We like to say that Open Value Foundation was born out of our joy of giving. Since we got married, my husband and I felt so blessed that we were able to make a living and save some money aside, that we decided to share with those not as fortunate as us at least a part of it. 

These were the beginnings of our Foundation, giving to those in need of assistance, and trying to ensure that the majority of our grants would reach the projects directly, leaving the lesser to intermediate organizations. This is how we came to know the Spanish NGO, Africa Directo, through which 100% of the support makes it to the beneficiaries of their projects.

Over the years we have learned from our successes and mistakes, four fundamental things that are the pillars of Open Value Foundation today:

1. Listen to those in need, because they know what they need better than anyone. I still remember that a well we helped to build. The women it was aiming to help didn't make use of it because they’d rather walk over an hour to the river to socialize with other women.

2. Don’t give the fish, but teach how to fish. For years we neglected this wise and trite truth.No matter how old it may sound, by giving fish we have grown many communities dependent on our help. 

3. Share our knowledge, not just our savings. Offer solutions to make projects in developing countries economically sustainable and independent from us.  

4. A peer-to-peer relationship works better. Having the needs of both donor and receiver covered as agreed by both sides is the ideal of all worlds.

The purpose of this blog is to share our experience and accompany all those who experience the joy of giving and want to move forward on the path towards sustainable philanthropy.