1.WHAT IS DPG? WHAT DOES DPG DO?

We are professional development workers with a commitment to develop the socially and economically marginalised sections of society with a basic philosophy, an orientation and the tools to thrive on their own. We started our journey in 1986. DPG's social development activities currently focus on the three Southern states of India- Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh reaching an estimated 82,500 households from the most vulnerable sections of the society. DPG's projects are both rural and urban in nature and they include work in different fields ranging from watershed development to sanitation to housing to education. Since 2000, the organisation has also begun playing an active role establishing Community Based Organisations (CBOs).

2.WHAT IS DPG'S PURPOSE OR MISSION STATEMENT?

Eradication of poverty by empowering local Community-based Organisations (CBOs) to undertake need-based interventions. Mission Assisting Community-based Organisations (CBOs) and NGOs in generating awareness of the causes of local problems, creating conditions for their resolutions, and thereby facilitating a general improvement in the quality of life.

3.WHAT IS DPG DOING TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS?

We help the households to increase their socio-economic status by providing awareness of legal rights, skills/vocational training and linkage to low-interest loans. We also provide region-specific assistance to households. In areas with droughts, we have assisted villagers to build sustainable watersheds. In Tsunami-affected areas, we have helped to rebuild shelters and communities. We also help households form self-help group networks within the community.

4. WHAT IS A SELF-HELP GROUP?

A self-help group is a group of 10-20 individuals, usually women, who borrow low-interest loans for different needs, such as medical emergencies, children's education, or small business startups. Banks are willing to lend to self-help groups without collateral as these groups form an effective monitoring system for repayment. The groups are made up of primarily women because experience has shown that when loans and income are given to women, the money will contribute directly to the welfare of the children and the entire family. In addition, women are also more dependable borrowers, rarely defaulting on their loans. To date, DPG has assisted the formation of over 3,000 self-help groups, with an average size of 18 people each.

5. HOW LONG HAS DPG WORKED IN INDIA?

DPG was established in 1986 and from then on, it has been fully engaged in Development Initiatives.

6.HOW DOES DPG SELECT THE AREAS TO ASSIST?

DPG receives many applications requesting assistance from marginal communities both from rural and urban areas. DPG then deputes a staff member or a Consultant to make a spot visit. Based on the spot visit and the discussions, the area / the group / the NGO partners will be selected for a Development co-operation. Then an agreement will be signed between DPG and the partner Organization. The project staff will be placed. A Consultant will be appointed to report about the progress of the project. He / She will spend 24 man-days a year and will be paid for the same. The project will be given all assistance in the field to implement its activities.

7.HAVE DONORS OUTSIDE OF INDIA CONTRIBUTED TO DPG? HOW DO DPG COLLECT FUNDS OVERSEAS? ARE CONTRIBUTIONS TO DPG TAX-DEDUCTIBLE?

DPG's work is financed by different Donor Agencies, Government grants and individual donations. Donors provide funds for specific activities like building up Community-based Organisations, capacitating Self-Help Groups (SHGs), housing, drinking water, school building, etc. Usually, a Memorandum of Understanding will be submitted to donors as to how her/his personal/agency donation will be utilized. DPG is permitted to receive foreign contribution by the Government of India. Local donations to DPG are exempted under Section 80(G) of the Income Tax Act vide Lr. No. DIT (E) No. 2 (117)/92-93 dt 30.01.2004 valid upto 31.03.2006.

8.HOW CAN I HELP?

By providing fund assistance to DPG. By offering your free service as a volunteer for 3 - 6 - 12 months By donating used equipments like computer, jeep etc.

9.HOW CAN I REMIT FUNDS FOR DPG?

By way of Demand Draft, Cheque, Wire Transfer(in case of foreign agency), Bank draft etc. Bank A/c No. 11113, Development Promotion Group, Indian Overseas Bank, Nungambakkam Branch, Chennai 600 034 Bank Sort Code - I O B A I N B 0 0 1

10.HOW MUCH OF WHAT I GIVE TO DPG GOES TO SOCIAL SERVICE AND HOW MUCH IS SPENT ON OVERHEADS?

More than 65% goes to development service and the balance will be the project co-ordination cost.

11.TO WHOM DO I MAKE MY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE?

12.HOW DO I KNOW MY DONATIONS ARE GOING TO WHERE I WANT THEM TO GO?

On receipt of a donation, a Memorandum of Understanding will be submitted to donors as to how her/his personal/agency donation will be utilized. The vouchers and documents will be submitted as and when necessary. As per the donor's request, progress reports and statements of accounts will be submitted. In addition, every year, DPG will publish a report detailing its activities in each area, and the contributions from donors.

13.CAN I CONTRIBUTE BY CREDIT CARD?

We are yet to establish this procedure

14.WHAT IS DPG'S ADDRESS AND PHONE?