The Indigo Foundation: Working Together with IF Guiding Principles

The Indigo Foundation (IF) has four guiding principles which describe how we aim  to work with communities. These principles relate to:

* Community Ownership

Community ownership is vital to the success of community development activities. IF understands that it is the people in the communities where we work, who are in the best position to generate and implement their own development solutions. Project activities (like design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation) are done jointly with communities. IF, and the communities where we work, seek to include the most vulnerable groups so that they actively participate in project activities. IF only supports projects where participation is voluntary.

* Sustainability

IF aims to support projects that have a long-term sustainable impact. The design of projects should be flexible to allow them to change if community needs' change. Local skills and knowledge will always be used as the first option for solving problems.

* Transparency

Projects must operate in a transparent manner. This is particularly important for decision-making; and financial management. Trust and open communication are essential.

* Gender Equity

Projects must operate in an equitable manner. This is particularly important to ensure equitable distribution of benefits and gender equity. IF believes that both women and men should have an equal opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, community development activities.

IF commits itself to follow these principles in our work. In turn, we ask that the communities we work with abide by these principles. We will work with communities to ensure these principles are upheld. If a community cannot follow these principles, IF will cease working with that community.