PWRDF Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers)

What is PWRDF?

PWRDF stands for the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund, also known as The Primate's Fund.

Can you describe PWRDF in one sentence?

The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund is the Canadian Anglican agency for development, relief, refugees and justice.

How did PWRDF come to exist?

PWRDF was created by the General Synod (the national assembly of the Anglican Church of Canada) after 167 coal miners died in the 1958 Springhill Nova Scotia mining disaster and Anglicans realized they needed an efficient way to respond quickly to emergencies. Originally a relief agency exclusively, The Primate's Fund soon began to address long-term development needs. With experience in development and a growing understanding of partnership, The Fund recognized the need to engage Canadians in the issues of tackling injustice and included public engagement as a core part of the program.   

What are the guiding principles of the organization?

At the heart of the ministry of PWRDF is a Christian vision of the restoration of community and partnerships focused on promoting peace and justice.  PWRDF makes financial and human resources available to strengthen these partnerships, to support partner's relief, development and refugee programs and to promote knowledgeable actions of solidarity.

Is PWRDF a Registered Charity?

Yes, PWRDF is registered as a federal charity and our charitable number is: 8664 34640 RR0001.

Is PWRDF still a part of the Anglican Church of Canada?

PWRDF was incorporated as a federal charitable organization in May 2000.  Incorporation provides PWRDF with the certainty that we can make long term program plans with our partners in Canada and overseas, with the support of Anglicans from across Canada and the assistance of the Canadian International Development Agency.  PWRDF remains an essential part of the ministry of the Anglican church.  We share office space with the General Synod, participate as observers on major church governing bodies and our own Board of Directors is made up of members of the Anglican laity, clergy and bishops from across the country.  Locally, PWRDF strives to be a part of the ministry of every Anglican parish in Canada.

Does PWRDF only support Anglicans?

PWRDF's mandate is to make a difference in the lives of people. Partners vary from region to region. Partners include Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, other Christian denominations, other faiths and peoples organizations.  In establishing our partnership relationships we look for faith based and secular organizations who are best placed to make a difference in local situations. In Africa, for example, where the church is a strong, community-based agent for change, more than 60% of our partners are Anglicans.

What are the basic components of the PWRDF program?

PWRDF funds programs of Emergency Relief, Community Development, Human Rights, Peace-building, and Public Engagement.  Within these programs PWRDF has special emphasis on Women, HIV/AIDS, Youth, Refugees and Indigenous Peoples.
 

What does PWRDF mean by Development?

Development is the process of creating a better quality of life for all members of society.  It involves release from social, economic and political oppression and it supports communities in their efforts to identify solutions to their own needs and priorities.  Development is the opposite of dependency and means a commitment to principles of participation, empowerment and social justice.  It means being able to take responsibility for your own destiny.   

Does PWRDF support Development In Canada?

Yes. The Indigenous Development Program exists to strengthen Indigenous communities in Canada through initiatives designed to build stronger, healthier and more self-reliant communities.

How are development projects chosen?

PWRDF seeks to support development work that addresses root causes of poverty and injustice, that is initiated and implemented by the people most affected by the situation, that is viable and that has results that are sustainable.  PWRDF responds to the needs articulated by our partners within the context of our overall strategic plan.  Partners and potential partners submit project proposals to our regional staff Development Coordinators.  The Board of Directors overseas the budget and the work of the Fund across and within regions based on  three strategic themes: Weaving a Culture of Peace with Justice; Building a Moral Economy; and Accompanying Communities in Crisis.
 

How does PWRDF know that the money gets through?

Financial reports from partner organizations, which account for how funds were allocated, are carefully reviewed by staff. Sometimes, in the case of larger programs, the accounts have been independently audited.  PWRDF staff also visit our partners on a regular basis and have an opportunity to visit the field, discuss plans and see the results of programs.

Where does PWRDF funding come from?

PWRDF is the ministry of Canadian Anglicans.  From a few thousand dollars in 1959, the Primate's Fund has grown to work with an operating budget of about 5 million dollars. Eighty percent of the Fund's budget comes from donations from Anglicans across the country.  Funds are channelled through parishes and dioceses or sent directly to the Primate's Fund office.  Additionally, just over one million dollars comes from CIDA, the development agency of the Federal Government.

How much is spent in administration?

A large portion of the promotion and administration of the fund is done by volunteers across the country. This invaluable volunteer support accounts for our low administrative overhead.  Administrative costs average at about 7% of our overall budget. These costs include expenses that relate to costs of administrating the whole organization -- legal, audit, governance, etc.  Core costs, including salaries; travel and office expenses are allocated to administration as well as program.  The Annual Report is the best source of this information and more information is available from PWRDF upon request.

How are donations receipted?

One of the ways that PWRDF keeps our overhead costs low is that local volunteers support much of our work. When you give to PWRDF through your parish, the parish traditionally issues the receipt.  Receipts for direct donations are issued from the national office.

How can I get involved with PWRDF?

Read our stories and learn about the work of PWRDF and issues of international development, relief and justice.

Act - with us in support of what you learn, become involved in faith-based social justice work.  Find a local KAIROS group in your area.

Give to PWRDF - we can only do our work with financial support.  If you are giving already consider giving more, as you are able. 

Pray - for situations where we work for change, for staff and for partners.  With your full and prayerful support together we can make difference.

What is unique about PWRDF?

PWRDF is an Anglican response for international relief, development and justice. Our Anglican identity is reflected in our governance structure and embedded in our history. The integrity of the Primate's Fund is reflected in our relationships with partners, who are represented on our Board of Directors. These relationships are cultivated by our experienced staff and enhanced by the engagement of Canadian Anglicans.