Embedded Files
Phase 1
Phase 1
Thanks to the generosity of a lot of San Diegans and non-San Diegans, Malayalees and non-Malayalees, we were able to collect over $100,000 towards the flood relief efforts. Here is the summary of what we have done so far in disbursing the collected funds. As a 501c(3) charitable organization we are bound by our constitution as well as the IRS guidelines. With this in mind, the Board has taken a very deliberate and methodical approach. As outlined at the SDM fundraising get-together, here is the proposed timeline:
Release Phase 1 funding – by Sept 30, 2018
Donate $10,000 to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund in this phase.
Identify Phase 2 funding targets and beneficiaries – by Nov 15 2018 (revised from Oct 31, 2018)
The funding schedule for Phase 2 would depend on the NGOs and the programs identified.
Identify Phase 3 finding targets and beneficiaries – by Dec 15, 2018 (revised from Nov 30, 2018)
The funding schedule for Phase 3 would depend on the NGOs and the programs identified.
Wrap up all fundraising activities and disbursements by Dec 31, 2018
Phase 2
Phase 2
Some of the challenges we have had with the disbursement of the collected funds has been in ensuring that the funds reach the affected people directly as well as stay within the parameters and guidelines set forth by the SDM constitution and IRS. The Board invited applications from NGOs through SDM members and after consultations with other similar charitable organizations and attorneys came up with the detailed questionnaire which is shown below. A point person (SDM member) was assigned to each NGO to compile the completed questionnaires as well as the required documentation. The NGOS were provided 3 weeks to complete the questionnaire which was then reviewed by the Board. Currently we have the following NGOs shortlisted for the final review - Helping Hands Organization, United Way Mumbai and Seeds India; 2 more NGOs are still being reviewed.
The Board has assigned a 4 member task force headed by Ajith Mekkoth to have detailed discussions with these NGOs as well as coordinate with the District Collectors and other governmental resources to ensure that the grants are not misused and also to utilize the them in the most efficient manner. These documents are also currently being reviewed with attorneys and CPAs here in the US. Once the NGO is selected - we are targeting 2 or 3 NGOs - this page will be updated along with the breakdown of the disbursements. Arrangements have also been made with these NGOs to provide periodic updates on the milestones and deliverables. These will be posted here so as to provide maximum transparency and accountability.
Shortlist NGO's
Shortlist NGO's
FINAL SELECTED NGO's
FINAL SELECTED NGO's
Initially short listed NGOs. Click on the logo to go their website. We also had initial discussions with 2 other NGOs. After deliberating with each of the short listed NGOs, the Board decided to go with H2O and SeedsIndia for the rebuilding projects. We wish to record our deep gratitude to all of the charities in providing us with the required documentation and for all their efforts.
Breakup of Disbursements
Breakup of Disbursements
$10,000 - Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund on Sep 29, 2018 - completed. Also received confirmation from the Secretary.
H20: Phase 1: Project Launch and construction material purchase for Pazhayarikandam High School - Rs 2,50,000 ~ 3,638$ - completed on 2/27
H2O: Phase 1a: Launch of #methechange campaign and notebooks, etc - Rs 2,50,000 ~ $3,638 - completed on 2/27/19
H2O: Phase 2: Pazhayarikandam Auditorium completion - Rs 2,50,000 - completed on 6/27/2019
H2O: Phase 2a: Trauma care, school profiling, street profiling campaign activities completion - Rs 2,50,000
H2O Phase 3: Pazhayarikandam Flooring completion: Rs. 3,00,000 - completed on 6/27/2019
H2O Phase 3a: Balasabha, Award ceremony, campaign conclusion - Rs. 3,00,000 completed on 6/27/2019
H2O Final - both project completion with SDM plaque - Rs 171,600 completed on 11/2019
Seeds Phase 1: 20% of the project amount at signing - Rs. 8,63,500 - completed on 2/27/19
Seeds Phase 2: 40% of project amount after submission of detailed BOQ for each school and work commencement -Rs, 17,27,000- completed
Seeds Phase 3: 30% after installation of repair elements and submission of interim report - Rs.12,95,250 - completed
Seeds final - 10% after submission of final report and installation of plaque - Rs 4,31,750 - completed
** To factor in the currency exchange fluctuations, the Boards had kept aside around $8k. Following the completion of the H2O and Seeds projects, the Board worked with H2O and identified the Sanjevani project to disburse the remaining 8k. The agreement was signed and the project started. SDM transferred the funds to H2O in January 2021 but it was returned 3 weeks later by the bank in India due to the new FCRA regulations from Delhi. H2O is working with the Central FCRA board to get the revised FCRA approval and once that is done, the project will be completed and the funds transferred.
Additional information is also available in the 2020 Souvenir Pages 56-59
Project Details
Project Details
CMDRF - We do not have any control over the method or manner in which these funds are spent.
H2O: Project 1: Pazhayarikandam High school - auditorium reconstruction, school restoration
Project 2: #methechange Campaign
Project 3: Started in 2021 with the additional funds from the currency fluctuations - Sanjeevani project in progress
SeedsIndia: Project 1: Government Lower Primary School Kumaramkary Alappuzha - School restoration
Project 2: Government NS Lower Primary School Nedumudy Alappuzha - School Restoration
Project 3: A J John Memorial Lower Primary School Kainady Alappuzha - School Restoration
For detailed assessment reports and actual contracts, please see the images below.
Please email board@sandiegomalayalees.org with any questions or concerns
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