Here you find Frequently Asked Questions

How much money is really spent on the projects? 
In 2007, the cost percentage was 10%. With this percentage, Dark & Light comes in well under the 25% norm of the CBF and also beneath the percentage of many other charities. 

Do you collect old glasses? 
No, we do not collect second hand glasses, because it is way more expensive to get the glasses at the right destination (selecion costs, transport costs, import costs, etc.), than to produce them in the countries of usage. Also, with a view to sustainability and stimulation of the local economies, the glasses are produced in the developing countries for the partner organisations over there. 

I would like to do an internship abroad, or help people in a different way. Could that be arranged via Dark & Light Blind Care? How do you handle this? 
Dark & Light Blind Care only works with local staff, because we think it is important that people can work in their own language and culture. Also, with a view to sustainability and continuity, we therefore do not send out Dutch people. See also the page about ‘Volunteers’. 

If we initiate an action: On which giro or bank account can we donate the money? 
You can donate the result of your action on giro 131 in name of Stichting Dark & Light in Veenendaal, mentioning the title of your action. Giro number 5171603 in name of Stichting Dark & Light in Veenendaal is designated for actions and donations from opticians, companies, parishes, associations, schools and service clubs. Also, you can donate the result of your action on bank account 445021187 (ABN AMRO) in name of Stichting Dark & Light in Veenendaal. 

I see that you have two giro numbers and one bank account? For what reason is that? 
Giro 131 is for private individuals and giro 5171603 is for all other relations, because we like to address this group seperately. 

Every now and then, you come on the radio. Isn’t that very expensive? Couldn’t Dark & Light Blind Care better spend that money on the projects? 
Dark & Light Blind Care advertises on the radio (and almost no written advertisements) because we find that this is an effective medium to increase name awareness of the foundation and to make people aware of the problem of blindness. With a broadcast-discount of 75%, the foundation covers a wide area with relatively low costs. A group of people gets interested in the work of the foundation, and some people also register as donor, through which more money can be spend on projects for blind and visually impaired people in developing countries. 

How many paid staff members work for Dark & Light Blind Care? And do you also work with volunteers? 
In total, a group of ten staff members work for the foundation with in total 9,4 fte. Furthermore, about fifteen volunteers are active at the head office or in their own regions for PR-activities. 

How are the projects reviewed and evaluated? 
Proposals for support are examined on the objective and on a variety of criteria. Besides that, Dark & Light Blind Care is advised by a number of qualified experts (eye doctor, development worker, education expert) to make a right choice, because unfortunately, we can not honour all applications. Also, references are obtained in the specific country. By means of a preliminary and final report, the projects are critised and evaluated. In the report is described to what extent the goals are met, what activities have been carried out and whether the desired results are reached. Of coure, a financial justification is also included. Furthermore, there are site visits fom our project staff to the partner organisations on a regular basis. 

You are a Christian organisation, how is this evident? 
As a Christian organisation, Dark & Light Blind Care is motivated to support our ‘neighbour’ in need of help, through out Gods assignment to show compassion and to come up for the weak and suppressed. With this motivation, Dr. Cozijnsen has founded the foundation, because he has always been deeply moved to help poor blind children. The majority of the projects that are carried out by Christian partner organisations, but do not distinguish by race or beliefs. The employees of Dark & Light Blind Care are all Christian, the aid work is refered to in prayers to God because we believe that God has the power to change the lives of people. But, Dark & Light Blind Care is not a mission organisation. 

Do you collaborate with other foundations? 
Dark & Light Blind Care participates in Vision2020, a world wide association with the purpose of fighting all preventable blindness. In the Netherlands, we work together with Vision2020 Netherlands and we are in touch with other eye funds in the Netherlands. Furhtermore, we take part in the umbrella organisation Prisma of Christian development organisations.