings before decisions are made.
I do not have time to be an full time IFA member. Can I be a part time member or get regular updates on IFA work without having to spend too much time?
Absolutely. In fact, most of our members work part-time. You can get regular updates by visiting IFA's website at www.indiafriendsassociation.org and also sharing your email ID for communications from IFA.
What is the best way to contact IFA?
Please send an email to ifa@indiafriendsassociation.org
How can I participate in Archana?
Contact IFA: info@indiafriendsassociation.org for further details.
How does IFA select its Fellows/ Projects?
IFA members go to India multiple times each year to meet various grassroots leaders. Through this network, they are able to identify areas of need and select its fellows and projects. We highly encourage those who are interested in learning more to participate in IFA meetings.
How long has IFA been around?
IFA was started in 1993 by a group of Indian Americans in Southern California.
Is India Friends Association (IFA) an official Non profit organization?
Yes, India Friends Association (IFA), 2261 El Nido Court, Camarillo CA 93010. www.indiafriendsassociation.org is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization (I.D. 77-0386909).
Yes, India Friends Association (IFA), 2261 El Nido Court, Camarillo CA 93010. www.indiafriendsassociation.org is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization (I.D. 77-0386909).
What is IFA’s mission?
IFA's mission is to help empower the underprivileged all across India.
What is IFA’s vision?
IFA is dedicated to fostering grassroots development in India. Its vision is to function as a catalyst in activities that promote economic empowerment and self sufficiency of the most under privileged population of India and become a vehicle channelizing the diaspora energies and resources into bringing about positive change in India. IFA is neither a charity nor a debating society.
What are IFA’s beliefs and values?
Beliefs
- Inclusive and voluntary involvement. Compel none and invite all
- Assist and cooperate towards self sufficiency, not charity or dependency
- Build bridges by seeking participation rather than mere monetary contributions
- Aim for the lowest possible overhead with most working expenses voluntarily borne by the members
Values
- High personal involvement
- Frugality
- Collective effort with emphasis on service
- Democracy in thought, consensus in action
How is IFA different from other NGOs / Charity organizations?
IFA addresses root causes without ignoring symptoms.
- Most charities offer much needed immediate relief while IFA’s focus is on long term issues and root causes
- IFA emphasizes “path to self-sufficiency”, a key evaluation factor in all IFA funding decisions
- IFA supports both “projects” and “fellowships”
- IFA Projects have modest and tangible objectives, over a short time frame, in a relatively local context. They are awarded to organizations that would create a model action plan that can be replicated elsewhere.
- Fellowships have more potential to effect widespread changes due to emphasis on diverse social and economic reforms. They are awarded to individuals with outstanding record of active on-the-ground engagement with the masses.
IFA is community-based, and an all-voluntary organization
Can I attend the IFA meetings?
Yes, anyone can attend IFA meetings as a guest without the pressure of expectation or immediate commitment.
How does IFA claim to be transparent?
We encourage everyone to attend our meetings and engage in volunteer activities to realize the degree of our transparency. Please contact us for any specific question about IFA and we will be happy to answer that.
Is IFA affiliated with any other organization or Government?
No. Although we network with several organizations across India for individual issues, causes, movements and projects, it is not a contract based relationship. In essence, our stand may be supportive of partner organization on a particular matter but we reserve the right to have independent opinion on another matter.
Who are IFA fellows and how are they selected?
IFA fellows are essentially foot-soldiers undertaking grassroots action in geographically remote or economically impoverished communities of India. Typically, they are first recommended by senior activists in India who know of candidate’s work. The matter is then debated in IFA meetings before decisions are made.
I do not have time to be an full time IFA member. Can I be a part time member or get regular updates on IFA work without having to spend too much time?
Absolutely. In fact, most of our members work part-time. You can get regular updates by visiting IFA's website at www.indiafriendsassociation.org and also sharing your email ID for communications from IFA.
What is the best way to contact IFA?
Please send an email to ifa@indiafriendsassociation.org
How can I participate in Archana?
Contact IFA: info@indiafriendsassociation.org for further details.
How does IFA select its Fellows/ Projects?
IFA members go to India multiple times each year to meet various grassroots leaders. Through this network, they are able to identify areas of need and select its fellows and projects. We highly encourage those who are interested in learning more to participate in IFA meetings.
How long has IFA been around?
IFA was started in 1993 by a group of Indian Americans in Southern California.
Is India Friends Association (IFA) an official Non profit organization?
Yes, India Friends Association (IFA), 2261 El Nido Court, Camarillo CA 93010. www.indiafriendsassociation.org is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization (I.D. 77-0386909).