A year at the heart of childhood

Terre des hommes’ 2011 annual report describes the main results – in Nicaragua as in the Horn of Africa, in Albania as in Myanmar – of our initiatives for the health and protection of children for 1.47 million beneficiaries in 34 countries.

In a world shaken by social, political and economic crises, millions of children suffer the most. They are affected by hunger, insecurity, exploitation, and the influence of poverty or traditions. And yet their future is not fated. Only too often their families, their communities or their environment are simply unable to protect them. It is by bringing them practical relief and appropriate solutions that Terre des hommes fights every day at the side of the most disadvantaged.

The number of Terre des hommes’ beneficiaries increased slightly in 2011 and rose to 1.47 million as against 1.40 million in 2010. Tdh counts 832,000 beneficiaries in health projects (57%) and 636,000 beneficiaries in programs for protection and in emergencies (43%).

During 2011, the Foundation of Terre des hommes recorded total revenues of CHF 57.6 million. The total consolidated revenue of the Foundation and of the Volunteer Groups was CHF 64.8 million.
86% of the expenditure of the Foundation (CHF 50.6 million) was devoted to our projects for child aid in 34 countries, as well as public awareness of the rights and protection of the child. Our emergency aid in Sudan, Haiti, Kenya and Afghanistan alone accounted for CHF 13.4 million.

The amounts invested in fundraising and communication totalled CHF 5.2 million, i.e. nearly 9% of the total expenditure. The general administrative expenses of CHF 3.3 million represent 5% of total expenditure. This is a total percentage respecting the strategic limit of 15% set by the Foundation Council, but below the average of 22% calculated in 2010 by ZEWO, based on the results of 180 Swiss non-profit-making organisations.

Contributions from corporate donors of CHF 33.9 million represent 59% of revenues. Donations from the general public and semi-institutional fundraising amount to CHF 23.7 million, or 41% of revenues.

In general, in 2011, after ten years of growth, Terre des hommes has seen a stabilisation of its activities of direct aid to children and families.