Q. What will you say you did on 19th July 2009 ?



A. Sat at home and watched Hollyoaks

B. Made a difference and had some fun

Register To Walk & Run
Volunteer At Partnership Walk & Run
Women & Children Being Educated About Good Hygiene & Sanitation Practices, Gujarat, India

Return to previous page


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE AGA KHAN FOUNDATION

What is Partnership Walk & Run?

Partnership Walk & Run is the global coming together of individuals from different backgrounds and corporate sponsors to participate in a sponsored walk & run. It is an international event which is held in Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Partnership Walk & Run's are the result of the support from thousands of walkers and the dedication of hundreds of volunteers contributing hours of their time and energy to help raise funds and awareness of the Aga Khan Foundation’s (AKF) projects.

The success of Partnership Walk & Run is not only based on the hard work of the volunteers but also the sponsorship we receive from our walker’s and corporate partners.

What does the Aga Khan Foundation do?

AKF promotes long-term development that can be sustained by the communities in developing countries. It focuses on four important areas – health, education, rural development and strengthening of local non-governmental organisations. Activities range from management of natural resources, building of infrastructure e.g. irrigation channels, training of teachers and the management of schools, to healthcare education and the management of health clinics. All activities are developed, owned and managed by the communities participating in the programmes. The Aga Khan Foundation is a non-denominational, secular organisation. Its programmes assist communities irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion or language. AKF asks independent experts to evaluate its programmes, the results of which are then distributed to others around the world. In this way even small programmes can have big impact.

Is the Aga Khan Foundation a religious organisation? 

No. AKF is a private, international, non-denominational agency. Their programmes are open to everyone within their areas of operation without reference to religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

What is the legal status of the Aga Khan Foundation? 

The Aga Khan Foundation is incorporated in Switzerland as a non-profit institution. It is registered in the UK as a Charity – Number 266518.

Where does the Aga Khan Foundation obtain its funding? 

His Highness the Aga Khan is the founder and chairman of the Board of the Aga Khan Foundation. He provides regular funding for administration, new programme and country initiatives, and for some core activities. The Ismaili community contributes invaluable volunteer time, professional services, and substantial financial resources. Other funding sources include income from investments and grants from government (e.g. the United Kingdom and Germany), institutional (e.g. European Commission) and private sector partners (e.g. Johnson & Johnson) -- as well as donations from individuals around the world.

Will my donation make a difference? 

Donations go directly to communities working with the Foundation.

What is the geographic focus of the work of the Aga Khan Foundation? 

AKF concentrates it work in South Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Africa, the areas inhabited by a large percentage of the world's poorest people. The Foundation focuses on countries where it has experience and expertise, and where local staff can help monitor progress and ensure that resources are used effectively.

How do I know my donation will reach these communities?

AKF channels donor support straight to the appropriate organisations and communities. All AKF administration costs are paid for by His Highness the Aga Khan. Projects supported through events such as the Partnership Walk are carefully managed and monitored. Highly qualified local staff are able to ensure that funds are used effectively. In addition, the Foundation asks outside organisations such as the World Bank and UNICEF to evaluate projects to determine whether they are working and are actually assisting those in need.

Isn’t assistance to developing countries a waste of money? 

The problems faced by the developing countries are immense; however, progress is being made. In the case of projects supported by the events such as the Partnership Walk, this progress is documented in evaluations conducted by independent experts. For example, the United Nations Development Programme’s report on AKF’s work in Tajikistan stated that: “The work of the Aga Khan Foundation in Gorno-Badakshan has had a tremendous impact in increasing school attendance in this mountainous region, and in improving the overall quality and accessibility of education.”

Why should I give money to AKF rather than other agencies operating in developing countries?

The Foundation does not compete for funds with fellow members of the UK development community. UK NGOs are known around the world for their effectiveness, and are worthy of support.

What is the legal status of the agencies of the AKDN?

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is chartered as a private, autonomous, international university by the Government of Pakistan. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) is incorporated as a commercial entity under Swiss law. All of the other agencies are incorporated in Switzerland as non-profit institutions.

What is the geographic focus of the work of the AKDN agencies?

The work of all AKDN agencies is heavily concentrated in South Asia, Central Asia, and Eastern Africa, the areas inhabited by a large percentage of the world's poorest people. Individual agencies have activities in other areas such as Western Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture conducts programmes directed to the entire Islamic World.