who we are
values and principles
MRDF's values are expressed through all of its overseas partnerships. For example as pictured here in Nepal, where MRDF partners work with women to help them to earn a living and improve their literacy skills
Core Values
Our core values are informed by the example of Christ, who though he was rich became poor for our sake (2 Cor. 8.9). So we seek to:
1. Be both compassionate and inspirational
2. Be alongside, rather than in control
3. Respect, empower, enable and learn from those with whom we work, representing them accurately and with dignity
4. Seek to ensure best practice in the assessment, delivery and evaluation of grant aid, in advocacy and fundraising, and in personnel management
5. Optimise economy, minimising administration and fundraising costs and conserving the world's resources
6. Be driven by efficiency (working strategically and avoiding duplication, recognising that we cannot do it all) and effectiveness (achieving outcomes that result in real and durable change)
7. Be approachable, transparent and accountable to supporters, to partner organisations and to communities with whom we work
8. Explore and develop mutually beneficial partnerships where possible, recognising that this enriches our learning and increases our impact
9. Encourage networking and the sharing of good practice both overseas and in the UK
10. Provide a professional, dynamic and learning environment for staff and partners.
Guiding Principles
In seeking to spread scriptural holiness throughout the land, John Wesley empowered people to change their lives in the 18th century. People in poverty by our standards were encouraged to 'earn as much as you can, save as much as you can and give as much as you can'.
MRDF affirms its Methodist roots by being pragmatic, economical and responsible with resources, and by fostering potential at local level with small groups dedicated to social change. This means striving to:
1. Focus support on the poorest communities in some of the poorest countries, according to greatest need and regardless of faith
2. Work only through local partner organisations overseas who know the local context and needs best
3. Prioritise support for small organisations which are often unable to access funding from bigger agencies, and for Methodist partner church development initiatives
4. Strive for transforming and sustainable change rather than service provision
5. In emergency relief, work only through existing partners, Methodist Churches or Action by Churches Together (ACT) to ensure money is well-spent. Where possible, prioritise 'forgotten emergencies'
6. Produce educational resources and worship materials for supporters, in particular for Methodist churches and faith-based schools
7. Recognising that it is necessary to challenge the structures which make and keep people poor, provide supporters with opportunities for taking positive action for change
8. Support UK partners seeking structural change which can offer specific expertise to MRDF and to our supporters
These values and principles are founded in MRDF's mission and vision
