FAQ

Where do you have global projects?

We either directly implement or support innovative education and economic development programs in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Peru, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Our Young Agents Awards also celebrate and support inspiring young leaders in British Columbia, Canada.

Separately, our social change themed cycling tours cover Cambodia, west coast North America, and across Europe.

How long have you been in operation?

Global Agents was founded in early 2007.

Do you run programs here in Canada?

Global Agents runs a Young Agents Awards program that recognizes promising young British Columbians who are leaders in their community, and provides them with cash prizes and mentorship opportunities to grow their projects. We also run university chapters, speak frequently at local schools and events, and otherwise maintain an active local presence.

Who are your partner organizations?

Global Agents is proud to partner with many leading local organizations around the world, please visit our Partners page for more details.

How do we know that the money we give to you gets to people in need?

Global Agents goes through a rigorous review of any project and the people behind the organization before we transfer any money, including extensive reference checks and reviews of their financials. Further, Global Agents distributes funds according to an agreed-upon schedule based on our partners demonstration of achieving their goals and proof that donor money is going to the causes it is meant for.

Are you a micro-credit organization?

Not exactly, though Microcredit is a recent example of the type of market based, innovative approach to poverty that we are seeking. Micro-credit is the provision of small, trust based loans to impoverished entrepreneurs to enable them to become self-sufficient. An example would be to give a $100 loan to a woman to buy a sewing machine and material so that she can produce enough goods to support her family. Global Agents funds micro-credit programs in Sri Lanka as well as similar micro-business and micro-franchise concepts in Kenya and Uganda.

How do you pick projects?

Global Agents seeks projects that have an innovative and potentially scalable solution to a difficult problem, involve local leadership in designing and managing projects, are self-sustaining or elements of market focused sustainability, and allow us to invest in the potential of emerging leaders (typically by focusing on projects lead by people under 30). We seek these projects through our networks of leading development thinkers and local activists, and evaluate them based on a set of criteria that underscores their potential impact and the categories above. Our main avenue for new project selection is the annual Catalyst Initiative call-out.

Do you have paid staff?

Yes, Global Agents maintains two paid staff, an Executive Director who is responsible for the oversight of the many international operations as well as organizational management, and a Ride Manager, who is responsible for recruiting, organizing and overseeing our Riding to Break the Cycle program. They are supported by a great many talented volunteers.

Do you hire professional fundraisers?

No, Global Agents manages our fundraising with the staff and volunteers at our disposal.

How much have you raised so far?

To date, Global Agents has fundraised well over $200,000.

How do you raise money?

While Riding to Break the Cycle tours bring in most of our revenue, Global Agents also organizes an annual fundraising gala and is supported by many kind and generous donors. We do not use canvassers, mailings, phone campaigns or other expensive methods of fundraising, as the vast majority of our funds come as a direct result of our programs and repeat donors.

Are you funded by the government?

Global Agents has not received any government funding to date.

Can you help me with my project?

Very possibly. If you are between the ages of 12 and 20, consider applying for our Young Agents Awards. If you are a development organization, you may be a good fit for our Catalyst Initiative. Global Agents is also developing additional models to help grow promising ventures, so contact us and let’s chat.

What qualifications do I need to join your bike rides?

Aside from being of good health, you don’t need to be a fitness fanatic. A healthy amount of pre-ride training, the free time take one of the tours, the willingness to contribute the financial amount needed and the right attitude is all that is required. See our Riding to Break the Cycle section for more info, or contact us if you have questions.

Are your rides safe?

Global Agents considers the safety of our riders above all else. While we can never control for every eventuality, there is pre-ride safety training and non-negotiable safety rules in place for all our rides, including mandatory safety equipment and following the local riding laws and best riding practices.

Can I volunteer?

Get in touch - Global Agents is always looking for talented volunteers. Talented volunteers assist in our marketing, events, promotions, mentoring youth and program management. We also send volunteer Fellows overseas to work with our Education Generation partners. Contact us if you are interested in getting involved, or if you want help to throw fundraiser or raise awareness in your schools or workplaces.

What qualifications do I need to volunteer?

For our core team, we are looking for the best. Global Agents has an ambitious mission to catalyze impressive young leaders and groundbreaking global projects, and we need high caliber people to get there.

Do you send people overseas?

In addition to our Riding to Break the Cycle tours, Education Generation has a fellowship program to send trained volunteers overseas to help us manage relationships about our education partners. Please see www.educationgeneration.org/eg/fellowship for more information.

Are Board Member Herman Chandi’s eyebrows real?

Yes, Herman Chandi’s eyebrows are 100% natural.

Can I get a job with you?

Global Agents seeks to keep its paid staff as small as possible, as most of our work is done through volunteers. When a job opening is available, we will post it on our website and announce it through our social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

Can I sponsor a child?

Global Agents does not engage in traditional child sponsorship programs. We do however enable people to directly support the education of promising young scholars around the world at www.educationgeneration.org.

Can I get a tax receipt if I donate to you?

Yes! Any donation over $20 made out to Global Agents for Change Foundation will automatically receive a tax receipt. The easiest way is to donate via our page at Canada Helps and receive your tax receipt instantly. If donating by cheque, make sure to include your full name and address for tax receipting purposes - we process all receipts several times a year so please allow a reasonable time if you have sent a cheque.

*Note - According to Canada Revenue Agency regulations we cannot provide tax receipts for in kind donations of services in your line of work or business, nor can we issue receipts for exchanges where you receive any personal benefit (ie. Fees for our tours, purchase of silent auction items etc). If you are a business interested in sponsoring us, please contact us directly.

Global Agents for Change Foundation registered charity number - 85068 0380 RR0001. Global Agents for Change Foundation operates with a limited mandate, only granting to registered Canadian charities as per Canada Revenue Agency regulations.

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