Donations are used directly for project delivery — including materials, local labour, logistics, and on-ground implementation. Mates Fund does not pay staff, consultants, or directors. We keep projects intentionally lean and share updates so supporters can see how funds are used and why decisions are made.

Yes. Mates Fund is entirely volunteer-run. All planning, coordination, administration, and governance is carried out by volunteers.

We also do not use donations to cover travel, accommodation, or business-related expenses such as transport, meals, printing, or market costs. These are paid for out of pocket by volunteers. Donations are reserved for project delivery and community-led initiatives.

Projects are shaped by community-identified needs, existing relationships, and our capacity to deliver responsibly. We prioritise initiatives that are practical, locally supported, and achievable — not those designed to look good or scale quickly.

Communities define priorities and guide solutions. Our role is to support through funding, coordination, and practical assistance — not to arrive with predetermined answers. Projects are co-designed with local partners and adapt over time based on feedback and context.

Yes. Donors can choose to support specific programs — including work in Fiji, Pakistan, or Mates in Crisis — or contribute to general funds that allow us to respond where the need is greatest.

Mates in Crisis is a dedicated reserve designed to support ethical disaster response, recovery, and long-term resilience in communities affected by climate-driven emergencies. It focuses on responsible action guided by trusted partners, rather than reactive or short-term aid.

We are currently progressing formal charity registration and DGR status. We’re transparent about this and will update supporters as this process moves forward.

Support can take many forms — including skills-based contributions, partnerships, in-kind support, fundraising, or long-term collaboration. We’re always open to conversations about how values-aligned support can make a real difference.