Added value of Dark & Light
Dark & Light supports local partner organisations in developing countries. As the foundation is not implementing a project by itself, but through the respective partner organisation, the question may arise what is the added value of Dark & Light. Therefore, we would like to give you an insight on the distinctive characteristics (or added value) of Dark & Light.

Expertise
Dark & Light has the ability to set up sound development projects for the disabled. This requires medical knowledge, knowledge on rehabilitation, education, vocational training and small business. It requires experience in management and project develoment. Further, this cannot go without insight in promotion of human rights and processes of inclusion. Dark & Light brings these areas of expertise in the programs of our partner organisations. Besides that, Dark & Light has an extensive network of organisations and experts which are working in the field of disability and eye care world wide.

Sustainability
The projects are carried out by the staff of local partner organisations. This gives the guarantee of consensus with the local cultures and practices. Dark & Light stresses the importance of training of local staff, so they can professionalise their working activities. Where possible, Dark & Light tries to hand over the responsibility (financially as well as practically) to the local governments. Also, the local community contributes to the costs of operations and rehabilitation. This way, the continuation of the projects can be secured.

Clear objectives
The work of Dark & Light has a great impact: a cataract operation costs about € 35 and only takes about 15 minutes. The operation has a success rate of 98%: most patients can see clearly again after the operation. The projects make the difference between dark and light, being non-active in society and meaning something! The education and vocational programs also have a direct influence on the quality of life of blind and visually impaired children and adults.

Sharing knowledge
Only strong organisations with schooled staff are capable of giving qualitative help to blind and visually impaired people. That is why Dark & Light focuses on educating local employees. Also, they advise on organisation improvement and project management. This is done through evaluations and trainings in the area of organisation analysis. Also, Dark & Light organises seminars where partner organisations can learn of the knowledge and experiences of other organisations.

Assessment
Dark & Light investigates the sustainability, effectiveness, efficiency, cost-and-benefit proportion and quality of organisations, before deciding to financially support a project. These procedures are documented in a quality management handbook. Dark & Light is ISO 9001 certified, which proves the quality of the foundation.

Control
Dark & Light guards the progress of the projects by means of project reports, visits and evaluations. Checks are carried out, both concerning the content (narrative report) and concerning the finances (financial report). The financial administration is looked at during project visits and for large projects, audits are carried out by accountants.

Transparency
Dark & Light is a relatively small and active organisation. Because of this, the overhead costs are kept relatively low. The CBF-Seal of Approval guarantees that Dark & Light approaches and spends their fundraising scrupulously. Donors receive bi-annual project reports to see what happens with their financial support. Dark & Light is open and honest about project developments, also when projects develop in a way that was not hoped for. They are always open for questions regarding the (partner) organisation and projects.