What is an NGO?
A Non-Governmental Organization. There are basically three types of aid to developing nations; Bilateral (aid from one country to another), Multi-lateral (through such organizations as the United Nations or the European Union) and through NGOs. While bilateral and multi-lateral aid concerns billions of dollars from one country to the next, it is many times linked to geopolitical interests and is sometimes criticized as not being aid at all. Aid through NGOs may be in smaller amounts, yet the aggregate sums surmount those given by governments. It is also aid from people to people, circumventing much government bureaucracy. There are of course large and small NGOs. We work with smaller NGOs which have less administrative costs. Many are just a group of like-minded people appalled by conditions of their fellow man. They get together, pool their resources and change lives. People helping people. It may sound simple, but take that simple idea, multiplied by thousands and the world slowly seems to become a better place. With everyone contributing their small part, miracles can happen.
How do you choose projects?
We work exclusively with small NGO's selecting projects to present to our subscribers. Although open for any project, we mostly work with children and youth. We choose projects that make a daily difference... a difference you can read about. We work with small NGOs who have a proven track record of successful projects. We can work with NGOs set up in the developed countries, which basically just raise money for NGOs in developing countries, which do the work on the ground. We can also work directly with local NGOs in developing countries who do an outstanding job, but have a great problem in reaching people who could help them. Don't forget that we also generate work for local journalists and photographers, helping them to make a decent living being a concerned journalist. They are also there to help answer your questions and requests.
How do I know my money is reaching the people I want to help ?
You can track it yourself! The budget for each project is posted on the site for everyone's inspection. You can see exactly where your money goes and how it is making a difference.
Can I use the photos or publish the articles from Pix-Aid?
The photos on Pix-Aid might be too small to print, but we can provide you with a high resolution (over 4000 pixels length). We would have to agree with the photographer, but normally for a contribution to Pix-Aid we can send you high-resolution photos and permission to publish the articles while agreeing to name Pix-Aid as the source. Send us an e-mail with your requests!
Can I make a personal request or a specific gift?
We will try to honor all requests. We do want to be fair and will consult with our partner NGOs about how best to fulfill your request. For instance, you are concerned about a certain child in one of the programs and want to give him or her a special gift. That comes from a big heart, but we also have to think about the effects on other children. Maybe a gift that would benefit them all would be more appropriate, but we will look at each individual request.
We encourage you to participate and ask questions. Maybe you want to know more about the area where you are helping, or about the people there. We will do our best to get the information and post it on the site.
I have an association or know someone who does. How can I get them involved with Pix-Aid?
We want to work with smaller NGOs because we feel they are more efficient and constitute real people to people aid. Pix-Aid was created to help these small organizations get the attention they deserve. We are always looking to work with such associations. Please write us and let us know about your projects. Also, take a look at our Schools page.
Why ten percent and what is it spent on?
Ten percent of each subscription goes to paying the journalists to cover the projects, equipment and editing. As the number of subscriptions grows, we hope to reduce this amount and increase the number of projects covered and more importantly the number of peopled helped.
Why is Pix-Aid based in Luxembourg?
Pix-Aid was set up in Luxembourg because the founders live there, but we all come from very international backgrounds. Many of the NGOs we are starting out with are from Luxembourg. This is because we already have relations with them. We hope to expand and work with small NGOs from around the globe and directly with many in the poorer countries. Luxembourg also directs much of its development aid through NGOs and declares its aim of giving one percent of GDP to developing countries, a goal not yet achieved by any country.
Can I deduct my donation (subscription) on my taxes?
Not yet. To be able to deduct from taxes, Pix-Aid has to be set up in your country, which would require a lot of money. In Luxembourg, an NGO has to prove itself for a number of years before it can offer tax deductions. In the United States, we understand it is a long and complicated process. If we see a lot of subscriptions from, for example, the United States, we will look into setting up there to be able to offer residents there a tax break.
