CURRENT GRANTEE PARTNERS [2024/2025]
ASDEPO food ration distribution funded by Baal Dan in 2024
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India, Nepal & Bangladesh: Child Haven International – Donate (USA 501c3)
India: Donate Now (nfbm.org) (Registered in India only with FCRA) Nepal: Voice of Children (Registered in Nepal only) Nepal: CBR (Registered in Nepal) Ukraine: OUTREACH | Orphan's Aid Society (oasukraine.org) (USA 501c3) South Africa: http://www.thelighthousecentre.co.za/index.html#header (Registered in South Africa) Ethiopia: https://asdepo.org/ (Registered in Ethiopia) |
MESSAGES FROM OUR GRANTEE PARTNERS
CHILD HAVEN INTERNATIONAL - INDIA, NEPAL & BANGLADESH
"Child Haven International would like to express our deep appreciation to Tanya Pinto and all our friends at Baal Dan for your many years of support and collaboration in providing loving care to the formerly destitute children and women in our Children's Homes in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The thoughtful and generous contributions you have made especially focused on the children's dietary, health, and sanitation needs have gone a long way towards improving and enriching the lives of the 1,300 children in our care. Our children have been very fortunate that you have been able to provide vital assistance and resources which would have otherwise been beyond our reach. On behalf of all the children and women your support has impacted and whose lives have been enhanced, please accept our deepest gratitude."
Robin Cappuccino, Child Haven International
"Child Haven International would like to express our deep appreciation to Tanya Pinto and all our friends at Baal Dan for your many years of support and collaboration in providing loving care to the formerly destitute children and women in our Children's Homes in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. The thoughtful and generous contributions you have made especially focused on the children's dietary, health, and sanitation needs have gone a long way towards improving and enriching the lives of the 1,300 children in our care. Our children have been very fortunate that you have been able to provide vital assistance and resources which would have otherwise been beyond our reach. On behalf of all the children and women your support has impacted and whose lives have been enhanced, please accept our deepest gratitude."
Robin Cappuccino, Child Haven International
ASDEPO - Ethiopia
We are honored to share the remarkable success of a life-changing initiative funded by Baal Dan, in collaboration with the Action for Social Development and Environmental Protection Organization (ASDEPO) in Borena Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. This partnership has had a profound impact on combating malnutrition and improving the nutritional well-being of vulnerable children, particularly in Dubluk Woreda, an area frequently affected by drought and conflict.
With the generous support of Baal Dan, ASDEPO has demonstrated unwavering dedication in addressing malnutrition, ensuring that children receive the essential nutrients they need after recovering from malnutrition, thus promoting long-term health. To maximize the effectiveness of the intervention, ASDEPO took full responsibility for covering all administrative costs, including transportation, distribution, fuel, and related expenses, using its own resources. This commitment ensured the uninterrupted execution of the project, allowing every dollar of external funding to go directly to children in need.
Through this initiative, ASDEPO provided lifesaving, nutrient-rich food to 450 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). The food supplies, which included spaghetti, macaroni, rice, corn flour, cooking oil, iodized salt, sugar, and milk powder, played a vital role in accelerating recovery and preventing relapse, particularly for children from households facing food insecurity due to recurrent drought and conflict. Before this intervention, the relapse rate of acute malnutrition among treated children in the selected health facilities of Dubluk Woreda was alarmingly high at 25%. However, within just a few months of the project’s implementation, this rate significantly dropped to only 5%, a clear testament to the effectiveness of this intervention. Baal Dan’s commitment to child nutrition extends beyond Borena Zone. Currently, the organization is supporting 625 children in Tsrewenberta Woreda in Southeastern Tigray Region, ensuring they receive the necessary food assistance even after recovering from acute malnutrition. This continued support is crucial in preventing relapse and securing long-term well-being for these children.
Given the current funding cuts and pauses, the increased participation of private donors and other funding agencies is inevitable. In this regard, Baal Dan plays a significant role in reducing malnutrition in Ethiopia and other countries. ASDEPO extends its deepest gratitude to Baal Dan for their invaluable partnership, generosity, and dedication to improving child nutrition in Ethiopia. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable, offering them hope and a healthier future.
Finally, it is important to note that ASDEPO has not been impacted by the recent USAID funding cuts to Ethiopia. ASDEPO was not a recipient partner of USAID, and therefore, the organization continues its work and interventions without any disruption caused by this funding change.
ASDEPO is deeply grateful for the continued support from Baal Dan Charities. We kindly ask that you please continue supporting Baal Dan, as your contributions directly benefit malnourished communities, helping to provide essential food and nutrition to those in urgent need. Your generosity is making a significant impact, and together, we can continue to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families in Ethiopia.
Mihreteab Belay, Executive Director, ASDEPO
With the generous support of Baal Dan, ASDEPO has demonstrated unwavering dedication in addressing malnutrition, ensuring that children receive the essential nutrients they need after recovering from malnutrition, thus promoting long-term health. To maximize the effectiveness of the intervention, ASDEPO took full responsibility for covering all administrative costs, including transportation, distribution, fuel, and related expenses, using its own resources. This commitment ensured the uninterrupted execution of the project, allowing every dollar of external funding to go directly to children in need.
Through this initiative, ASDEPO provided lifesaving, nutrient-rich food to 450 children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). The food supplies, which included spaghetti, macaroni, rice, corn flour, cooking oil, iodized salt, sugar, and milk powder, played a vital role in accelerating recovery and preventing relapse, particularly for children from households facing food insecurity due to recurrent drought and conflict. Before this intervention, the relapse rate of acute malnutrition among treated children in the selected health facilities of Dubluk Woreda was alarmingly high at 25%. However, within just a few months of the project’s implementation, this rate significantly dropped to only 5%, a clear testament to the effectiveness of this intervention. Baal Dan’s commitment to child nutrition extends beyond Borena Zone. Currently, the organization is supporting 625 children in Tsrewenberta Woreda in Southeastern Tigray Region, ensuring they receive the necessary food assistance even after recovering from acute malnutrition. This continued support is crucial in preventing relapse and securing long-term well-being for these children.
Given the current funding cuts and pauses, the increased participation of private donors and other funding agencies is inevitable. In this regard, Baal Dan plays a significant role in reducing malnutrition in Ethiopia and other countries. ASDEPO extends its deepest gratitude to Baal Dan for their invaluable partnership, generosity, and dedication to improving child nutrition in Ethiopia. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable, offering them hope and a healthier future.
Finally, it is important to note that ASDEPO has not been impacted by the recent USAID funding cuts to Ethiopia. ASDEPO was not a recipient partner of USAID, and therefore, the organization continues its work and interventions without any disruption caused by this funding change.
ASDEPO is deeply grateful for the continued support from Baal Dan Charities. We kindly ask that you please continue supporting Baal Dan, as your contributions directly benefit malnourished communities, helping to provide essential food and nutrition to those in urgent need. Your generosity is making a significant impact, and together, we can continue to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families in Ethiopia.
Mihreteab Belay, Executive Director, ASDEPO
A Message from Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessema, Special Advisor to Baal Dan
Reflecting on the journey Baal Dan and ASDEPO have traveled together over the past few years, I am heartened by the flourishing partnership that has touched so many lives in Ethiopia. I acknowledge the significant personal sacrifices you all have made—whether in terms of time, finances, or even at the risk of your lives; and I appreciate your dedication and hard work.
I would like to share an article recently published by Action Against Hunger that is relevant. The study emphasizes the issue of relapse among children discharged from malnutrition treatment in three countries. The findings are consistent with other studies and reviews done in the past. While outpatient treatment of acute malnutrition effectively improves survival rates, the high relapse rate underscores the need for supplementary support during and after treatment to ensure sustained recovery. This study supports the recommendation for Baal Dan to fund the provision of supplementary food for children recovering from severe acute malnutrition treatment. Additionally, the study highlights the need to understand and address the primary causes of relapse, such as illness and food insecurity.
See the report here: Rates and risk factors for relapse among children recovered from severe acute malnutrition in Mali, South Sudan, and Somalia: a prospective cohort study - The Lancet Global Health
Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessema is the Head of the Health Unit at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), where he leads IRC’s efforts in diverse areas of health programming and policy. The Health Unit is one of IRC’s technical units, which has more than 70 technical and support staff, responsible for providing high-quality technical assistance to IRC country programs, lead focused research and advocacy. With over 25 years of experience in public health, nutrition, and humanitarian affairs, he brings a wealth of expertise.
Reflecting on the journey Baal Dan and ASDEPO have traveled together over the past few years, I am heartened by the flourishing partnership that has touched so many lives in Ethiopia. I acknowledge the significant personal sacrifices you all have made—whether in terms of time, finances, or even at the risk of your lives; and I appreciate your dedication and hard work.
I would like to share an article recently published by Action Against Hunger that is relevant. The study emphasizes the issue of relapse among children discharged from malnutrition treatment in three countries. The findings are consistent with other studies and reviews done in the past. While outpatient treatment of acute malnutrition effectively improves survival rates, the high relapse rate underscores the need for supplementary support during and after treatment to ensure sustained recovery. This study supports the recommendation for Baal Dan to fund the provision of supplementary food for children recovering from severe acute malnutrition treatment. Additionally, the study highlights the need to understand and address the primary causes of relapse, such as illness and food insecurity.
See the report here: Rates and risk factors for relapse among children recovered from severe acute malnutrition in Mali, South Sudan, and Somalia: a prospective cohort study - The Lancet Global Health
Dr. Mesfin Teklu Tessema is the Head of the Health Unit at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), where he leads IRC’s efforts in diverse areas of health programming and policy. The Health Unit is one of IRC’s technical units, which has more than 70 technical and support staff, responsible for providing high-quality technical assistance to IRC country programs, lead focused research and advocacy. With over 25 years of experience in public health, nutrition, and humanitarian affairs, he brings a wealth of expertise.
ORPHAN'S AID SOCIETY - UKRAINE
"Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 galvanized the world’s charitable organizations to aid the Ukrainian populace. One of these charities was Baal Dan. Baal Dan vetted our organization, Orphans Aid Society, recommending us as a suitable recipient to other charities. The relationship between Baal Dan and OAS, which started in 2022, has continued to this day. Baal Dan, directly, and with their sister charities, has provided annual grants to OAS earmarked for aid to needy orphans, living in home environments with single caretakers, to cover their schooling costs. We are grateful to Baal Dan for their professionalism, integrity and unwavering support."
Victor Czartorysky, Chairman, Orphans Aid Society, New York City
"Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 galvanized the world’s charitable organizations to aid the Ukrainian populace. One of these charities was Baal Dan. Baal Dan vetted our organization, Orphans Aid Society, recommending us as a suitable recipient to other charities. The relationship between Baal Dan and OAS, which started in 2022, has continued to this day. Baal Dan, directly, and with their sister charities, has provided annual grants to OAS earmarked for aid to needy orphans, living in home environments with single caretakers, to cover their schooling costs. We are grateful to Baal Dan for their professionalism, integrity and unwavering support."
Victor Czartorysky, Chairman, Orphans Aid Society, New York City
JAGRITI SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND - INDIA
"The partnership of NFBM Jagriti school for blind girls with Baal Dan charity has been flourishing ever since the year 2016-17. This organization has supported the NFBM Jagriti school for blind girls, an institution which caters to the education, lodging, boarding of underprivileged rural visually challenged girl children. Our association with this organization has resulted in the provision of excellent quality diet to around 450 beneficiaries of this institution. As a consequence of this support the under nourished children between the age group of 5 to 16 who have been the beneficiary of grants have gone back from our institution as physically fit mentally well individuals. Quality nutrition has also improved our students focus and concentration resulting in an excellent academic performance. We are grateful to all the members of Baal Dan Charity for their continuous support to our cause-oriented mission of leading our students to a path of social, emotional and financial independence."
Sakina Bedi, Spokesperson, NFBM
Sakina Bedi, Spokesperson, NFBM
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LIGHTHOUSE SIMULATION CENTER - SOUTH AFRICA
"Without the help of Baal Dan Charities we would not be able to give the children a balanced meal every day, and to improve their quality of life. We cannot express enough how grateful we are for the kindness of Baal Dan Charities. We also got money to but the children uniforms that help with their self-esteem."
Lucilla Jacinto, The Lighthouse Stimulation Center for the Disabled |
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CBR, BHAKTAPUR - Nepal
"CBR, Bhaktapur feels proud to have an opportunity of providing daily meals for the children with multiple disabilities of special school at CBR, Bhaktapur with the support of Baal Dan. CBR, Bhaktapur would like to sincerely thank, and we hereby acknowledge the Baal Dan Charity for your significant contribution to the children with multiple disabilities of Bhaktapur."
Suresh Pradhan, Coordinator, CBR Bhaktapur
Suresh Pradhan, Coordinator, CBR Bhaktapur
Parents of children with multiple severe disabilities:
“My child is regularly provided fresh, hygienic and nutritious meals in the school, which are easy to digest and good for health. The child is happy with daily meals."
Ms. Renu Duwal, Mother of Dibha Suwal, 12 years old
“My child has been getting hygienic meals at school regularly, which protects my child from malnutrition. We are happy with daily meals."
Ms. Rajya Laxmi Prajapati, Mother of Upashana Prajapati, 16 years old
“My child is regularly provided fresh, hygienic and nutritious meals in the school, which are easy to digest and good for health. The child is happy with daily meals."
Ms. Renu Duwal, Mother of Dibha Suwal, 12 years old
“My child has been getting hygienic meals at school regularly, which protects my child from malnutrition. We are happy with daily meals."
Ms. Rajya Laxmi Prajapati, Mother of Upashana Prajapati, 16 years old
Voice of Children - Nepal
Baal Dan has ensured children's basic rights. The family separated (street connected, sexually abused and working) children have benefitted from the grants of Baal Dan USA. The children have developed the physical and mental health by nutritious food, safeguarded in protective accommodation and got clothes as per seasons which are essential and basic rights of the children. Baal Dan’s support has protected the children’s fundamental rights by fulfilling basic needs.
Mr. Raju Ghimire, Deputy Director- Program, Voice of Children Nepal
Mr. Raju Ghimire, Deputy Director- Program, Voice of Children Nepal
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does Baal Dan select grantee partners?
The Baal Dan team leverages its international network and does research to identify and evaluate grantee partners. We audit all potential grantees and work with them to develop grant agreements and processes for effective communication and reporting.
2. Does Baal Dan host mission trips for donors to visit grantee organizations?
Baal Dan is committed to the wellbeing of vulnerable children in the care of the organizations it funds. Many of these children have suffered from early childhood trauma, displacement, physical neglect (e.g. malnutrition) and abuse. Baal Dan grantee organizations strive to provide safe and secure environments for the children that include a stabilizing routine and structure for their days (e.g, attending school, extracurricular activities etc.).
Disruptions to their regular routines can be destabilizing for the children, so Baal Dan does not actively organize mission trips or extended visits to partner organizations to minimize disruption to the children’s regular routine.
If donors wish to see the impact of their support to the grantee organizations in-person, we can facilitate a short visit at a mutually agreed upon date and time. In general, visits will be organized on a weekend so as not to disrupt the children’s school attendance and not too early or late in the day to avoid over-burdening the staff. We do not encourage visits during public holidays as the organization may be short-staffed on those days or other activities/traditions are planned, (e.g. Diwali, Christmas). Donors will need to arrange their own transportation and take any precautions necessary (e.g. wearing face masks, avoid wearing valuable items).
If donors would like to provide a small gift for the children at the orphanage, we ask that it be limited to small food items purchased locally (e.g. chocolates or candies enough for every child and staff member to avoid disputes), or toys that can be shared for group activities (e.g. bats, balls, jump ropes, paint sets). It is suggested that items be purchased locally, if possible, to support the local economy. Bringing in large quantities of clothing, shoes or medicinal items from the US may be subject to local customs and duty charges and is not advised.
All visitors will be required to have prior permission from Baal Dan before visiting a grantee and sign an Indemnification form with proof of ID.
Please note: Children may not be immunized for Covid and other diseases that might be standard in the US. Donors are encouraged to maintain a safe social distance from the children and avoid any close physical contact, sharing of personal information or asking the children any personal questions which may be triggering. Some of Baal Dan’s grantee organizations care for girls in non-coed facilities. If this is the case, we recommend that male donors visit with a female companion or group as the organizations may not be comfortable with solo male visitors.
3. Can I arrange to volunteer on site at an orphanage?
Again, as you think about contributing time on site, we encourage donors to avoid disrupting the normal rhythm of the children and their caregivers. For donors that wish to contribute their time on site with activities such as cleaning or yard work, this could be coordinated depending on the organization's needs.
4. Can I donate directly to grantee organizations instead of through Baal Dan?
Please contact grantee organizations directly for further information, tax receipts and impact information if you donate directly to them.
Baal Dan Charities USA assumes no responsibility or liability for any donations made directly to these organizations.
The Baal Dan team leverages its international network and does research to identify and evaluate grantee partners. We audit all potential grantees and work with them to develop grant agreements and processes for effective communication and reporting.
2. Does Baal Dan host mission trips for donors to visit grantee organizations?
Baal Dan is committed to the wellbeing of vulnerable children in the care of the organizations it funds. Many of these children have suffered from early childhood trauma, displacement, physical neglect (e.g. malnutrition) and abuse. Baal Dan grantee organizations strive to provide safe and secure environments for the children that include a stabilizing routine and structure for their days (e.g, attending school, extracurricular activities etc.).
Disruptions to their regular routines can be destabilizing for the children, so Baal Dan does not actively organize mission trips or extended visits to partner organizations to minimize disruption to the children’s regular routine.
If donors wish to see the impact of their support to the grantee organizations in-person, we can facilitate a short visit at a mutually agreed upon date and time. In general, visits will be organized on a weekend so as not to disrupt the children’s school attendance and not too early or late in the day to avoid over-burdening the staff. We do not encourage visits during public holidays as the organization may be short-staffed on those days or other activities/traditions are planned, (e.g. Diwali, Christmas). Donors will need to arrange their own transportation and take any precautions necessary (e.g. wearing face masks, avoid wearing valuable items).
If donors would like to provide a small gift for the children at the orphanage, we ask that it be limited to small food items purchased locally (e.g. chocolates or candies enough for every child and staff member to avoid disputes), or toys that can be shared for group activities (e.g. bats, balls, jump ropes, paint sets). It is suggested that items be purchased locally, if possible, to support the local economy. Bringing in large quantities of clothing, shoes or medicinal items from the US may be subject to local customs and duty charges and is not advised.
All visitors will be required to have prior permission from Baal Dan before visiting a grantee and sign an Indemnification form with proof of ID.
Please note: Children may not be immunized for Covid and other diseases that might be standard in the US. Donors are encouraged to maintain a safe social distance from the children and avoid any close physical contact, sharing of personal information or asking the children any personal questions which may be triggering. Some of Baal Dan’s grantee organizations care for girls in non-coed facilities. If this is the case, we recommend that male donors visit with a female companion or group as the organizations may not be comfortable with solo male visitors.
3. Can I arrange to volunteer on site at an orphanage?
Again, as you think about contributing time on site, we encourage donors to avoid disrupting the normal rhythm of the children and their caregivers. For donors that wish to contribute their time on site with activities such as cleaning or yard work, this could be coordinated depending on the organization's needs.
4. Can I donate directly to grantee organizations instead of through Baal Dan?
Please contact grantee organizations directly for further information, tax receipts and impact information if you donate directly to them.
Baal Dan Charities USA assumes no responsibility or liability for any donations made directly to these organizations.
PAST GRANTEE PARTNERSHIPS & IMPACT
Child Sponsorship Program, Loreto Sealdah School - India
Building a School: Project Mala - India
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Building a Pre-School & Lavatories: EBZEF - Zambia
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Building a well, providing emergency assistance and daily food: HaitiChildren, Haiti
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As co-founder of HaitiChildren I am writing to express our deepest gratitude for the effort and support of Baal Dan. With your help, we have provided hundreds of thousands of meals to the orphans in our care and over 1,000 impoverished students in schools within the surrounding villages where HaitiChildren continues to offer critical services during this challenging time in Haiti. In a period marked by war and political unrest, Baal Dan’s unwavering commitment to those in need has brought hope and nourishment to many who survived on the one meal a day (5 days per week) that was offered through your grants to HaitiChildren. The impact of your generosity cannot be overstated; you have made a significant difference in the lives of countless children who rely on these meals for their sustenance and well-being.
Your dedication to humanitarian aid exemplifies the spirit of compassion and solidarity that is so vital during a time of extreme danger when children often came to receive food in order to survive another day. We thank you, especially Ms. Pinto for her visit and her vision and action taken when HaitiChildren needed Baal Dan’s help the most. May God bless your organization with the provision of every need so that this work continues. Susan S. Krabacher, CEO & Cofounder of HaitiChildren |
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Daily food and counselling support for abused and trafficked girls - Radiate Coalition, Honduras
"There are over 2 million people considered to be in a food crisis in Honduras. Our ministry takes in trafficked and abused young girls in the poorest country in Central America and donor funding can be unpredictable at times. Baal Dan has allowed us to focus on trauma recovery while they generously provided these girls with fresh produce and staples for 3 healthy meals a day - changing their outlook on food from survival, to learning about proper nutrition and food preparation. More and more studies show that nutrition is vital for healing and development in children. Thanks to Baal Dan and this amazing partnership, these girls have a different future now and have moved from survivors into thrivers! Thank you so much Tanya! Soli Deo Gloria.
Todd Patton, Dir. Business Administration, Radiate Coalition
Todd Patton, Dir. Business Administration, Radiate Coalition