FIRELIGHT FOUND ATION

“Firelight Foundation recognizes the importance of family
and community in the life of a child. Firelight’s valued partners
are the villagers, local leaders, and caregivers whose
service vision has the children within their own sight.
Their efforts, supported by Firelight grants,
bring about constructive community actions
in which humanity is celebrated.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
July 2005
Firelight Foundation
740 Front Street, Suite 380
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
United States of America
Phone: +1-831-429-8750
Fax: +1-831-429-2036
info@firelightfoundation.org
www.firelightfoundation.org
The Firelight Foundation is a private foundation located in Santa Cruz, California.
The Foundation incorporated in December 1999. The founding mission of Firelight Foundation
is to support the fundamental needs and rights of children struggling to grow up in the face of hardship.
FIRELIGHT FOUNDATION
FIRELIGHT FOUNDATION

Copyright © by the Firelight Foundation, 2005
All Rights Reserved
Design, artwork and desktop composition by Tristan Bähr
Printed and bound by Community Printers
Written and edited by Karen Ande, Jennifer Anderson-Bähr,
Jennifer Astone, Lynn Brisson, Caitlin Brune, Josh Dankoff,
Britt Ehrhardt, Geoff Foster, Jim Hayes, Siphelile Kaseke,
David Katz, Heidi Lidtke, Kerry Olson, Maria Porter,
Joop Rubens, and Laura Sutherland
Additional assistance by Cheryl Talley-Moon, Brendan Bujold
Cover and inside front cover photographs by Jim Hayes
Inside back cover photograph by Jennifer Anderson-Bähr
Photographs by Jennifer Anderson-Bähr, Brendan Bujold,
Jim Hayes, Jeff Johnson, Deb Kennedy, and Joop Rubens
Pages 33-72 International statistics from
The State of the World’s Children 2005 (UNICEF, New York)
and Children on the Brink 2004: A Joint Report on
New Orphan Estimates and a Framework for Action
(UNAIDS/UNICEF/USAID, New York)
We dedicate this report to the memory of the many children, parents, and unsung heros
who have worked so hard to fight for a better life for their families and communities.
Page 59: Statistics from United States Social Security Office website,
Actuarial Study No. 115, printed 2/2/04,
http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/NOTES/as115/as115Tbl_III_B18.html#1204840
and Carol Levine and Gary L. Stein, 1994, Orphans of the Epidemic Unmet Needs
in Six U.S. Cities (New York, The Orphan Project)

Mission & Vision ................................................................ 3
Letter from the President & Director ..................................... 4
Values .............................................................................. 6
Firelight Milestones ............................................................ 8
PROGRAMS
Grantmaking ................................................................... 12
What’s Risky About “Risk Grantmaking” .......................... 14
Monitoring, Evaluation & Technical Assistance ................... 16
Public Awareness & Donor Outreach ................................. 19
An Advocacy Tool to Increase Support
of Family and Community-Based Care ............................. 22
Strategic Alliances ........................................................... 24
Youth Leadership & Participation ....................................... 26
Funding Guidelines & Review Process ................................ 29
GRANTS 2004
Countries Reached in 2004 .............................................. 32
Cameroon ...................................................................... 33
Kenya .............................................................................. 35
Lesotho ........................................................................... 39
Malawi ............................................................................ 41
Rwanda ........................................................................... 43
South Africa ..................................................................... 47
Tanzania .......................................................................... 51
Uganda ........................................................................... 55
United States .................................................................... 59
Zambia ........................................................................... 61
Zimbabwe ....................................................................... 67
Grant Awards by Year ....................................................... 73
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
Financial Information ........................................................ 77
Donors ............................................................................ 81
Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and Staff ..................... 84
Volunteers ....................................................................... 88
Joop Rubens
MAKE A DIFFERENCE ................................................... 89
Please note that this Annual Report covers the period from October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004.

MISSION
The mission of the Firelight Foundation is to support and advocate for the needs and rights of children
who are orphaned or affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Firelight strives to increase the
resources available to grassroots organizations that are strengthening the capacity of families and
communities to care for children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.
VISION
Firelight envisions a world in which children’s rights are
recognized, protected, and upheld. Every child, regardless
of race, creed, or country, is provided with a safe
environment, adequate food, shelter, and health services,
a sound education, nurturing care, and a supportive
family. Governments, non-governmental organizations,
communities, and individuals work together to guarantee
children’s sustained quality of life. Children are recognized
for their strengths and their voices are valued and heard.
Firelight envisions a just, compassionate, and equitable
world in which there is widespread awareness of, as well
as the will and ability to address, the devastating impact
of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Africa is not written off as a “lost
cause” or a hopeless situation. Governments, international
organizations, and donors value African lives and respond
accordingly. There is a universal belief in the power of
grassroots organizations and a corresponding investment
in their work. A strong and growing African civil society is
recognized, valued, and supported.
© Jim Hayes

The 2004 Annual Report marks the Firelight Foundation’s fifth year of grantmaking (October 2003 through September 2004). As we
reflect on the phenomenal growth of the foundation over this past years, we celebrate community and collaboration and the roles
they have played in making a difference in the lives of thousands of African children made vulnerable by poverty and HIV/AIDS.
While the Firelight Foundation started with the vision and initiative of a
few individuals, it has quickly grown into a broad community effort with
strong collaborative ties to many different individuals and organizations.
Our message about the pivotal role of community-based organizations
in addressing the needs of children affected by HIV/AIDS has resonated
with a wide range of people and groups. Collaboration with our donors,
grantees, colleagues, and volunteers has led to many more children and
families served. It is through this community of support that our work is
made possible.
Jennifer Anderson-Bähr
Inspired by the mission and experience of Firelight, a growing circle of
donors has expanded our work through their generosity and enthusiasm.
Our donors include hundreds of individuals, as well as several
foundations. Thanks to this increased support, we were able to fund 44
first-time grant awards and 65 renewals in 2004, totaling $1,186,900,
representing a 60% increase from the previous year in total grant dollars
awarded. Over $350,000 in grant awards were made through the
Firelight Foundation Donor Advised Fund at the Tides Foundation. Most
notably, 2004 marks the first year in which the majority of grants were
funded through donor dollars. While the endowment continues to cover
Firelight’s operational expenses, program services, and a portion of its
grants, fundraising is now the primary source of our grantmaking. Fully
100% of the funds we raise go directly to organizations serving children,
and we are extremely grateful for our donors’ partnership in getting these
dollars to the grassroots level, where every dollar counts.
Kerry Olson
Collaboration with other foundations has supported Firelight’s
mission to increase the overall resources reaching children within their
communities. More and more frequently, Firelight is being called upon to share its experience with other foundations. From
making specific recommendations for grant awards to providing mentorship on our grantmaking procedures, Firelight is
expanding our impact beyond our own grantmaking through collaboration with others. In addition, a growing number of
foundations are investing directly in our work. We are excited to begin a partnership with the Flora Family Foundation to
support our efforts in Tanzania. Funds from the Argentarius Foundation and New Field Foundation have strengthened our
grantmaking and programs.

Collaboration and participation in key donor networks, such as Grantmakers Without Borders, the Council on Foundations, and
the Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group, have enhanced Firelight’s learning and leadership. These forums have provided us with
many opportunities to both share our work and learn from others. In the complex landscape of global HIV/AIDS, networking is
essential to effectiveness. Our impact and our message are so much more likely to make a difference when we join our efforts
and our voices with those of others. This past year, Firelight has taken the lead on an exciting collaborative advocacy project with
American Jewish World Service, the Bernard van Leer Foundation, and the
Pan-African Children’s Fund. To be completed in 2005, the project is a joint
document for wide public distribution that will highlight the importance of
investing in community-based approaches that strengthen the capacity of
families to care for vulnerable children.
Our approach to grantmaking is child-centered, family-focused, and
community-based. We believe that children grow best in families. For this
reason, we invest in community-based organizations that are supporting
and strengthening the family safety net of care that has been so ravaged
by poverty and HIV/AIDS. As of September 2004, we have awarded grants
to over 160 such organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa. We continue to be
inspired by and to learn from our grantee partners, who are bringing hope
to their communities through their action and service in the face of many
challenges. We support these efforts not only through direct funding of
services, but also through facilitating shared learning and networking, and
providing opportunities for grassroots organizations to expand their own
collaboration and community of support.
Jennifer Anderson-Bähr
Firelight’s story is one of many participants, including youth themselves,
working together to make a better world for children who struggle to grow
up in the face of hardship. This annual report is a testament to the power
of collaboration and community, as reflected in the grant award and
organizational descriptions, personal profiles, and an expanded list of staff, Jennifer Astone
Advisory Board members, donors, assessors, and volunteers. With the help
of many, Firelight has increased our work in each of our program areas described in the following pages. This collaborative
enterprise represents literally thousands of relationships, and tens of thousands of conversations about how to make a
difference for children in Sub-Saharan Africa. We invite you to join in this conversation and we thank you for your support.
In appreciation,
Kerry Olson, Founder & President
Jennifer Astone, Executive Director

Firelight’s values are the underlying principles by which we operate. They are the core beliefs and assumptions that
guide and characterize our work.
Belief in the Resilience and Strength of Children
Children are the future. We believe that children are resilient and are able to rise above many challenges. We believe that children should
be treated as partners, future leaders, and important community members worth listening to, rather than as mere recipients of services.
We encourage others to value children in this way. We believe that children are experts in their own lives and that we should take seriously
what children are saying.
Belief in the Importance of Family and Community
We believe that children grow best in families. A child’s developmental and long-term needs are best met within a family, rather than an
institution such as an orphanage. Strengthening the capacity of families and communities is the most effective way to address the needs of
children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.
Belief in the Power of the Grassroots
In areas of few resources, one of the most effective and powerful means of bringing about social change is through community-based
organizations. We believe that investing in grassroots organizations contributes to the development of civil society and is essential to
lasting change.
Respect for Community Ownership and Local Leadership
As outside donors, we are careful not to undermine community ownership. A community’s ownership and investment in finding its own
solutions to local problems is essential to sustainability. We seek to learn from and to work in partnership with local leadership. Our
philosophies and strategies are informed by practical experience in the field. We listen to our grantee-partners and we adapt our strategies
accordingly to become more effective.
Being a Learning Organization
To say that we are a learning organization is to acknowledge that we are continually developing and evolving. We learn by doing, and we
extend our learning through data collection, analysis, documentation, and reflection. We strive to stay informed through observing what is
happening on the ground, participating in relevant networks, keeping abreast of research and developments in the field, and maintaining
good communication with key partners.

Being Agile, Adaptive, and Responsive
As a relatively lean international grantmaker, we strive to remain nimble and quick to respond to needs as they arise. We adapt our
strategy to newly discovered or realized circumstances – internally, on the ground, and in the broader global community – changing our
approach based on what we know is effective. We are listening, monitoring, and constantly asking how we can use our resources more
effectively.
Being Collaborative
We value collaboration for many reasons, but first and foremost because we know that the scale and scope of the HIV/AIDS crisis in
Africa requires it. We actively engage in networking and in sharing information, resources, and ideas with peer organizations. We initiate
strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations to extend the impact of our efforts by facilitating information exchange, enabling
joint advocacy on key issues, and encouraging the leveraging of funds.
Serving as a Model and an Inspiration
Our hope is to encourage others to take up and build upon our grantmaking model and to engage in this work. We increase resources
available to children by actively promoting a grassroots, small grants, respectful approach to grantmaking and by serving as a model for
other foundations. Our measure of success is whether or not we are able to catalyze more resources getting to the ground.
Investing in Professional Staff and Outside Expertise
Our staff is informed and experienced in grantmaking, and is credible and respected in the wider donor community and in the field.
The high caliber of the Firelight team differentiates and enables our work as a foundation. We support internal communication and
team building, and we invest in the well-being and professional development of our staff. We further seek to deepen and broaden our
expertise and effectiveness through a wide circle of advisors, including Advisory Board members, “eyes on the ground,” consultants,
and other outside sources.
Maintaining Internal and External Consistency
We strive to ensure that the values and approaches we promote externally are embodied internally, and are reflected in all of our
relationships, communication, and policies.

FIRELIGHT CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS
OF GRANTMAKING – A TIMELINE OF
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS AND MILESTONES
1999
December — Kerry Olson attends the United Nations
Conference on Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS.
December — Co-founders Kerry Olson and David Katz
name, incorporate, and endow the Firelight Foundation.
2000
January — Firelight’s first grant is awarded to the Elizabeth
Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation for “A Call to Action,”
a program to reduce mother-to-child-transmission in
developing countries.
January — Suzi Peel, U.S. Director of Association François
Xavier Bagnoud (AFXB), joins Firelight as our first Advisory
Board member.
February — Kerry Olson and Nancy Shallow (member of
Firelight’s Board of Directors) meet with Sandra Thurman,
U.S. Director of AIDS Policy and with family foundation
and international grantmaking advisors at the Council on
Foundations. The decision is made to focus Firelight’s work
on children orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-
Saharan Africa.
March — Firelight moves to its first office space: a one-room
office in Santa Cruz, California.
March — Tammy Moody joins Firelight as its first volunteer,
serving as Program Coordinator.
April — Firelight makes its first formal public presentation: “A
Roundtable on Children Orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Africa” at the
Council on Foundation’s Annual Conference in Los Angeles.
April — Natasha Martin, director of Global Strategies for HIV
Prevention, joins Firelight as our second Advisory Board member.
July — Tammy Moody attends the International Conference
on HIV/AIDS in Durban, South Africa. With advisor Suzi Peel,
she visits potential outreach areas in South Africa, Zimbabwe,
Zambia, Kenya, and Rwanda. The seeds for our first round of
grantmaking are sown.
September — The Firelight Pen Pal Exchange Program is
launched, linking California high school students with youth in
an after-school program in Alexandria Township, South Africa.
October — Firelight’s first Advisory Board meeting is held.
Jennifer Astone, Program Officer for Africa at the Global
Fund for Women, joins as third Advisory Board member.
Twenty-four proposals are recommended for funding.
December — Cheryl Talley-Moon joins Firelight as its first
employee, part-time Administrative Assistant.
December — First round of grants totaling $356,000 are
made to grassroots organizations directly serving children in
six African countries.
2001
January — Firelight receives its first corporate donation from
Zaplin Lampert Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
April — Jennifer Astone accepts the position of Director.
April — Firelight hosts its first meeting for other foundations,
featuring Dr. Greg Powell, Chair, Child Protection Society,
Zimbabwe.
April — At Firelight Foundation’s second Advisory Board
meeting the grantmaking procedures are refined. Twentythree
proposals are recommended for funding.
April — The Firelight web site is launched.
May — Firelight awards its 50th grant.
May — Firelight hires consultant Randy Trigg to develop its
database to manage the growing number of applications and
grants.

June — Betty Makoni, founder of Girl Child Network in
Zimbabwe speaks at Firelight’s first public meeting for a
grantee-partner visiting the U.S.
June — Firelight co-hosts a meeting with the Rockefeller
Brothers Fund and Africa Services Committee in New York,
bringing together 28 participants representing foundations,
film makers, and African non-governmental organizations
to discuss “Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Africa:
Lessons Learned.”
July — A strategic partnership with American Jewish World
Service (AJWS) is initiated after Kerry Olson and Ruth
Messinger (President, AJWS) meet in New York.
July — Kerry Olson meets with Rory Kennedy. Firelight
provides the first grant to support her film on the AIDS
Pandemic.
December — Tammy Moody and Jennifer Astone conduct
site visits in Rwanda, Zambia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. They
hold the first grantee-partner meetings, new applicant
meetings, and youth forums.
May/June — Firelight’s grantmaking team is strengthened
with the addition of Caitlin Brune (Program Officer) and
Jennifer Anderson-Bähr (Senior Program Officer).
June — Firelight staff and President hold their first Annual
Team Retreat.
2002
January — Jennifer Astone moderates a discussion on “AIDS
and Philanthropy in Africa” at the African Grantmakers Affinity
Group Retreat in New York.
January — Firelight relocates to offices at 510 Mission Street
in Santa Cruz, California.
March — Jennifer Astone presents at the first Global
Philanthropy Forum on Borderless Giving, Stanford, California.
April — Dr. Geoff Foster, pediatrician and founder of FACT,
Zimbabwe, serves as a visiting scholar at our fourth Advisory
Board meeting and becomes our Advisory Board member.
April — Firelight receives its first individual donation from
Seattle businessman Martin King.
Jennifer Anderson-Bähr

July — Jennifer Astone, Jennifer Anderson-Bähr, and Kerry
Olson attend the International Conference on HIV/AIDS in
Barcelona. Firelight hosts its first grantee-partner and strategic
alliance dinner.
July — Firelight begins a formal collaboration with the
American Jewish World Service and the Bernard van Leer
Foundation to strengthen our work and advocacy on behalf of
children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.
September — Kerry Olson and David Katz host Firelight’s
first fundraising event, held in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
September — Firelight convenes its fifth Advisory Board
meeting. Beatrice Were of Uganda participates as our newest
Advisory Board member.
September — Youth Philanthropy Worldwide is funded by
Firelight to coordinate and expand the Pen Pal exchange,
renamed Youth Together Against AIDS.
October — Firelight makes its 100th grant award.
Our first multi-year grants are awarded, based on
recommendations at the fifth Firelight Advisory Board Meeting.
October — Firelight hosts a meeting in New York on
institutional care and the need for community-based alternatives.
Twenty-three members of philanthropic, educational,
governmental, civic, and faith-based organizations attend.
November — Firelight publishes its first annual calendar and
undertakes its first mailing campaign to promote awareness of
the work of grassroots organizations serving children in Africa.
November — Lesotho is added to Firelight’s country list after
Jennifer Astone and Jennifer Anderson-Bähr conduct site visits.
November — Kerry Olson gives the introductory speech at
the West Coast premiere of Rory Kennedy’s film Pandemic
AIDS, the opening event of the Global Philanthropy Forum
Conference on AIDS in San Francisco.
November — Jennifer Astone speaks at the first Grantmakers
Without Borders Conference in Washington, D.C.
Joop Rubens
2003
February — Firelight receives its first foundation grant from
the Argentarius Foundation in London, United Kingdom.
February — Jennifer Astone speaks at the Council on
Foundation’s Family Foundation Conference in San Jose on
“Successful Small Grants: When a Little Goes a Long Way.”

March — Tim Jackson, journalist, entrepreneur, and founder
of Argentarius Foundation, joins as an Advisory Board member.
March — With the help of volunteer Pat Bujold, Firelight
holds its second fundraising event in Los Gatos, California.
August — At our seventh Advisory Board meeting, Stefan
Germann, founder of Camp Masiye in Zimbabwe, joins as a
member and John Williamson, Senior Technical Advisor of the
Displaced Children and Orphans Fund of USAID, participates
as a visiting scholar.
August — The Firelight Donor Advised Fund at the Tides
Foundation is established.
August — The Firelight Grantee-Partner Newsletter is launched.
September — Firelight hosts a networking dinner for
38 representatives of grantee-partners, organizations,
and foundations focused on children affected by AIDS in
conjunction with the International Conference on AIDS and
STDs in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
October — Firelight co-funds Grassroots Alliance for
Community Education (GRACE) to conduct our first 5-day
workshop on organizational development for 14 granteepartners
from 5 African countries.
October — Firelight donor and volunteer Jim Hayes films
our first video, Stories from Kenya, featuring the work of a
grassroots organization in Butula.
November — Josh Dankoff, our first Firelight Fellow, joins
the team.
December — Firelight holds its first multimedia event
featuring the video, Stories from Kenya.
2004
January — Firelight receives its first family foundation grant
from the Flora Family Foundation, a three-year award for
work in Tanzania.
February — An anonymous donation of $300,000 is
received, which is the largest single outside donation to date.
March — At Firelight’s eighth Advisory Board meeting, Betty
Gahima, coordinator and co-founder of the Benishyaka
Association in Rwanda, participates as a visiting scholar.
April — Firelight awards its 250th grant. Firelight
produces its first Annual Report, First Four Years: 2000-2003
with designer Tristan Bähr. 2,000 copies are distributed.
June — Building on its success and lessons learned, Firelight
initiates a three-year stategic plan.
July — Cathy Aronson successfully completes her bicycle trip
across the United States, pedaling approximately 4,000 miles
(6,500 km) and raising more than $13,000 in donations.
September — Joop Rubens joins Firelight as the
Communications and Development Program Officer.
September — Firelight co-founders Kerry Olson and
David Katz are awarded the Ribbon of Dreams Award by
the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, in honor of their
serving “as a model for the rest of the country.”
September — Documentation and Dissemination proposals are
recommended for funding at the ninth Advisory Board meeting.
September — New Field Foundation contributes $60,000
to support grantee partners in Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe,
Rwanda, and South Africa.
September — Stanford graduate Britt Ehrhardt receives the
Tom Ford Fellowship in Philanthropy and chooses Firelight as
her placement.
The 2004 fiscal year ends September 30th. Firelight
celebrates 5 years of grantmaking: 284 grants to 168
organizations totaling $3,048,050 addressing the needs
of orphaned and vulnerable children in 12 African
countries and the U.S.

PROGRAMS
In its first five years of grantmaking (2000-2004), the
Firelight Foundation made 284 grants to 168 organizations
serving children in 12 African countries and the United
States. These grants totaled more than $3 million. In
fiscal year 2004, Firelight awarded 44 new grants and 65
regrants in 10 African countries totaling nearly $1.2 million.
WHERE WE FUND AND WHY
Firelight’s decision to focus our grantmaking on eastern and
southern Sub-Saharan Africa was based on an assessment
of the need and the opportunity for greatest impact. Of all
the regions in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa is by far the
worst affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Home to only
10% of the world’s population, it contains more than 60%
of all people living with HIV and more than 80% of the
children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS worldwide.
Grassroots organizations operating throughout Africa
provide the frontline response to this crisis, yet very few
dollars make it to the ground level. The Firelight Foundation
has responded to this situation by targeting its funds directly
to community-based organizations that are serving or
effectively advocating for children orphaned and affected by
HIV/AIDS.
Joop Rubens
In our first year (2000), Firelight accepted unsolicited
proposals from locally-run organizations in any country in
Sub-Saharan Africa. By 2002, we were inundated by the
number of requests and decided to concentrate on fewer
countries that had the highest level of need and the most
limited access to funds. In 2004, the Firelight Foundation
awarded grants in response to unsolicited proposals from
seven countries: Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa,
Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In addition, Firelight
made grant awards in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda to
organizations that had previously received funding or had
been invited to submit applications.

The Firelight staff seeks to address funding gaps and works closely with our Advisory Board to ensure that we direct our dollars
where they will have the greatest impact. Each year, our staff prepares a country analysis that includes data on current donors,
access to funding for locally-run organizations, and level of need. We engage in responsible risk-taking and work actively to
support smaller, worthy organizations that may never have previously received outside donor funds.
PROGRAMS
WHO WE FUND AND WHY
From the beginning, Firelight’s approach to grantmaking has been child-centered, family-focused, and community-based.
We believe that children grow best in families and that the most effective strategy for addressing the needs of children made
vulnerable by poverty and HIV/AIDS is to strengthen the capacity of families and communities to provide for their care. For this
reason, Firelight funds grassroots organizations that provide households and communities
with support to meet the material, educational, and psychosocial needs of children. We
look for programs that have local leadership, engage the community in creating solutions
to problems, and strengthen the community’s capacity to address its own needs.
While Firelight does not view orphanages to be developmentally appropriate or costeffective,
we recognize that residential care facilities can sometimes offer a temporary
and last resort response to children who have fallen through the safety net of family care.
We fund residential programs for street children, children with HIV/AIDS needing special
care, and abused children needing short-term shelter. Firelight has also provided funds to
organizations transitioning from an institutional care model to family and community-based
alternatives.
HOW MUCH WE GIVE
Firelight provides initial one-year grants of $1,000 to $10,000 to community-based
organizations serving children. We strive to make grants that support local initiative. We
are sensitive to the capacity of smaller organizations to absorb and utilize funds. Once a
relationship with a grantee-partner has been established, the Firelight Foundation makes
one-year and multi-year regrants of up to $15,000 per year based on program effectiveness and funding needs. Investing
funds over time enables organizations to develop their programs and increase their organizational capacity. Under special
circumstances, the Advisory Board or Board of Directors will recommend grants exceeding the $15,000 limit.

PROGRAMS
Firelight’s extensive experience working with emerging community-based organizations in Africa refutes the common notion
that these organizations do not have the capacity to manage international funding.
Some funders hesitate to make grants to African community-based organizations, despite the great and growing need for
local responses to HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. International funders express concerns about the organizational capacity
of small community-based groups, including the administrative structures, financial experience, and communications skills
of these organizations. One survey of donors and intermediary funding organizations found that “concerns about financial
accountability” was the most common reason why these funders were not providing
more resources to African community groups serving vulnerable children (Save
the Children U.K., 2005). These funders believe that emerging community-based
organizations cannot administer and document international funding.
Firelight’s experience proves otherwise.
Consistent with our philosophy of responsible risk-taking, Firelight’s “risk
grantmaking” program offers small grants directly to African community-based
organizations. These grants ensure that resources are available to those at the
frontlines of response to the orphan crisis. The organizations receiving these grants
often operate in rural areas, undertake innovative new programs, and rely on few or
no paid staff. Sometimes they do not have computer or telephone access. Usually,
they have little or no track record of managing external donations. In spite of these
constraints, Firelight has found that risk grants improve the lives of vulnerable
children and build the capacity of communities to address their own needs.
Firelight’s Definition of a Risk Grant: A new grant that is often, but not always, a
small dollar award (defined as US$5,000 or below) given to:
© Jim Hayes
• an emerging organization that may lack a formalized organizational structure,
established financial history, or other external funding sources; or
• an organization undertaking a pilot program or particularly innovative activity; or
• an organization with limited communication or proposal-writing skills but with
extensive community participation, strong leadership, well-thought-out plans for
growth, or other indicators of great promise.
At of the end of fiscal year 2004, Firelight had awarded risk grants to 98 carefully
reviewed organizations. Totaling $631,100, these grants constitute a significant
portion of the Foundation’s new grant portfolio. Risk grants are smaller than the
average grant given by Firelight, as we have found that small awards best facilitate

the growth of these organizations. These grants represent 6 out of every 10 new grants awarded but only 41% of all new grant
dollars awarded.
Risk grants initiate relationships between Firelight and community-based organizations. Our application, reporting, and
oversight processes strengthen the capacity of these small groups to win additional funding from Firelight and from other
external sources. These grants lend credibility to the group’s efforts, enhancing their visibility and reputation with community
members, local government agencies, and other donors. Most risk grant recipients successfully secure continued funding from
Firelight. However, a few risk grant recipients do fail to satisfy the Foundation’s minimum standards for regranting.
PROGRAMS
In Firelight’s extensive risk grantmaking portfolio,
only 10 risk grantees, or 17% of those applying for
continued funding, have failed to win regrant awards
to date. Importantly, these recipients DO NOT tend to
fail for reasons of organizational capacity, including
financial mismanagement. Rather, Firelight’s analysis
shows that unsuccessful risk grantees are most
commonly declined due to concerns about activities
or program orientation. These concerns might include
sustainability, the level of community involvement, or
other issues regarding program implementation (e.g.,
limited community participation, the absence of a
psychosocial support component, not strongly childfocused,
or overly broad activities).
RISK GRANTS
Number of risk grants to date 98
Risk grants as a percentage of new grants (168) 58%
Total risk grant dollars awarded $631,100
Risk grant dollars as a percentage of new grant dollars ($1,539,499) 41%
Number of risk grantees applying for and failing to receive regrants 10
Percentage of risk grantees applying for and failing to receive regrants 17%
Opportunities to support valuable activities are lost when donors exclude emerging community-based organizations from
receiving their funding. Firelight’s experience in making small grants to African community-based organizations shows that
these groups do have the capacity to administer external funding. Awards to carefully selected, community-based organizations
yield great return for vulnerable children, their families, and their communities.

PROGRAMS
The Firelight Foundation employs a variety of strategies to ensure that funds are used responsibly and effectively. Our approach
to monitoring, evaluation, and technical assistance (META) strives to remain practical, relevant, and respectful, while providing
information to guide our decision-making and describe our impact. Our META program informs how we do our work and
whom we fund. It also strengthens our grantee-partners’ capacity to assess, document, and build upon their own work.
ASSISTING WITH APPLICATION, DOCUMENTATION,
AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Firelight funds a wide range of programs and organizations serving
children. Many of the smaller organizations we fund have not previously
received outside support and are unfamiliar with the reporting
requirements of international foundations. Firelight has created a
set of clear and straightforward application and reporting guidelines
that provide us with the necessary legal and evaluative information.
We also offer assistance with the application and reporting process.
During country visits, Firelight staff holds New Applicant Meetings
for groups interested in submitting proposals. Individual site visits also
allow us to review and provide feedback on grantee-partner financial
and programmatic recordkeeping. We work with groups to assist them
with the final report process as needed. In addition to meeting our own
information needs, we aim to enable effective groups to refine their
internal systems for monitoring, evaluation, and documentation. In so
doing, they become better able to secure funds from other donors.
© Jim Hayes
Organizations working at the community level effectively address
the needs of children and families made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.
Unfortunately, too few of these groups have an opportunity to share their
work. Organizations that document their programs, strategies, and results
can share with peer organizations, policy makers, and donors. Firelight
uses several strategies to facilitate documentation and dissemination.
During Grantee-Partner Meetings, we encourage groups to discuss their
approaches to documenting their work with each other. Recognizing
that documentation requires time and resources, Firelight initiated a new
program to provide Documentation and Dissemination Grants to
selected organizations in 2004. Nine grantee-partners were awarded
funds to develop tools to describe and share their work. This first round
of Documentation and Dissemination Grants will help identify strategies
for supporting documentation needs more broadly in the future.

CONDUCTING SITE VISITS
During fiscal year 2004, Firelight staff traveled to Africa five times, visiting grantee-partners, observing their programs, and
building relationships with local experts and resource people. Site visits are one of the best ways to learn about the work of
community-based organizations. Especially in view of our grantee-partners’ limited capacity to report in English (often their
second or third language), site visits provide an opportunity to observe programs in action. Staff can engage in dialogue with
organizations’ staff, board, volunteers, youth, and community members. For grantee-partners, site visits demonstrate Firelight’s
personal interest in their work and offer an opportunity to address key issues with an outside resource. Given our limited staff
resources and our growing number of grantee-partners, it is difficult to visit every organization that we fund. Firelight works
with local consultants to assist our staff with the first-hand observation and support that is critical to our grantmaking.
PROGRAMS
WORKING WITH LOCAL RESOURCE PEOPLE AND CONSULTANTS
We continue to expand our network of consultants, who are individuals with an extensive understanding of their region and its
response to HIV/AIDS. This growing cadre of local experts serves as our “eyes on the ground,” assisting Firelight in evaluating
local needs and organizations. These individuals support our monitoring, evaluation, and technical assistance goals by
conducting site visits, evaluating new applicants, and carrying out baseline assessments. In November and December 2003,
Firelight consultants conducted the first baseline assessments of new Firelight granteepartners
in Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia. These assessments provide a
snapshot of an organization’s administrative and programming capacity at the outset of
their relationship with Firelight.
PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Many of the community-based groups we work with, especially those located in
rural areas, have never had the opportunity to network with other organizations.
Providing opportunities for different organizations to come together and share their
work reduces isolation, increases learning, and enables collaboration on many levels.
During staff country visits, Firelight sponsors national and regional Grantee-Partner
Meetings in which participants share lessons learned and exchange ideas about
programmatic and operational issues. In 2004, meetings were held in Lesotho and
Rwanda. Topics addressed during these meetings include documentation, privacy and
confidentiality in reporting, and strategies for effective networking.
Sylvestre Vuguziga, Coordinator of Projet
EER/SNEP, grantee-partner from Rwanda,
on the Value of Grantee-Partner Meetings.
The Firelight Foundation provides additional opportunities for networking through sponsoring grantee-partner participation in
regional and international conferences. Firelight sponsored the participation of Siphelile Kaseke (see page 69), founder of Youth
for a Child in Christ (YOCIC), as a youth representative at the XVth International Conference on HIV/AIDS held in Bangkok in
July 2004. The Global Health Council chose Beatrice Chola, Executive Director of Bwafwano Community Home-Based Care
Organization also a Firelight grantee, to present a paper on Bwafwano’s community mobilization work. Firelight sponsored
Beatrice’s travel to Washington D.C. for this conference.

PROGRAMS
SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONAL WORKSHOPS
Firelight has funded workshops to help organizations develop their
programmatic and management skills. Designed to address the technical
support needs identified by the grantee-partners themselves, Africa-based
non-governmental organizations experienced in training and support
conduct these workshops. These gatherings provide groups with the
opportunity to reflect on their growth, develop new skills, and identify future
directions.
Mary Makokha, Rural Education and Economic
Enhancement Programme (REEP), Kenya
In October 2003, Firelight co-sponsored a five-day organizational
development workshop led by the Grassroots Alliance for Community
Education (GRACE) in Kenya. Participants included 14 Firelight grantees
from 5 countries. The training covered a variety of topics, including
governance, personnel, financial management, documentation, monitoring,
evaluation, and program strategies. Firelight funding also supported
GRACE to follow up with participants six months after the workshop. Similar
workshops are planned for grantee-partners in Southern Africa in 2005.
ENHANCING INFORMATION
AND COMMUNICATION EXCHANGE
Organizations share their work through Firelight’s newsletter, which is
produced both in English and Kinyarwandan. Each bimonthly issue targets a
particular theme, such as “working with children with disabilities” or “youth
participation,” and features the programs and strategies contributed by
our grantee partners. The newsletter includes information about online (or
easily accessible) tools and alerts readers to other funding opportunities and
information sources.
Firelight funds the distribution of exemplary materials developed by or
for grassroots organizations addressing the needs of children orphaned
and affected by AIDS. In 2004, Firelight distributed several publications
developed by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, including Building Blocks:
Resources for Communities Working with Orphans and Vulnerable Children.
These resources provide organizations with materials designed to inform
their programming and assist their organizational development. For groups
lacking internet access, these written resources are especially helpful.
Grantee-partner, Firelight Newsletter #2

A growing number of grassroots organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa use communitybased
solutions to effectively address the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and families.
The Firelight Foundation is committed to making sure that these organizations receive
the attention they deserve. Our outreach activities strive to raise awareness, inspire
action, and increase the funds available for this important work.
PROGRAMS
Through events and publications, Firelight offers friends and supporters virtual access
to remote locations, enabling them to learn how grassroots groups ensure the future
of their communities by strengthening the safety net for children. Showing the impact
of small grants given directly to community-based organizations, Firelight’s Public
Awareness and Donor Outreach activities help donors participate in an effective form
of philanthropy.
PUBLICATIONS
In April 2004, Firelight published and distributed its first annual report. Annual
Report, First Four Years: 2000-2003 offers a comprehensive overview of our work and
programs and has been a resounding success with grantees, foundations, donors, and
the general public.
Our 2004 annual calendar, entitled
Children’s Rights, was distributed to
Firelight donors, peer organizations, and
grantee-partners. Each calendar month
used images of children and caregivers
to highlight a different need or right of
children.
In November 2003, we produced our first video, Stories from Kenya, featuring the
achievements of a Firelight grantee-partner, the Rural Education and Economic
Enhancement Program (REEP) of Butula, Kenya. The video tells the story of a
grassroots organization transforming a rural Kenyan community. Through the
words of REEP’s director, staff, volunteers, community members, and youth
participants, viewers learn about the programs, including income-generating
activities, home-based care, and school assistance, that have made a difference in
the lives of many children and their caregivers. The video was a team effort, filmed
and produced by Firelight Board Member Jim Hayes with the help of co-founder
David Katz and others.
Ann McCarten-Gibbs, Co-Founder
and former Executive Director of Youth
Philanthropy Worldwide

PROGRAMS
EVENTS
Our video, Stories from Kenya, was the centerpiece of Firelight’s first multimedia fundraiser in December 2003 held at the
home of Gaurav Garg and Komal Shah. The successful event raised over $300,000 and brought together staff, Advisory
Board members, donors, volunteers, and other friends for an evening of presentations and discussion about the power of
grassroots initiatives.
In March of 2004, at the home of John and Shari Levitt, Firelight celebrated its eighth grantmaking round. Betty Gahima,
coordinator of Benishyaka Association in Rwanda, spoke briefly about her efforts to ensure that children who have lost their
parents to genocide, war, and HIV/AIDS attend high school by providing scholarships.
In June 2004, Firelight hosted “Open House: Spotlight on Zambia” featuring the work of several of our grantee-partners in
Zambia. Beatrice Chola, director of the Bwafano Home Based Care Programme, presented Bwafwano’s model of integrated
care and support for HIV/AIDS-affected families.
In September 2004, Joop Rubens was hired as Communications and Development Officer and charged with expanding public
awareness efforts, as well as strengthening and diversifying our funding base.
FIRELIGHT FRIENDS TAKE ACTION
Firelight celebrates our growing circle of friends, many of
whom have taken the initiative to raise money in their own
communities and networks to further the Firelight Foundation’s
grantmaking efforts. One hundred percent of all contributions
to Firelight go to funding programs that help children orphaned
or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. We commend each of the
following individuals for raising awareness as well as money.
You serve as an inspiration to us and others – thank you!
© Deb Kennedy
Cathy Aronson biked 4,000 miles across the United States,
raising over $13,000 from 64 donors.
Holly Burkhalter organized a party at her home in Washington
D.C. to benefit Firelight. Together with her sister Kathy Lockard,
they inspired donations of over $2,000 from about 90 guests.
Cathy Aronson during her fundraising ride across the United States
Nafia Tasmin Din raised $675 from friends and colleagues by
introducing them to Firelight’s work and to the growing need
for the programs Firelight supports.

Holli Munro, a student at Western Michigan University, won
a contest when she spoke about Firelight during her public
speaking class and inspired all 28 of her classmates to
donate to Firelight.
PROGRAMS
Bill Dalo, Musician
The Sounds of Newport Beach, 2004 Fundraising CD
Bill Dalo collaborated with fellow musicians and produced
a fundraising CD called The Sounds of Newport Beach,
2004. CDs can be purchased for $10.00 by contacting Bill
Dalo at bdalo@advancedintegrationinc.com or by phone at
+1 (714) 319-1119. 100% of the proceeds go to Firelight.
AWARDS
The founders of the Firelight Foundation, Kerry Olson and Dave Katz, received
the 2004 Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF) Ribbon of Dreams®
Award. The Ribbon of Dreams® Award, established in 1998, is awarded
to individuals and corporations who have done exemplary work caring for
children, especially children affected by AIDS.
Our Annual Report, First Four Years: 2000-2003 received a Gold Award in the
Annual or Biannual Reports category of the 2005 Wilmer Shields Awards for
Excellence in Communications, a program of The Council on Foundations.
Firelight’s 2004 calendar received the Gold Award for Superb Craftsmanship
in Production from the San Francisco Gallery of Superb Printing.
INFORMATION
For more information on how you can become involved with the Firelight
Foundation, please refer to the Make a Difference section of this report (page
89) or contact Joop Rubens at joop@firelightfoundation.org.
Ribbon of Dreams Award Letter,
Joe Cristina, CAAF Founder and Board Chair

PROGRAMS
The Firelight Foundation is committed to engaging in advocacy on issues that impact the lives of children. In the wake
of millions of children being orphaned by HIV/AIDS, identifying the best sources of alternative care is an issue of critical
importance. The vast majority of African children who have lost their parents remain in family care, taken in by their
grandparents, aunts, and uncles, or foster families. However, as the family safety net is stretched further and further beyond its
limits, increasing numbers of children are put at risk. Who will care for these children Are orphanages the answer
The story of 14 year-old Lerato (a pseudonym), below, who has spent the last five years of her life in an orphanage, illustrates
some of the reasons why institutional care fails to meet the developmental and emotional needs of children. Institutions often
separate children from the relationships and experiences that provide them with the foundation for a healthy future. Children
grow best in families, and this is why orphanages have been all but abolished from developed countries over the past 50
years. Yet, many well-meaning donors who want to help
African children at risk know of no other alternative
than to support orphanages. Clearly, there is a great
need for information and awareness about other, more
developmentally appropriate, alternatives.
In response to this need, Firelight has initiated an
advocacy tool that will help inform the public, and
especially faith-based donors, about the importance of
investing in community-based responses that strengthen
the safety net of family care. The document, to be
published and widely distributed in 2005, is called The
Promise of a Future: Strengthening Family and Community
Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Sub-Saharan
Africa. Preparation of the document has included an
extensive review process involving feedback from over
30 foundations, international agencies, and grassroots
organizations. This will be a joint advocacy tool, published
and distributed in collaboration with American Jewish
World Service, the Bernard van Leer Foundation, and the
Pan African Children’s Fund, as well as other foundations
engaged in grassroots grantmaking.
From a letter sent to the Firelight Foundation by Lerato
(a pseudonym), a 14-year old youth
The Promise of a Future examines the use of institutional
care as “a short-term, last resort” and underscores the
importance of family and community in the life of a child.
Using a variety of concrete examples drawn from effective
community-based organizations, it describes the models,

services, and strategies that are enabling orphans and vulnerable children to remain in families. The document goes on to
highlight some of the ways that existing institutions and orphanages have transitioned into alternatives that are better suited to
the needs of children. Specific suggestions for ways to support grassroots organizations serving children in Sub-Saharan Africa
are offered, along with a resource list for further information.
PROGRAMS
The goal of the document is to provide donors who are eager to address the needs of children affected by HIV/AIDS with a
clear picture of the vital role that community-based organizations play. The Promise of a Future will be available through the
Firelight Foundation office and website by the end of 2005.
Jennifer Anderson-Bähr
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, July 2005
A village Orphan Care Committee gathers to discuss how the community can
best respond to the needs of vulnerable children.

PROGRAMS
As a private foundation working to address the needs of children orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa,
the Firelight Foundation has been able to greatly increase our impact and effectiveness by collaborating and networking
with foundations, associations, non-governmental organizations, and governmental representatives. Our participation in
conferences, meetings, online forums, and networks helps us connect with the broader community of groups working to fight
HIV/AIDS. These activities enable Firelight to adapt our grantmaking strategies to the changing landscape of HIV/AIDS and
to identify where our resources can have the greatest impact. Firelight also forms strategic alliances with peer organizations
that share an approach similar to ours. These alliances extend the impact of our individual efforts by facilitating information
exchange, joint advocacy on key issues, and the leveraging of funds.
MEETINGS AND ALLIANCES
Along with the Bernard van Leer Foundation in the Netherlands and the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) in
Zimbabwe, Firelight co-funded a satellite session on “Enhancing Psychosocial Support for Children Affected by HIV/AIDS”
in July 2004 at the XVth International Conference on HIV/AIDS in Bangkok. The session was designed to provide nongovernmental,
faith-based, and community-based organizations with a better understanding of the psychosocial support needs
of children affected by HIV/AIDS. Also at the conference, Firelight Advisory Board member Geoff Foster represented Firelight
at a gathering hosted by the Bernard van Leer Foundation that focused on HIV, young children, and psychosocial support.
Participants included individuals from REPSSI, the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, Save the Children-UK, and UNESCO,
among others.
In 2004, the Firelight Foundation coordinated a series of bimonthly phone meetings with a group of foundations involved
in grantmaking focused on children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. Participating foundations
included the American Jewish World Service, the Bernard van Leer Foundation, the Pan African Children’s Fund, and the
Rockefeller Brothers Fund. The goal of these ongoing meetings is to share information to improve our effectiveness as
donors. At each meeting, staff members provide an update on recent grants and site visits, regional developments, technical
assistance plans and activities, and relevant conferences and meetings. Country-specific issues, such as street children in
Zambia, are discussed, challenges are identified, and strategies are explored. This lively forum for sharing and supporting
one another’s work has led to an increase in the number of groups jointly funded by the participants.
Thanks to Firelight’s recommendations, many of the groups we support are now being funded by other donors that want to
support children’s issues in a particular country or thematic area. Over the past year, referrals by Firelight have resulted in
over $150,000 in direct grants from other donors to our grantees.
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Since 2003, the Firelight Foundation has worked to develop a collaborative partnership with the leadership and program staff
of the American Jewish World Service (AJWS) and the Bernard van Leer Foundation (BvL). The goal of this strategic partnership
is to enhance our work through advocacy, technical assistance, and shared learning.

In 2004, AJWS held a series of exchanges and workshops with their grantees to enhance their grantee’s capacity. AJWS
updated the Firelight Foundation and BvL regularly and shared their results. We hope this will lead to more exchange
opportunities amongst all three donors’ grantees. With input from Firelight and AJWS, BvL developed a video that was filmed
by children to highlight the importance of listening to children’s voices. The video was shown at the International Conference
on AIDS and STDs in Africa (ICASA) held in Kenya in September 2003. Firelight has developed a publication entitled, The
Promise of a Future: Strengthening Family and Community Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Sub-Saharan Africa
(see page 22), in collaboration with AJWS, BvL, and the Pan African Children’s Fund, to advocate for community-based
approaches to addressing children and families affected by HIV/AIDS. Firelight expects to publish this report in 2005.
PROGRAMS
CONFERENCES AND PRESENTATIONS
Firelight staff members regularly participate in and make presentations
at conferences sponsored by organizations such as The Global
Philanthropy Forum, the Council on Foundations, and Grantmakers
Without Borders. For example, in March 2004, Firelight’s Executive
Director, Jennifer Astone, and the Global Fund for Women’s Program
Officer for Africa, Muadi Mukenge, gave a joint presentation on
the Girl Child Network at the Foundation Incubator in Palo Alto,
California. In April 2004, Senior Program Officer Jennifer Anderson-
Bähr gave a presentation on Firelight’s due diligence procedures at the
Council on Foundation’s Annual Conference in Toronto, Canada.
MEMBERSHIPS
Firelight is a member of and participates in meetings held by the Africa
Grantmakers Affinity Group, the Council on Foundations, Funders
Concerned About AIDS, Grantmakers Without Borders, and Northern
California Grantmakers. Jennifer Astone serves on the Executive
Committee of the Africa Grantmakers Affinity Group and as an ex-officio
member of the International Committee of Funders Concerned About
AIDS.
Peter Laugharn, Executive Director
Bernard van Leer Foundation

PROGRAMS
The Firelight Foundation encourages and supports youth
leadership and participation. We fund organizations that
actively engage youth in decision-making and involve
them as partners rather than as mere recipients of services.
Children and youth are the experts on their own lives.
Just as youth must be heard in their own communities and
by the organizations they work with, youth should also have
an opportunity to share their insights in larger forums. In
July 2004, Firelight sponsored Siphelile Kaseke (see page
69) to attend the XVth International AIDS Conference in
Bangkok. Siphelile participated in the conference’s Youth
Committee as a formal representative of young people who
have been affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. In
2005, Firelight will join with other foundations and partner
organizations in the Coalition on Children Affected by
AIDS (CCABA)
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is
a universally agreed apon set of standards
spelling out the basic human rights that
children everywhere have. Participation
is one of the guiding principles of the
Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“The principle affirms that children are
full-fledged persons who have the right to
express their views in all matters affecting
them and requires that those views be heard
and given due weight in accordance with
the child’s age and maturity. It recognizes
the potential of children to enrich decisionmaking
processes, to share perspectives
and to participate as citizens and actors of
change.”
From: http://www.unicef.org/crc/crc.htm
Youth leaders in Zambia
to ensure that
children are well represented at the next International AIDS Conference, which will
be held in Toronto in August 2006.
YOUTH AS ADVOCATES AND LEADERS
Youth, especially young women, are at the highest risk of HIV infection. Their
participation is crucial to the success of community efforts to create awareness,
reduce discrimination, and prevent the further spread of HIV. Firelight supports a
growing number of organizations that sponsor peer education, youth leadership
training, and youth-led HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns. Several of our granteepartners
are founded by and led by youth.
In 2004, one of these organizations, Tanzania Teens Against AIDS, held a youth
leadership development workshop for 97 young people affected by HIV/AIDS. The
youth “agreed not to sit down and lament but work hard to avoid situations that
compromise our future.” They reported that, “It was the first time that orphans and
vulnerable children were able to get together in one place without the interference
and intimidation from parents, caretakers, and instructors. There was total trust. Our
greatest achievement was the determination and commitment to our education and
avoiding behaviors that lead to young people’s vulnerability to AIDS.”
© Jim Hayes

FIRELIGHT’S PARTNER, YOUTH PHILANTHROPY WORLDWIDE,
REPORTS ON YOUTH TOGETHER AGAINST AIDS
Pen Pals Across Borders
As you read this, letters of friendship are traveling between California students and young people in Cameroon, Rwanda, South
Africa, and Uganda. The letters are brightly colored, are decorated with stickers or drawings, and have a photo of the author
enclosed. They offer a unique glimpse into the life of a young person living in another country and culture. Even more powerfully,
they demonstrate the interests, challenges, and joys shared by young people worldwide. They are seeds of friendship.
PROGRAMS
These letters form the foundation of Youth Together Against AIDS (YTAA),
a project that inspires young people to take action in the global fight
against HIV/AIDS. Based on a pen pal exchange program initiated by
Firelight in 2000, YTAA has been coordinated by Youth Philanthropy
Worldwide (YPW) with the support of Firelight funds since 2002. The
project now includes over 375 young people in 5 U.S. schools and 4
African countries, involving them not only in a pen pal exchange, but
also in work to mobilize their peers and elders in HIV/AIDS awareness,
prevention, and care activities.
From Awareness to Action
In partnership with Firelight, YPW aims to “grow and strengthen YTAA as
a pilot for comprehensive youth engagement that develops well-rounded,
globally-minded activist-philanthropists.” In addition to coordinating the
letter exchange, YPW leads participants in a youth-driven grantmaking
activity. Each YTAA student group works together to develop and propose
a service project that tackles some aspect of the AIDS pandemic.
Youth Voice is an extracurricular group at Pacific
Collegiate School in Santa Cruz, California. They
describe the motivation for their YTAA project:
“We decided that we really wanted to create something
that would connect the youth here with our brothers and
sisters in Africa. We came up with the idea of compiling
a book of poems and artwork from both our Pen Pals in
Africa and youth here at home. With the help of YPW
and the Firelight Foundation, and the inspiration from
our African Pen-Pals, our project has come to life… Our
hope is that this project will spread awareness of AIDS
by bringing the voices of those affected by the AIDS
pandemic to as many people as possible. By opening
the minds and hearts of people who haven’t experienced
the affects of AIDS, we wish to offer a peace to Youth
that at least their Voice has been heard.”
Each participating group – both those in Africa and those in the USA – Youth Voice plans to host book release events for their
reviews the proposals of all the other groups and votes on the ones they poetry collection. Proceeds from book sales will support
think deserve funding. Every group receives some funding weighted by the HIV/AIDS prevention efforts of their pen pal partners.
votes received. Recent grants of $250 each were awarded to CETRUD’s
“Youth for AIDS Awareness in Kasese (Karusandara)” and NACWOLA’s
“The Hope of NACWOLA,” both in Uganda. CETRUD’s Karusandara group brings youth together and uses games and fun
to teach them HIV-prevention strategies. The group also produces and distributes HIV-prevention materials and constructs
nutrition gardens for families affected by AIDS. NACWOLA writes that they “raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and its effects on
children and youth … through drama. Theatre is a very important way of passing information or messages in Ugandan society
since most people have no access to radios, TVs, newspapers and cannot afford paid concerts.”

PROGRAMS
Expanding Youth Involvement Through Activist-Philanthropy Kits
With Firelight’s support, YPW is now working to bring YTAA to a much larger number of young people through the
development of HIV/AIDS Activist-Philanthropist Kits. These kits will be made available to classrooms, activity clubs, service
clubs, and individuals as an easy-to-follow guide to the many ways young people can make a difference in the fight against
HIV/AIDS. The kits will provide ideas and resources for advocacy, fundraising, organizing community events, and connecting
with allies on this issue.
YOUTH TOGETHER AGAINST AIDS
Name of organization or school, location, and coordinator(s)
IN AFRICA
ASSOCIATION FRANCOIS-XAVIER BAGNOUD
Houghton, South Africa
– Grace Mnguni
– Sonto Manyathi
– Eric Duma
– Maki Makunyane
BENISHYAKA ASSOCIATION
Kigali, Rwanda
– Jolly Ntungire
CAMEROON NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
FOR FAMILY WELFARE
North West Province, Cameroon
– Jude Boja
– Belack Jimbam Ernest
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (CETRUD)
Kasese, Uganda
– Godfrey Kasozi
NATIONAL COALITION OF WOMEN
LIVING WITH AIDS (NACWOLA)
Kampala, Uganda
– Cecilia Ajom
IN THE UNITED STATES
ANZAR HIGH SCHOOL
San Juan Bautista, California
– Marilyn Breiling
PACIFIC COLLEGIATE SCHOOL
Santa Cruz, California
– Michele Hutton
– Darrell Steely
– Alan Graves
– Sarah Baumgart

Below are the funding guidelines and a description of the review process that the Firelight Foundation uses to solicit proposals
from and award grants to organizations that address the needs of children orphaned and affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan
Africa. Each year, our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and staff review and revise these guidelines to reflect Firelight’s
goals and to clarify our funding criteria. Please refer to our website for the most current version of the guidelines and
application.
PROGRAMS
FUNDING CRITERIA
The mission of the Firelight Foundation is to support children in need. We believe that every child, regardless of race, religion,
gender, or country, deserves the promise of a future. Our focus is children affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. We
give one-year grants of $1,000 to $10,000 to community-based initiatives that work directly and effectively to support the
fundamental needs and rights of children from birth to age 21 years
who have been orphaned or affected by HIV/AIDS. We believe that
grassroots programs arising in direct response to real needs within the
local community are often the most effective. Firelight supports this vital
work with initial one-year grants. Firelight extends regrants to granteepartners
working in areas of continued need that have demonstrated
effective service delivery, fulfilled Firelight’s reporting requirements, and
submitted compelling regrant applications.
THE FIRELIGHT FOUNDATION LOOKS FOR
• Programs that directly serve the needs of vulnerable children
• Grassroots responses that motivate a community to mobilize and
contribute resources to address its needs
• Programs that demonstrate strong leadership and community
ownership
• Organizations with a history of effective community action
• Programs where children take part in decision-making, advocacy,
and leadership
• Innovative responses to the situations of children affected by HIV/AIDS
© Jim Hayes
The Firelight Foundation believes that children develop best when
raised within families and communities; therefore, we rarely fund
orphanages. In exceptional cases, there may be reasons why institutional care is in the best interest of a child. If you believe
this, please explain why. We are often asked for food aid, medical care, and housing. We understand the urgency of these
needs, but we are not a relief agency. If you request such assistance, please explain how the planned activities will be
addressed in a sustainable and integrated way. Similarly, we receive many requests for school fees. Firelight rarely funds
requests for school fees alone. If your organization seeks such assistance, please describe how your group plans to address
children’s other needs and what will happen when this year of funding for basic schooling is completed.

PROGRAMS
ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES
LESOTHO, MALAWI, RWANDA, SOUTH AFRICA, TANZANIA, ZAMBIA, AND ZIMBABWE
The primary geographic focus of our grantmaking is Sub-Saharan Africa, the current epicenter of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In
order for us to focus our efforts in an effective and sustained manner, we will only accept letters of inquiry from seven countries:
Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We will refuse inquiries from other countries unless
you have already received a Firelight grant or we have asked you for a proposal.
AREAS OF INTEREST
Areas of interest include the following programs supporting children affected by HIV/AIDS:
• Programs to enhance or create a supportive environment for children’s growth and development
• Primary and secondary education with an integrated approach to children’s needs
• Vocational education and skills development
• Income-generating activities for caregivers and independent orphans
• Programs that contribute to social and behavioral change
• Recreational activities/counseling/programs focusing on psychosocial support
• Sexual abuse prevention and treatment
• Programs that provide leadership opportunities for children
• Respite or residential care/medical treatment for HIV-infected children, including palliative
and hospice care/home-based programs
• Permanency planning and related legal aid advocacy
• Programs that reach marginalized populations, including street children,
child-headed households, disabled children, or HIV-positive babies and children
AREAS NOT FUNDED
Firelight does not fund individuals, organizations, or programs designed to influence legislation or elect public officials;
programs that limit participation based on race, religion, gender, or nationality; academic or medical research; or fundraising
drives or endowments. We rarely fund U.S.-based organizations or branches of international non-governmental organizations.

THE APPLICATION AND DECISION PROCESS
Firelight reviews proposals and awards new grants and regrants every six months.
New Grants: The Letter of Inquiry and Full Proposal
Firelight has always had the goal of making our application process simple and accessible to grassroots organizations.
Applicants from our seven focus countries first submit a two- or three-page Letter of Inquiry that briefly describes their
organization and the project or program for which funding is requested. Letter of Inquiry Guidelines are updated annually.
These Guidelines appear on Firelight’s website (www.firelightfoundation.org), circulate through topical listservs, and are
emailed and mailed out by the Foundation upon request. Firelight receives approximately 300 Letters of Inquiry each year.
About 20% of these applicant organizations are asked to submit full proposals for more in-depth consideration by Firelight’s
staff and Advisory Board. A full proposal provides detailed information about the applicant organization, the situation of
vulnerable children served by the organization, and the activities proposed for funding, including a timeline and budget. In
2004, Firelight awarded just over 40 new grants.
PROGRAMS
Regrants
Organizations applying for continued funding from Firelight submit regrant proposals. These proposals include much of the
same information as the new grant proposals, but also describe how the proposed activities build upon the work funded under
the previous Firelight grant and how the activities fit within the organization’s longer-term vision and plans. Grantee-partners
who have reported on their previous grants and who are otherwise in good standing with Firelight are considered for continued
funding. Those partners who offer direct services to children, who benefit from extensive community involvement, and who
demonstrate evolving organizational capacity are likely to be regranted. In 2004, Firelight awarded approximately 60 regrants.
The Decision Process
The staff analyzes proposals according to our funding criteria and country strategy documents. They engage in a due diligence
process that includes a thorough review of an applicant’s organizational management, past and proposed activities, and
budgetary information. They prepare proposal summaries that include an overall assessment of the application based on
references from our in-country assessors, referees, and donors familiar with the applicant group. Our Advisory Board reviews
these summary recommendations and makes a final recommendation for funding to the Board of Directors.
GRANT AWARDS
As a private foundation that makes overseas grants, the Firelight Foundation has detailed contract and reporting requirements
for successful applicants. In order to receive grant funds, organizations must sign a grant contract, complete an affidavit
describing their charitable status, provide financial information, and furnish a copy of their bylaws. All grantee-partners
receiving funds from Firelight commit to regular financial and narrative reporting on the grant award.

GRANTS 2004
CAMEROON
The organizations listed were recipients of grants
during our fiscal year 2004, from October 1,
2003, through September 30, 2004.
Organizations listed in this Annual Report have
passed an application and review process for
their listed grants. If you would like additional
information on their current grant status please
contact Firelight directly.
RWANDA
UGANDA
KENYA
TANZANIA
ZAMBIA
MALAWI
ZIMBABWE
SOUTH
AFRICA
LESOTHO
Our statistical information comes from the most recently available estimates. National level HIV-prevalence data present a
delayed picture of the epidemic and changes can be due to AIDS deaths as well as data collection techniques. For further
information, consult our reference page.

Population 16.0 million
Population under age 18 7.87 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 7%
Orphans as % of all children 12%
Total number of orphans 930,000
% of orphans due to AIDS 25%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $10,000
Number of new grants 0
Number of regrants 1
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $60,000
Number of new grants 2
Number of regrants 2
GRANTS 2004
CAMEROON MEDICAL WOMEN ASSOCIATION (CMWA), Bamenda
$10,000 – Regrant Cameroon Medical Women Association was started by a group of female doctors to address the needs
Two-year grant of children affected by HIV/AIDS. With past Firelight help, CMWA assisted orphaned and vulnerable children
with education, medical care, and emotional support. With this two-year grant, they provide 39 children
with school fees and uniforms.

Joop Rubens
GRANTS 2004

Population 31.9 million
Population under age 18 15.80 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 7%
Orphans as % of all children 11%
Total number of orphans 1.7 million
% of orphans due to AIDS 37%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $204,500
Number of new grants 0
Number of regrants 12
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $571,650
Number of new grants 18
Number of regrants 25
GRANTS 2004
ESSIE DEVELOPMENT GROUP, Nairobi
$6,000 – Regrant ESSIE Development Group provides nutritional programs to nearly 200 children. They also raise awareness
among community members about the issues facing children affected by HIV/AIDS. With Firelight’s
previous grant, ESSIE identified 75 guardians caring for a total of 195 orphaned and vulnerable children
and supported them to start small businesses. This grant supports ESSIE’s nutrition, fundraising, HIV/AIDS
awareness, and caregiving programs.

GRANTS 2004
Joop Rubens
GRASSROOTS ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY EDUCATION (GRACE), Nairobi
$25,000 – Regrant The Grassroots Alliance for Community Education provides leadership development for community health
workers and activists serving grassroots communities to address the impact of HIV/AIDS. Previously, Firelight
funding enabled GRACE to train representatives from 14 Firelight grantee-partner organizations based in 5
countries on topics relevant to organizational development, including financial accounting and reporting,
personnel management, and basic strategic planning. This grant assisted GRACE to rent an office space,

hire new staff, and cover operating expenses. As a result GRACE was able to better coordinate their support
to community-based organizations, as well as host visitors and other organizations.
$25,000 – Regrant This grant supports GRACE’s administrative and operative costs, such as office rent and personnel expenses,
enabling them to work with partner organizations, hold a documentation workshop, and start a youth
program and an HIV/AIDS outreach program for the deaf.
KIBERA COMMUNITY SELF-HELP PROGRAMME (KICOSHEP), Kibera
$12,000 – Regrant KICOSHEP offers an integrated program of HIV/AIDS prevention and care activities to residents of Kibera,
a sprawling slum in Nairobi. The organization runs a community school and offers a range of supplemental
services, including health care, food, vocational education, psychosocial support, home-based care training
and services, and income-generating activities. Previous Firelight funding has supported KICOSHEP’s
community school, which educates hundreds of children who would not otherwise be able to meet their
educational expenses. With this grant, KICOSHEP is training 50 families in income-generating activities
and providing business start-up assistance. Funds also help ten vulnerable youth attend secondary school.
Finally, funding enables KICOSHEP to build the capacity of ten Kenyan community-based organizations by
training the staff in psychosocial support programs and income-generating activity administration.
GRANTS 2004
MAMA DARLENE CHILDREN’S CENTRE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, Tala
$8,000 – Regrant Mama Darlene Children’s Centre and Community Development Projects provide health care, education,
and meals to vulnerable children ages 3 to 14. Previously, Firelight funded the construction of a classroom
and the purchase of playground equipment, and helped orphans with medical and educational needs. In
addition, past funding helped to educate 1,000 community members about HIV/AIDS. This grant helps
the Centre to provide psychosocial support to 45 children and their caregivers. The grant also brings
educational and nutritional support to over 50 children.
PANDIPIERI COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMME (PCHP), Kisumu
$22,000 – Regrant PCHP provides integrated support to nearly 4,500 children and families in 15 poor urban communities.
Two-year grant Firelight funding has previously enabled PCHP to train counselors who support children through parental loss.
This grant allows PCHP to train and provide small stipends to its volunteer counselors. It also provides funds
to conduct workshops for the caregivers of malnourished children to teach them how to prepare nutritious
food. In addition, funds help PCHP expand its clinical care for youth with sexually transmitted infections.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
POSITIVE WIDOWS IN KENYA (POWIK), Athi River
$8,000 – Regrant POWIK, an association of HIV-positive women, works to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated
with HIV/AIDS by offering advocacy, home-based care, and counseling programs that assist women
and girls. With Firelight’s previous grant, POWIK trained 15 high school girls as peer educators and 25

GRANTS 2004
women in palliative care. These peer educators conducted outreach to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS
in workplaces, primary and secondary schools, churches, and mosques. Palliative care volunteers made
home visits to vulnerable children and their sick guardians. This year’s grant allows POWIK to provide group
counseling to 24 HIV-positive women and youth, train foster caregivers in income-generating activities, and
train new volunteers in counseling and care of children affected by HIV/AIDS.
RURAL EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME (REEP), Butula
$7,500 – Regrant REEP conducts vocational skills training and provides livestock, agricultural supplies, and sewing and
knitting machines to encourage self-reliance among youth and caregivers in rural Kenya. The organization
also offers microcredit programs and home-based care services. Firelight’s previous grant enabled REEP to
break ground on a new office block and to lay its foundation. With this grant, REEP will purchase a cellular
telephone and a motorcycle to assist in communication and outreach to better serve the community.
$64,000 – Regrant In 2003, Firelight featured REEP in a video to raise donor awareness about the work of community-based
Two-year grant organizations. In response, donors requested that funds be directed to complete the construction of an office
block presented in the video. The building will house offices, a meeting room, a pharmacy, and a small
clinic. This rural district of approximately 120,000 people currently does not have access to these services.
$32,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
TEENAGE MOTHERS AND CHILDREN FAMILY HEALTHCARE PROGRAMME (TEMAC), Eldoret
$3,000 – Regrant TEMAC works to meet the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children in Uasin Gishu, Eldoret in Western
Kenya. Previously, Firelight funding supplied a community pharmacy, provided food for impoverished
families, and assisted 65 children with school materials. This grant enables TEMAC to continue this
assistance for 70 children and covers basic operational costs.
WEM INTEGRATED HEALTH SERVICES (WEMIHS), Thika
$24,000 – Regrant WEMIHS offers care, educational support, and other services to vulnerable children, caretakers, and
Two-year grant people living with HIV/AIDS. WEMIHS used Firelight’s previous grant to train 60 members of village-level
orphan care committees in program planning and strategies for meeting the needs of children affected by
HIV/AIDS. WEMIHS also identified and registered 350 orphans for its program of educational, material,
and psychosocial support. Firelight’s regrant enables WEMIHS to support existing programs and to address
emerging needs. Grant funds will enable WEMIHS to support additional training for volunteers and staff,
provide counseling to 75 children, and run a grandmothers’ support group for 30 caregivers.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.

Population 1.8 million
Population under age 18 857,000
HIV adult seroprevalence 29%
Orphans as % of all children 19%
Total number of orphans 180,000
% of orphans due to AIDS 56%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $46,800
Number of new grants 7
Number of regrants 1
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $74,800
Number of new grants 11
Number of regrants 1
GRANTS 2004
HOOHLO AIDS SUPPORT GROUP, Maseru
$3,500 Hoohlo AIDS Support Group organizes community members to help pay school fees and secure food and
clothes for vulnerable children. With Firelight funding, the organization is purchasing supplies for incomegenerating
activities, such as agricultural materials and carpentry tools.
KHANYA SUPPORT GROUP, Maseru
$6,000 Khanya Support Group provides home-based care to 16 families, distributes food parcels and clothing,
operates a weekly soup kitchen, hosts educational activities, and supports a pottery and ceramics
cooperative. This youth-led support group is using Firelight funds to provide sewing training to 20 youth, as
well as to pay school fees for 10 primary and 5 high school students.

GRANTS 2004
LEFIKENG DISABLED AND SOCIAL TRAINING CENTRE, Thaba Bosiu
$6,000 Serving 212 youth, Lefikeng addresses the lack of employment opportunities facing orphans by providing
them with skills training, income-generating activities, and school fee sponsorship. In addition, they provide
HIV/AIDS and drug abuse counseling and advocacy programs on children’s rights. With Firelight funding,
Lefikeng is purchasing poultry and materials for a poultry-raising income-generating project and training 70
youth in record keeping, sales, and accounting.
LESOTHO CHILD COUNSELING UNIT (LCCU), Mazenod
$10,800 LCCU was established as a temporary place of safety for sexually, physically, and emotionally abused
children. They provide treatment, psychosocial support, trauma therapy, legal advocacy, and a temporary
place of safety for children and then return them to the community with follow-up care.
PHOPHOLETSA HIV/AIDS SUPPORT GROUP, Maseru
$3,500 The primary aim of Phopholetsa is to care for and support those affected by HIV/AIDS. The group addresses
urgent concerns such as hunger, stigma, abuse, and lack of access to education through community programs
and income-generating activities. With this grant, Phopholetsa provides educational support and food to nine
students. Funding also covers the cost of training 30 caregivers in counseling and helps with administrative costs.
RE TSEPILE MORENA SUPPORT GROUP, Maseru
$3,500 Re Tsepile Morena Support Group helps provide care to those who are sick and dying and offers support to
children whose parents have died. Youth members and volunteers currently supply 140 children with food,
clothes, and medicine. With funding from Firelight, Re Tsepile Morena is paying for school fees, uniforms,
and school supplies for 18 children. They are also purchasing additional food and medicine and providing
materials for income-generating activities.
TŠOSANE SUPPORT GROUP, Maseru
$9,000 – Regrant Tšosane provides home-based care, counseling services, and food parcels to orphans. Previous grant
funding covered educational expenses for 10 primary and 2 secondary school students and purchased
materials for an HIV-prevention workshop. With this grant from Firelight, Tšosane is providing school and
material support to 18 orphans and income-generating activities for youth and caregivers. Grant funds also
provide for ongoing home-based care and support for orphans infected with HIV.
YOUNG BASOTHO PROFESSIONAL FORUM (YBPF), Maseru
$4,500 YBPF promotes volunteerism by involving youth in HIV/AIDS awareness activities and by empowering
children to speak directly to the community about their experiences as orphans. Through training programs,
volunteers address the social, economic, and health-related problems youth face. With Firelight funds, YBPF
is training 25 child heads-of-households and 25 caregivers in life skills, HIV/AIDS prevention, nutrition,
home-based care, counseling, and food production.

Population 12.1 million
Population under age 18 6.39 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 14%
Orphans as % of all children 14%
Total number of orphans 1 million
% of orphans due to AIDS 48%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $37,400
Number of new grants 4
Number of regrants 0
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $69,200
Number of new grants 9
Number of regrants 0
GRANTS 2004
EYE OF THE CHILD, Blantyre
$10,000 Eye of the Child hosts a paralegal aid service and juvenile justice forum, and works to protect children
from sexual and labor exploitation. With Firelight’s grant, Eye of the Child is recruiting and training 20
community-care committees on children’s rights and strategies for working with vulnerable youth. These
committees will then identify 300 youth (at least 40% girls) for vocational training in carpentry, tailoring, and
sheet-metal work. The youth will be organized into clubs to support one another in establishing incomegenerating
activities.

GRANTS 2004
MATINDI YOUTH ORGANIZATION (MATYO), Blantyre
$8,000 Focusing on the needs of youth, women, and children, MATYO provides counseling, reproductive health,
and HIV/AIDS education. They establish clubs for out-of-school youth, train peer educators, and educate
communities on topics such as human rights, natural resource management, and food security. With support
from Firelight, MAYTO is providing vocational training to 30 orphaned youth and agricultural supplies to
100 caregivers. Funding also covers the training of 40 youth and 100 caregivers on HIV/AIDS prevention
and children’s rights.
NAMWERA AIDS COORDINATING COMMITTEE (NACC), Namwera
$9,900 NACC was formed to address the needs of orphans, vulnerable children, and the chronically ill, with the
goal of mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS and preventing further HIV infections. With Firelight funding,
NACC is improving the economic and nutritional status of 90 households caring for vulnerable children.
To do this, they are training 80 households caring for 400 children in livestock rearing, and providing each
household with three goats, veterinary care, and follow-up. Funds also provide for carpentry training and
assistance initiating small businesses to 10 orphans who head households.
NKHOTAKOTA AIDS SUPPORT ORGANIZATION (NASO), Nkhotakota
$9,500 NASO seeks to fight HIV/AIDS and promote health and quality of life for those infected. NASO provides
home-based care, offers group therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS, conducts HIV-prevention activities,
and administers four community childcare centers. Firelight’s grant will enable NASO to provide carpentry
and tailoring training to 10 young people and pay school fees for 10 youth in their final year of high school.
Funds will also help NASO assist 20 guardians and orphans who head households with income-generating
activities. With Firelight funds, NASO will also conduct HIV-prevention activities for more than 200 youth
and supply classroom materials for 4 community childcare centers.

Population 8.4 million
Population under age 18 4.38 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 9%
Orphans as % of all children 17%
Total number of orphans 810,000
% of orphans due to AIDS 43%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $121,900
Number of new grants 7
Number of regrants 3
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $319,700
Number of new grants 17
Number of regrants 8
GRANTS 2004
ASSOCIATION D’APPUI AUX GROUPEMENTS DANS LE DOMAINE SOCIO-ÉCONOMIQUE (AGS),
Gikongoro
$25,000 – Regrant Since 2000, AGS has networked with other local service providers in Gikongoro, Western Rwanda, to
Two-year grant support people living with HIV/AIDS, their children, and their caregivers. Firelight’s previous grant to AGS
helped 150 disadvantaged children with education fees and supplies, and follow-up services to help
them succeed in school. This two-year grant enables AGS to develop a goat-raising income-generating
project for orphans and caregivers and to extend educational support to 150 students.

Volunteer, San Francisco, California
GRANTS 2004
Four times over the past three years, Karen Ande has traveled to Africa to take photographs of families and children
affected by HIV/AIDS. She has traveled as a volunteer, on her own, with her husband, and with the Firelight team
to the cities and slums of Kenya and Rwanda, and to rural villages and impoverished settlements in both countries.
Many of her photos are of individuals who have been helped by Firelight Foundation grants.
Karen shares Firelight’s goal of communicating stories and images,
not only of hardship, but also of hope. “One of my favorite shots is of
the Batwa in Rwanda, an indigenous group that has been forced from
their forest homes,” she says. “This one is of a woman and her baby
with its tongue out. It’s a picture that’s full of goodness, and it typifies
why I keep going back to do this – it’s the life and vitality of the places
and the people. The Batwa have gotten a very rough deal but you
wouldn’t know looking at this photo that the woman might not have
eaten for a week. The photo radiates her resilience.”
Other favorite shots are more somber. “Another one of my favorite
photos is of Lukaya and her son. It’s a picture taken in Kibera, one
of Africa’s largest slums outside of Nairobi, Kenya. It shows an HIVpositive
woman holding her HIV-positive son. It’s like a pieta. They
were getting medical care in Kibera, but shortly after the picture was
taken she left for her ancestral home in a more rural area of the
country where medication was probably not available. The fact that
only one in ten mothers have access to medication that can prevent
mother-to-child HIV transmission is shameful.”
© Jeff Johnson
Karen recently left her private physical therapy practice in Palo Alto
for a group practice in San Francisco that enables her to travel with
her camera more. “I feel compelled to help in Africa in whatever way
I can,” she says. “My photos tell stories of struggle, but also show
lives full of beauty and hope. If we truly share our world with these
children we will help them realize their dreams. We will do it because
it is a good, necessary, and loving response to this crisis. We will also
do it because we can. I hope these photos move people to become
involved.”

ASSOCIATION DE SOUTIENS AUX RESCAPÉS DU GÉNOCIDE (ASRG-MPORE), Mirenge
$15,200 – Regrant ASRG-MPORE assists child-headed households resulting from the 1994 genocide and the HIV/AIDS
epidemic. With previous support from Firelight, they have trained and set up 50 adolescent heads-ofhouseholds
in pineapple production and goat raising to generate income for these youth and their 75
siblings. This year, ASRG-MPORE will train these same 50 young people in composting, provide free access
to a tutoring center, offer a rotating credit program, and enroll children in the national health insurance
program. They will also provide an additional 50 children with education fees.
ASSOCIATION POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT AGRO-PASTORAL (ADAP), Kigali
$4,500 ADAP was created in 1994 to assist genocide survivors. This grant helps community leaders provide books
and pays the salaries of two teachers who will instruct 60 primary school students. It also is used to train 90
vulnerable youth in sewing and tailoring.
BENISHYAKA ASSOCIATION, Kigali
$34,800 – Regrant The Benishyaka Association was established to ensure access to educational and livelihood opportunities
Three-year grant for orphans, widows, and families affected by the 1994 Rwandan genocide. More recently, Benishyaka has
worked to address the needs of orphans and families challenged by HIV/AIDS. They provide educational
assistance and income-generating activities to more than 3,000 beneficiaries, including 1,000 orphans.
Previous Firelight grants to Benishyaka have provided scholarships to 150 secondary school students.
This regrant continues educational assistance for this group of students, enabling them to complete their
secondary school education.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
GRANTS 2004
CENTRE POUR L’AMOUR DES JEUNES (CEPAJ), Kicukiro
$5,000 CEPAJ conducts outreach to children who have taken to the street in an effort to escape violence, abuse, or
severe poverty. CEPAJ provides short-term stability for these children in the form of counseling, vocational
training, and housing. Staff then work to reunite children with their families or with other caregivers. The
organization also offers HIV/AIDS counseling and prevention activities and works to raise community
awareness of the needs of vulnerable children, especially those living on the street. With Firelight’s grant,
CEPAJ is facilitating two income-generating activities for youth: clay tile production and sale, and goat
raising. CEPAJ is also creating five anti-AIDS clubs in schools and holding an HIV/AIDS prevention workshop
for 20 street children.
EJO NZAMERA NTE ASSOCIATION, Umutara Province
$9,800 The Ejo Nzamera Nte Association, which translates as “How shall I be tomorrow”, assists youth in meeting
their material and emotional needs and provides them with job opportunities. They offer vocational training,
loans, and reproductive health education. This grant will enable Ejo to extend this support to 178 youth-

headed households in Murambi District, Umutara Province, a district bordering Uganda with one of the
country’s highest rates of HIV infection.
GRANTS 2004
IHORERE MUNYARWANDA, Kigali
$8,000 Ihorere Munyarwanda, kinyarwandan for “Hope for Rwandese People,” is a largely volunteer-run group
that helps more than 600 people living with HIV/AIDS and their children through an integrated community
empowerment and advocacy program. In particular, they target their programs to women and girls who
have resorted to commercial sex to meet their basic economic needs. This grant funds educational and
vocational support for 46 children and a program that sensitizes community members about the needs of
children affected by HIV/AIDS.
SOLIDARITE FEMMES 3X3 (SOLF 3X3), Cyangugu
$6,000 SOLF 3X3 provides psychosocial support to youth-headed families affected by the genocide and HIV/AIDS.
By offering love and familial warmth to orphans, they help children regain self-esteem and achieve improved
mental and physical wellbeing. Using Firelight funds, SOLF 3X3 is expanding their program to include
income-generating activities. They will create 6 associations comprised of 10 youth each, who will be
trained in pig and rabbit rearing. The youth will also receive management training coupled with HIV/AIDS
prevention education.
SOUTIEN AUX INITIATIVES DE LUTTE CONTRE LE SIDA EN FAVEUR DES ENFANTS ECONOMIQUEMENT
ET SOCIALEMENT DEFAVORISES (SIDECO), Kigali
$6,000 Focusing on street children and children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, SIDECO provides education and
vocational training to marginalized youth in Bugesera, a region that has suffered greatly under the
dual burdens of the 1994 genocide and HIV/AIDS. Firelight funding supports HIV-prevention activities
and psychosocial support. Programs include HIV/AIDS prevention training for 99 children, literacy and
vocational training for 32 street children, the creation of 3 anti-AIDS clubs, and educational assistance for
43 orphaned children. SIDECO is also creating a small fund to assist child victims of sexual violence.
TRUST AND CARE, Kicukiro
$9,600 Trust and Care’s goals are to improve access to education and health care, provide food security, and
offer HIV/AIDS education to vulnerable groups. Trust and Care addresses the needs within vulnerable
communities by providing primary health care training to community volunteers, facilitating communitybased
needs assessments of children, and assisting households to secure shelter. With Firelight’s support,
Trust and Care is establishing income-generating activities for 150 child-headed households and is
providing them with both business management and HIV/AIDS prevention training.

Population 45.1 million
Population under age 18 17.78 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 22%
Orphans as % of all children 13%
Total number of orphans 2.2 million
% of orphans due to AIDS 48%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $131,000
Number of new grants 7
Number of regrants 6
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $331,100
Number of new grants 23
Number of regrants 8
GRANTS 2004
ASSOCIATION FRANCOIS-XAVIER BAGNOUD (AFXB), Soweto & Alexandra
$22,000 – Regrant AFXB works in two of the largest townships around Johannesburg, offering after-school programs for
Two-year grant children who would go home to an empty house or ill parents. Firelight’s first grant helped fund an afterschool
tutoring and bereavement art program for 30 children. With this new grant, AFXB continues two afterschool
programs and initiates the first phase of a leadership program. The leadership program promotes
and encourages young people to investigate potential career paths by having them interview professionals in
different jobs and institutions, document their findings, and report back to other youth. AFXB will also initiate
short-term internships within different organizations so that youth can gain practical experience.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.

GRANTS 2004
BELABELA WELFARE SOCIETY, Belabela
$4,000 – Regrant Belabela Welfare Society operates in a rural
underserved area, providing home-based
care, orphan outreach, and support groups
for vulnerable children and people living
with HIV/AIDS. Firelight’s first grant paid for
school fees and recreational activities for
children. Funds also covered staff training in
psychosocial counseling and administrative
costs. This new documentation grant is
funding the development of a website and
other materials aimed at raising awareness
and highlighting the work of the Belabela
Welfare Society.
BOTSHABELO BABIES HOME, Kyalami
$15,000 – Regrant Botshabelo Babies Home provides care
to HIV-positive and abandoned babies
through hospice and adoption services and
a family reunification program. In addition,
they offer caregiver training and assistance
with income-generating activities in the
surrounding community. Previous grants
supported shelter and salaries for a social
worker and two caregivers. Regrant funds
help cover administrative costs and salaries,
allowing staff to focus on expanding their
community home-based care program.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised
Fund, at Tides Foundation.
CHILDREN’S RIGHTS CENTRE (CRC), Durban
$30,000 – Regrant CRC works on a range of child rights issues
throughout South Africa. With a prior grant,
the Children’s Rights Centre developed
Play Rights Packs for children in institutional
settings such as social welfare offices, police
© Jim Hayes

stations, and hospitals. Play Rights Packs enable staff within these settings to engage children in play and
help the children express their emotions and cope with an unfamiliar and stressful environment. This regrant
allows CRC to pilot their Play Rights Program in all nine provinces. This program expansion is part of a
larger campaign to launch a national children’s rights network.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
$4,000 – Regrant This documentation grant enables CRC to transform their “Visions & Voices – Children’s Rights & Realities”
photo exhibition into a book and poster series. This portable format allows for a wider audience to view the
exhibition and assists local and international efforts to raise awareness and advocate in support of children’s
rights.
DIKETSO ESENG DIPUO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST (DEDI), Bloemfontein
$10,000 DEDI believes poverty can be eradicated through empowerment and community support programs. Their
Family Support Program works with parents on small business ventures, group savings schemes, early
childhood development skills, and children’s learning programs. These integrated programs help families
find creative ways to solve problems and overcome challenges. This Firelight grant covers the costs of
implementing the Family Support Program in six rural communities.
GRANTS 2004
GREATER NELSPRUIT RAPE INTERVENTION PROGRAMME (GRIP), Nelspruit
$4,000 – Regrant Addressing issues of child rape, GRIP supports children medically, emotionally, and legally, ensuring that their
rights are upheld and that they receive the support they need. With its first Firelight grant, GRIP provided safety
and aftercare services to over 1,300 rape survivors, 85% of whom are children under the age of 16. With this
documentation grant, GRIP is developing brief video and audio presentations to increase understanding of the
organization’s beneficiaries, work, and challenges.
MOFUMAHADI WA TSHEPO CARE, Rosslyn
$5,000 Mofumahadi Wa Tshepo Care is building a center to care for up to 64 abandoned, HIV-positive children
in family units. Firelight funding will cover the purchase of security fencing, a fire prevention system, and
medical supplies.
MOTIVATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, Roodepan
$5,000 Motivation Community Development creates holistic community-based programs that work with Khoisan
youth to strengthen their connections to the Khoisan cultural heritage. Firelight funding is supporting a
preschool for 50 children in a disadvantaged community and initiating an HIV/AIDS information and
support center. The center provides youth-friendly counseling, prevention education, HIV testing, and disease
treatment and management.

GRANTS 2004
ROB SMETHERHAM BEREAVEMENT SERVICE FOR CHILDREN (RSBSC), Hilton
$10,000 The mission of RSBSC is to bring hope and healing through therapeutic play interventions to bereaved,
orphaned, and vulnerable children in communities affected by death, loss, and HIV/AIDS. With Firelight
funds, RSBSC is holding therapeutic play intervention groups for 100 children, training community
volunteers on basic play skills, and providing direct psychosocial support to 48 families.
RURAL WOMEN’S MOVEMENT (RWM), Pietermaritzburg
$4,000 RWM advocates for rural women’s ownership, access to, and control of land. It also lobbies for laws that are
relevant to rural non-literate women. The organization’s work focuses on women’s governance, HIV/AIDS
awareness, income-generating activities, and crimes and abuses against women. Through this work, RWM
has identified support to widows and caregivers of orphans as a priority area for programming. With the
Firelight grant, RWM assists 35 primary school children with school fees, uniforms, and supplies. Priority is
given to primary-school-aged girls who are heading households.
ST. NICHOLAS CHILDREN’S HOSPICE, Bloemfontein
$10,000 St. Nicholas offers palliative daycare and in-patient services, a preschool, bereavement counseling, and
nutritional support to children with life-threatening illnesses in three underserved communities. This Firelight
grant supports their nutrition services and bereavement program, which offers support groups and individual
therapy for orphans.
THANDUKUPHILA COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION, Empangeni
$8,000 Thandukuphila cares for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The organization also cares for orphans
and vulnerable children in the community. Their daycare center serves 80 children, and their drop-in center
reaches 277 orphans. Firelight funding covers training for home-based care workers in counseling and
training for volunteers in poultry farming. In addition, the grant allows Thandukuphila to provide school
supplies to 60 children and bedding for terminally ill children.

Population 37.0 million
Population under age 18 19.30 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 9%
Orphans as % of all children 14%
Total number of orphans 2.5 million
% of orphans due to AIDS 40%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $107,700
Number of new grants 4
Number of regrants 9
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $194,000
Number of new grants 15
Number of regrants 12
GRANTS 2004
AIDS OUTREACH-NYAKATO, Mwanza
$4,000 AIDS Outreach-Nyakato was founded to continue the activities of an HIV/AIDS awareness-raising and
home-based care program initiated by a Maryknoll Sister, who handed over the leadership of the program
to Tanzanian staff in 2003. Grant funds enable the group to conduct life skills seminars and leadership
training toward HIV prevention for youth, hold two special day-long events for vulnerable children, and
provide educational support to 50 children.

GRANTS 2004
BOONA BAANA CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S RIGHTS, Dar es Salaam
$6,400 Boona Baana cares for the physical and emotional needs of abandoned infants, many of them HIV-positive,
who are awaiting foster care or adoption. Boona Baana is using Firelight funds to meet the health care and
support expenses for 10 HIV-positive mothers and their infants, to purchase play equipment, and to conduct
advocacy campaigns aimed at preventing the physical and emotional abuse of children.
BUTOGWA WOMEN’S HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (BUWOHEDE), Sengerema
$5,000 – Regrant BUWOHEDE was started by a group of village women who wanted equal rights for marginalized women
and children living on 5 islands and 10 villages adjacent to Lake Victoria. They used previous Firelight
funding to conduct HIV/AIDS awareness meetings for children, train caregivers on business management,
and provide the trainees with start-up loans. The trainees’ businesses now realize a monthly profit that
enables them to pay for their families’ food, medical treatment, and school needs. With this regrant,
BUWOHEDE is training 18 youth heads-of-households in tailoring and is facilitating income-generating
activities for 15 caregivers.
DIOCESE OF SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS ORPHAN SUPPORT PROGRAM (DSH), Mbeya
$3,500 – Regrant Diocese of Southern Highlands, a Diocese of the Anglican Church, mobilizes and educates clergy and
communities about the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and families in an effort to mobilize greater care
and support. With previous Firelight support, DSH trained community volunteers and conducted a houseto-house
assessment and registry of orphans and vulnerable children. For the 60 most vulnerable orphans,
DSH offered educational assistance and met their health care needs. This emergency grant covers expenses
associated with restoring children’s property and repairing damage suffered during a fire at the Good
Samaritan Girls’ Secondary School.
ELIMU, MICHEZO NA MAZOEZI (EMIMA), Dar es Salaam
$24,000 – Regrant EMIMA addresses the physical, social, and emotional needs of children at risk of HIV through a program
Two-year grant that combines sports activities and life skills, HIV prevention, and reproductive health education. Additionally,
EMIMA trains youth as peer coaches to teach athletic skills and HIV/AIDS-prevention strategies to vulnerable
children. These peer coaches receive educational sponsorship or assistance with small business training.
A previous Firelight grant supported EMIMA’s programs for at-risk youth. With this two-year grant, EMIMA
is providing 90 peer coaches with HIV/AIDS-prevention education, awareness-raising materials, and
educational sponsorship. They are also providing school materials to 80 children and supporting recreation
opportunities for girls.
LAKE NYANZA ENVIRONMENTAL AND SANITATION ORGANIZATION (LANESO), Mwanza
$24,000 – Regrant LANESO, an environmental conservation organization, works with a marginalized community of fisher
Two-year grant boys living on Jumaa Island in Lake Victoria. LANESO used Firelight’s previous grant to conduct

HIV/AIDS awareness workshops for the youth fishermen. They trained 50 boys on sustainable fishing
techniques and provided them with regulation nets to improve their livelihood opportunities. Renewed
Firelight funding enables LANESO to replicate these effective programs with 40 additional boys. They
are also conducting HIV/AIDS awareness-raising programs in the community and holding monthly
games, youth-focused activities, and youth forums as a means of strengthening positive behavior
among the youth.
MARYKNOLL MISSION SISTERS, Musoma
$5,000 – Regrant The Maryknoll Mission Sisters work with youth leaders in Musoma to coordinate Youth Alive groups. Through
their participation in Youth Alive, young people learn the facts about HIV/AIDS, discuss prevention through
behavior change, and offer services to vulnerable families. With previous Firelight funding, they assisted
125 children with school fees, conducted HIV-prevention programs with 600 youth, and supplied homebased
care and counseling to HIV/AIDS-affected families. This grant helps Youth Alive provide educational
assistance to more than 90 children, train vulnerable girls in tailoring, and continue their awareness-raising
activities.
GRANTS 2004
MARYKNOLL MISSION SISTERS, Mwisenge
$6,000 – Regrant The Maryknoll Mission Sisters in Mwisenge work with Youth Alive participants to promote positive behavior
change for HIV prevention. The Mwisenge Youth Alive group reaches rural communities by conducting
creative peer education programs and providing home-based care to the terminally ill. This grant enables
this group to continue its provision of educational assistance and psychosocial support to more than 200
children affected by HIV/AIDS. These children and their guardians are also served through home visits and
access to a drop-in center for children and youth.
MUUNGANO COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATION (MCBO), Musoma
$3,500 MCBO provides educational and psychological support to adolescent orphans, emphasizing education
as a path to greater opportunity. This grant purchases schoolbooks, school supplies, and uniforms for 42
orphaned youth who would otherwise not be able to continue their education.
TANZANIA TEENS AGAINST AIDS (TTAA), Dar es Salaam
$6,000 TTAA is a youth-led organization with nearly 4,000 members. They conduct HIV/AIDS training for peer
educators and facilitate caregiver support groups. Through their “Angel Network,” 147 older orphans
visit 1,000 vulnerable children to provide tutoring and psychosocial support. With Firelight funds,
TTAA is expanding their current programs and holding a three-day camp for orphaned and vulnerable
children. This camp will provide an outlet for children to share their experiences with each other, as well
as with policymakers and resource providers, such as non-governmental organizations and government
agencies.

GRANTS 2004
TUAMOYO FAMILY CHILDREN’S CENTRE, Dar es Salaam
$9,600 – Regrant Tuamoyo offers street boys temporary shelter and provides transitional support during family tracing and
reunification. Firelight’s previous support helped to reunify 15 children with their families and to pay the
salary of a social worker. With renewed funding, Tuamoyo is reunifying an additional 20 children with their
families. The grant also covers transportation costs, staff support, and materials.
WAMATA SENGEREMA, Sengerema
$7,200 – Regrant WAMATA Sengerema is a volunteer-driven national AIDS service organization that assists vulnerable
children and families affected by HIV/AIDS through a variety of programs. Firelight’s previous grant funded
educational assistance for 121 children, vocational training for 5 youth, and provided an additional 400
children with school materials. WAMATA Sengerema has also successfully negotiated with schools to
reduce or waive fees for vulnerable children, enabling them to extend educational opportunities to many
more children. This grant contributes to WAMATA Sengerema’s programs for educational, financial, and
nutritional support to vulnerable children and their families.
YATIMA KWA WAZAZI (YAWA), Mwasi
$3,500 YAWA teaches local youth about HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and the importance of working hard in
school. The organization helps address vulnerable children’s fear, isolation, and stigma by bringing together
orphaned youth and other children for recreation and learning. YAWA is using Firelight funds to provide
primary and vocational education support to 20 children and youth and offer business training and start-up
loans to 7 youth-headed households and grandparent caregivers. Funds also support recreational activities
for children and HIV/AIDS seminars.

Population 25.8 million
Population under age 18 14.72 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 4.1%
Orphans as % of all children 14%
Total number of orphans 2 million
% of orphans due to AIDS 48%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $113,000
Number of new grants 1
Number of regrants 8
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $246,000
Number of new grants 10
Number of regrants 12
GRANTS 2004
ACTION FOR CHILDREN (AFC), Kampala
$5,000 AFC is a child rescue and advocacy agency that uses child and adult counselors to provide psychosocial
support and life skills training to children affected by the war in Northern Uganda. The organization also
offers revolving loans to support income-generating activities. They reach children through youth clubs that
meet twice a week to help them cope with the effects of HIV/AIDS. The Firelight grant enables AFC to train
30 counselors who will reach 100 adolescents and train 18 youth in leadership skills.

GRANTS 2004
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (CETRUD), Kasese
$30,000 – Regrant With two previous Firelight Foundation grants, CETRUD provided small business management training and
Two-year grant microcredit loans for 17 caregivers and seed grants to 30 additional caregivers and orphans and vulnerable
children. It also funded ongoing technical training and support to loan recipients. With renewed Firelight
support, CETRUD continues to identify caregivers of vulnerable children and is providing training and seed
grants for income-generating activities to 40 caregivers. In addition, CETRUD is establishing an emergency
fund to assist orphans and caretakers in crisis.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
$2,000 – Regrant This grant helps to re-establish four small businesses that were destroyed by heavy wind and rain. Income
from these businesses supports a total of 26 children.
FRIENDS OF CHRIST REVIVAL MINISTRIES (FOC-REV), Busia
$10,000 – Regrant FOC-REV was formed to care for orphans and people living with HIV/AIDS in the Busia District. Since their
founding in 1999, FOC-REV has grown to almost 700 members. With previous Firelight funding, FOC-REV
provided schools fees, materials, and books to nearly 200 children. They also conducted life skills training
for youth. This grant enables the organization to continue educational support while expanding their health,
nutritional, and vocational education programming.
KYETUME COMMUNITY BASED HEALTH CARE PROGRAMME, Mukono
$10,000 – Regrant The Kyetume Community Based Health Care Programme facilitates the psychological and social adjustment
of people living with HIV/AIDS and provides youth with information on how to prevent the spread of sexually
transmitted diseases, including HIV. Previous Firelight funding covered the purchase of a dairy cow, vegetable
seeds, and other supplies to provide income-generating activities and improved nutrition to 300 families caring
for orphans. It also provided training and instruction in animal husbandry and crop production. Regrant funds
help Kyetume extend and replicate their low-cost organic farm project to support child-headed households.
The project will also educate community members and young people in child rights and life skills.
ST. FRANCIS HEALTH CARE SERVICES, Jinja
$30,000 – Regrant St. Francis offers a compassionate and comprehensive response to the local HIV/AIDS epidemic. Firelight’s
first grant funded income-generating projects for 100 caregivers, fed 700 children, and supported a
community medical and counseling team. Funds also helped St. Francis register over 1,100 children in
school and mentoring programs. Building on the experience of their first grant, St. Francis Health Care
Services will use the regrant funds to provide livelihood opportunities and medical supplies to orphans and
families living with HIV/AIDS.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
$4,000 – Regrant With this documentation grant, St. Francis is creating an organizational website and producing an annual
report.

STUDENT’S SELF-HELPER INITIATIVE (SSHINE), Jinja
$7,700 – Regrant SSHINE encourages positive behavior change for HIV prevention among youth. Past Firelight funding has
facilitated SSHINE’s HIV/AIDS sensitization and communication workshops. This grant helps the organization
expand their activities to new audiences through life skills and values training for caregivers, out-of-school
youth, and student leaders.
GRANTS 2004
Joop Rubens
Many community-based organizations work to ensure a child’s right to an education.

Joop Rubens
GRANTS 2004
YOUTH ALIVE CLUB, Apac District
$14,300 – Regrant Youth Alive supports positive and healthy lifestyles among young people. Previous Firelight assistance helped
Youth Alive conduct “Education for Life” Anti-AIDS Workshops to 500 youth. They also reached additional
young people through community-based video shows and trained 180 peer educators. This regrant helps
Youth Alive reach more youth living in rural areas through workshops, video shows, and peer education
trainings.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.

Population 294.0 million
Population under age 18 75.89 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 0.6%
Orphans as % of all children 3%
Total number of orphans 2.5 million
% of orphans due to AIDS 3%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $14,000
Number of new grants 2
Number of regrants 0
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $96,350
Number of new grants 7
Number of regrants 1
GRANTS 2004
HESPERIAN FOUNDATION, Berkeley
$4,000 This grant helps the Hesperian Foundation to revise and expand its publication “HIV, Health, and Your
Community.” This book, first published in 1999, is an information source and teaching tool for community
groups and non-governmental organizations addressing HIV/AIDS in the developing world. This important
resource is distributed internationally.
KEEP A CHILD ALIVE, New York
$10,000 Keep A Child Alive is a unique campaign aimed at mobilizing public support for the provision of lifesaving
HIV/AIDS medicines directly to children and families with HIV/AIDS in Africa and other impoverished
countries. This grant supports Keep A Child Alive’s launch through a targeted media campaign. The grant
award also supports the production of educational materials and purchases essential office equipment.

Malambanyama, Zambia
GRANTS 2004
As children, both Smart and Beatrice were orphaned and living on the streets of Lusaka, Zambia. Subjected to extreme physical
and emotional hardship and without any means of support, they seemed destined for a life of poverty. Identified as being at
high risk by the local Ministry of Health, Smart and Beatrice were referred to Children’s Town, a program that would change
the course of their lives.
Given the context of poverty and an overall lack of social services, it is remarkable that so many orphaned African children
remain in family care. As HIV/AIDS continues to ravage families and communities, increasing numbers of children are at greater
risk for falling through this safety net of care. The first line of support must always be to strengthen families to care for children.
However, for children who are abandoned or have nowhere else to go, transitional residential care is sometimes needed.
Founded in 1990, Children’s Town began as a residential program to
nurture, educate, and shelter street children like Beatrice and Smart.
Located in a rural area 150 km outside of Lusaka, Children’s Town
helps youth who have become accustomed to urban street life to make
the difficult transition back into the community. Beyond meeting basic
material needs such as food and shelter, Children’s Town provided Smart
and Beatrice with the psychosocial support, education, and ties to the
community that would help ensure their wellbeing and future survival.
Attending school with children from the surrounding community,
Beatrice studied academic subjects, farming techniques, and animal
husbandry at Children’s Town. Beatrice reports, “I came to Children’s
Town without knowing how to write my name, even how to speak
English.” Smart attended vocational training, and was eventually hired
by the organization to teach animal husbandry. His experience as a
street child, a student, and finally a teacher, gives him a special rapport
with his students.
From left to right: Smart Phiri, Moses Zulu (Children’s
Town Project Manager), and Beatrice Phiri
Today, having met at Children’s Town, Beatrice and Smart are married. They have a baby and care for ten other children – cousins,
nieces and nephews – who were also previously on the streets of Lusaka. At their rural home in Malambanyama, Beatrice reflects,
“We now can grow our own living […] I got the skill from Children’s Town and so now I am using that skill […] I am here and I am
settled with my own family.” Her husband Smart continues, “Now, we have a home where there is paprika that we grow ourselves
as one of our cash crops […] and we also grow maize. Maize is for the family, the paprika we sell. We even have poultry.”
Children’s Town highly values and nurtures community ties, and gives youth opportunities to learn practical life skills. As a
result, Beatrice and Smart now reside in the community where they care and provide for themselves and extended family
members that might otherwise be on the streets or in institutions. Seeing the growing impact of AIDS, and realizing that
residential care was limited in the numbers of children it could serve, Children’s Town expanded its program in 2001 to include
community outreach. By supporting caregivers and youth through economic empowerment activities and other services, this
program helps ensure that thousands of children remain cared for within their communities.
Jennifer Anderson-Bähr

Population 10.8 million
Population under age 18 5.82 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 17%
Orphans as % of all children 19%
Total number of orphans 1.10 million
% of orphans due to AIDS 60%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $214,600
Number of new grants 5
Number of regrants 16
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $487,900
Number of new grants 29
Number of regrants 23
GRANTS 2004
ANGLICAN CHILDREN’S PROJECT, Lusaka
$14,500 – Regrant The goal of the Anglican Children’s Project is to support vulnerable children and their families. Their
programs include a residential transit center for street children, income-generating activities for orphans,
school scholarships, psychosocial counseling, sports activities, and education about child labor and its
effects. In the past, the Firelight Foundation has funded the Anglican Children’s Project’s educational and
food programs, as well as a bakery project that provides food, income, and job training for street children.
This regrant expands the project by funding vocational education for youth.

GRANTS 2004
BWAFWANO COMMUNITY HOME-BASED CARE ORGANIZATION, Lusaka
$30,000 – Regrant Bwafwano is a leader in the field of home-based care and the support of vulnerable children. Activities
Two-year grant include health, nutrition, psychosocial support, education, skills training, HIV/AIDS prevention, and
income-generating activities. Previous Firelight funding enabled 100 orphans to attend an entrepreneurship
workshop and receive small business loans. Grant funds also helped Bwafwano train caregivers, youth,
and adults in peer education, orphan monitoring, and community leadership and mobilization. In addition,
500 children at the community school were fed every day for one school year. With this grant, Bwafwano
is increasing the orphan care and peer education support they offer by expanding to a new geographical
area. The funds provide food and basic materials to children in school, and supports the formation of anti-
AIDS clubs and orphan care support groups, and the distribution of condoms.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
$2,800 – Regrant Bwafwano is creating two products with this documentation grant: a newsletter that is directed at local
community-based organizations and a video that describes Bwafwano’s work for potential and current donors.
$4,000 – Regrant The Global Health Council selected Bwafwano’s Executive Director, Beatrice Chola, to present a paper on
Bwafwano’s community mobilization work at its annual public health conference in Washington, D.C. This
grant covers the travel expenses associated with this presentation and a visit to the Firelight Foundation’s
offices in Santa Cruz, California.
CARE FOR CHILDREN IN NEED (CAFCHIN), Lundazi
$12,300 – Regrant CAFCHIN’s activities aim to promote community-based approaches to orphan care. Previous Firelight funds
helped CAFCHIN set up a community resource center, a small loan fund assisting caregivers in incomegenerating
activities, and a rural family network. This regrant helps CAFCHIN continue to train and assist
55 caregivers in initiating income-generating activities. Funds also enable CAFCHIN to work with children
to develop memory books by covering the purchase of a camera, film, and art materials. Memory books are
collections of stories and memorabilia that offer children a sense of family history.
CHIKANTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (CCSDP), Choma
$3,700 – Regrant The primary focus of CCSDP is the provision of free education, via community schools, to disadvantaged
children in a very rural location. Chikanta’s previous grant assisted with the ongoing management and
maintenance of 10 of their 16 community schools. This grant covers CCSDP’s office rental and staff salary
expenses.
CHILDREN IN DISTRESS-Kalomo (CINDI-Kalomo), Kalomo
$8,000 – Regrant The Children in Distress (CINDI) national network was established in 1989 in order to mitigate the impact
of HIV/AIDS on children. CINDI-Kalomo used Firelight’s first grant to train 45 caregivers and 19 youth
in business skills. With 2004 funding, CINDI-Kalomo introduces an HIV/AIDS educational component

for 24 children, provides income-generating
opportunities to 18 guardians, and holds
3 workshops on HIV/AIDS awareness.
CHILDREN IN DISTRESS-Kitwe (CINDI-Kitwe), Kitwe
$9,800 – Regrant CINDI-Kitwe aims to create an effective and
sustainable community response to the material
and psychosocial needs of orphans and
vulnerable children. Earlier funding enabled
CINDI-Kitwe to conduct a needs assessment,
organize anti-AIDS workshops for 500 youth,
and hold community group meetings with
children and caregivers on HIV/AIDS issues.
With continued funding from Firelight, CINDI-
Kitwe will provide 120 youth with reproductive
health and HIV/AIDS awareness training, train
600 youth in peer-to-peer HIV/AIDS education,
provide a weekly volunteer mobile clinic, and
train 600 youth in micro-enterprises.
GRANTS 2004
CHILDREN OF THE MOST HIGH (CMH), Choma
$10,000 – Regrant This organization provides shelter, care, and
community support to vulnerable families in
a rural area. CMH used a previous Firelight
grant to provide seeds (e.g. cabbage, maize,
bean, and sunflower) and skills training to 42
women’s groups. They also began building a
community school for 98 children and provided
care to 27 orphaned children who reside in two
safe houses. With a new Firelight grant, CMH
is completing construction of the community
school that will serve 160 children. They are
also purchasing a grain mill for the community,
offering nutrition workshops to 250 women
caregivers, and providing additional nutritional
support for infants.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at
Tides Foundation.
Youth group in Zambia.
© Jim Hayes

GRANTS 2004
COMMUNITY FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT (CHD), Lusaka
$5,000 CHD manages eight community schools for orphans and vulnerable children. CHD also provides incomegenerating
activities, business management, and holistic care training for women caregivers, and helps
them secure small business loans. With Firelight support, CHD is assisting 20 street children from Lusaka
and reintegrating them into school. Funds also cover administrative expenses and CHD’s purchase of
educational materials for its network of community schools.
DEVELOPMENT AID FROM PEOPLE TO PEOPLE CHILDREN’S TOWN, Malambanyama
$25,000 – Regrant Children’s Town, located 140 km outside of Lusaka, works to address the plight of street children and
Two-year grant other vulnerable children. The program started 15 years ago with 2 children in tent shelters. Today, there
is housing for 180 children and 20 teachers, a community school, office buildings, and a community hall.
By providing education, skills, and emotional support to vulnerable children and youth, Children’s Town
transforms street children into participating members of their communities. Their community-outreach
program serves 4,000 children by strengthening the capacity of guardians to provide adequate care for
them. They also offer expertise in income generation and advocate for children’s rights. This comprehensive
model of outreach not only responds to immediate community needs, but also prevents more vulnerable
children from choosing a life on the streets of Lusaka. Previously, Firelight supported the operation of
Children’s Town community school and the launch of their community-outreach programs for orphans and
vulnerable children. This grant continues support for these activities.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
$4,000 – Regrant Children’s Town will develop a written publication documenting their work. This document will describe
successes and failures and will serve as a guide for other organizations and government-planned centers for
street children.
KAOMA CHESHIRE CARE HOME, Kaoma
$6,000 – Regrant Kaoma Cheshire Care Home provides hospice support and famine relief for HIV-positive children. Past
Firelight funding has enabled the home to offer the only local free schooling for vulnerable children.
This grant covers school uniforms for 49 children and the food and health care needs of infants at their
facility.
THE LAW AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (LADA), Monze
$10,000 In response to widespread property grabbing, widow inheritance, and early forced marriages, LADA
provides legal advice, training, and income-generating activities to improve the status of women and girls.
With the Firelight grant, LADA launches a “paralegal kids” program to teach children, especially girls, about
their human rights. This program empowers children to report child abuse directly to the police or LADA
members.

LUAPULA FOUNDATION, Mansa
$15,000 – Regrant The Luapula Foundation was founded
to address the plight of orphans and
vulnerable children in the Mansa
community, a high-need underserved area.
With previous Firelight support, Luapula
was able to increase the economic
independence and food security of 104
vulnerable children and educate clients on
HIV prevention. The grant also provided
school fees and vocational and business
training for youth and provided farming
supplies for caregivers and children.
With regrant funds, Luapula is providing
secondary school fees to 50 orphans,
educational fees for 10 previously funded
students, agricultural supplies for 30
families caring for orphans, and HIVprevention
education to 160 youth.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised
Fund, at Tides Foundation.
GRANTS 2004
$3,700 – Regrant With this documentation grant, Luapula
is purchasing a computer, a printer,
and supporting software to assist in the
production of their newsletter and in the
daily running of their organization.
NEW HORIZON MINISTRIES (NHM), Lusaka
$6,000 – Regrant New Horizon Ministries helps care for
destitute and abused children who are
living on the streets of Lusaka. With a
previous grant, NHM purchased an oven
and trained 15 girls and 10 caregivers
in basic sewing and cooking skills. This
new Firelight grant helps NHM fund
administrative and operational costs.
© Jim Hayes

GRANTS 2004
RAY OF HOPE FOR ORPHANS, Livingstone
$4,000 Ray of Hope for Orphans works to upgrade the life of orphans and vulnerable children by providing for
their basic needs such as food, health care, education, social services, counseling, and spiritual guidance.
With the Firelight grant, Ray of Hope for Orphans is setting up a revolving loan fund for 30 households
containing orphaned and vulnerable children. Funds also pay school and health fees for 35 child heads-ofhouseholds
or children living with elderly caregivers.
REFORMED OPEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS (ROCS-Lundazi), Lundazi
$7,000 ROCS-Lundazi provides literacy and skill-building opportunities for orphans in order to encourage their
future self-sufficiency. Their activities also include psychosocial support, HIV/AIDS and gender awareness
training, and water supply and sanitation provision. With Firelight funds, ROCS-Lundazi is initiating
carpentry-training programs in two primary schools. They are also training teachers at 25 schools in a sports
and recreation curriculum and are providing each school with sports equipment and a bicycle to facilitate
this work.
SENANGA ORPHAN DAY CENTRE COMMUNITY SCHOOL, Senanga
$25,000 – Regrant Senanga Orphan Day Centre Community School provides education and nutritional support to children
Two-year grant through their free school program. The school used previous Firelight funding to support 269 children,
50% of whom were orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. The organization provided free education and uniforms
to the children and food to all students and staff and led cultural activities that taught children about local
dance and music. Using a new grant, Senanga Orphan Day Care Community School is completing the
construction of two classrooms, continuing to feed 300 students and staff, covering some administrative
costs, and facilitating workshops for caregivers on psychosocial support.
YOUTH ACTIVISTS ORGANIZATION (YAO), Lusaka
$8,800 YAO facilitates youth camps, primarily for boys, to increase their knowledge of reproductive health and
promote a climate of community support. With Firelight funds, YAO is expanding their youth football
program and health camps into four rural areas. These activities include assessing youth knowledge about
health issues and offering targeted educational workshops to address their needs.

Population 12.9 million
Population under age 18 6.58 million
HIV adult seroprevalence 25%
Orphans as % of all children 19%
Total number of orphans 1.30 million
% of orphans due to AIDS 78%
During 2004
Total Firelight funding $186,000
Number of new grants 7
Number of regrants 9
Since 2000
Total Firelight funding $508,350
Number of new grants 23
Number of regrants 22
GRANTS 2004
THE CENTRE, Harare
$4,000 The Centre promotes positive living for HIV-positive people through nutrition, survival skills, counseling,
and advocacy. This grant enables The Centre to develop its youth-focused psychosocial support program.
The program includes life skills education, recreational activities, and information about good nutrition,
all aimed at supporting young people living with HIV. It also provides young people with the tools and
knowledge to prevent new HIV infections.

GRANTS 2004
CHILD PROTECTION SOCIETY (CPS), Harare
$10,000 – Regrant CPS supports abandoned, abused, disabled, and terminally ill children through a program of residential
hospice care and community-based family care. Previous Firelight grants have covered CPS’ operational
and administrative costs and enabled CPS to transform large dormitories into smaller family units. This grant
enables CPS to cover caregivers’ salaries. It also increases the amount of psychosocial support provided to
children by training staff in psychosocial support techniques and strengthening current child counseling and
group support programs.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
DANANAI CENTRE, Murambinda
$30,000 – Regrant Dananai Centre works in a rural setting and provides home-based care to vulnerable children and people
Two-year grant living with HIV/AIDS. Through outreach activities, they sensitize community members about the impact
of HIV/AIDS and share support strategies. The Dananai Centre used a previous Firelight grant to shift its
orphan assistance from an individual to a community-driven approach that engages children in decisionmaking.
They have established 12 Village Care Groups, convened a children’s forum, and offered
educational support to 400 children. This two-year grant enables Dananai to assist an additional 50
vulnerable children with educational support and to continue their counseling, care workshops, and incomegenerating
projects.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
FAMILY SUPPORT TRUST (FST), Chitungwiza
$5,000 FST operates closely with hospitals, the police, and a strong network of community volunteers to address
both the immediate and ongoing needs of child sexual abuse survivors. FST offers emotional support and
medical care, including post-HIV exposure prophylaxis and treatment for sexually transmitted infections.
The organization works with sexual abuse survivors from the time of their trauma to the prosecution of the
perpetrators in court. It also conducts community education programs on child sexual abuse. This grant
supports FST’s integrated program of care and outreach.
GIRL CHILD NETWORK (GCN), Rusape
$4,000 – Regrant A secondary school teacher and her female students started the Girl Child Network in 1999 to address
the gender-based violence and abuse occurring in schools, homes, and communities. Firelight’s support
enabled GCN to construct an “Empowerment Village” in Rusape where, in one year, they counseled 47 girl
survivors of sexual abuse and reintegrated them with families in the community. Every year, GCN continues
to assist more girl survivors and works with the broader community to reintegrate them. This documentation
grant supports GCN’s development of a website and video aimed to raise awareness with donors about the
issues affecting girls.

Community Activist, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Siphelile Kaseke was studying tourism in college when she was invited to volunteer at Masiye Camp in her hometown of
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Masiye Camp’s short-term residential programs offer young people who are heads of households
training in leadership and household management skills, counseling to help them cope with personal loss, and a break from
the demands of their difficult lives through recreation and experiential learning activities. “I first worked as a volunteer and then
I became a camp counselor,” says Siphelile. “Working at Masiye showed me the power of helping others and it changed my
whole view on life in general, especially in terms of what I can do for other people.”
Through the experience at the camp, Siphelile and her friends observed the
importance of play in the lives of children in difficult circumstances. That inspired
them to start a play group for children in their own community. They called their
organization, Youth for a Child in Christ, or YOCIC. The success of that first play
group motivated them to expand their idea into a series of “Kids’ Clubs,” where
hundreds of children now come to have fun, learn about HIV prevention and care,
and discuss with peers how to cope with orphanhood and other challenges posed by
HIV/AIDS. In 2003 Siphelile took a one-year leave from Masiye Camp to devote her
time to expanding YOCIC.
GRANTS 2004
After a year of spearheading YOCIC, she left to give other young people the chance
to develop their leadership and problem-solving skills. “I felt that it was important to
keep the leadership of YOCIC young,” she explains. “The young people I worked with
helped me discover my capabilities and strengths and use them in supporting children
in my community. My hope is that by keeping YOCIC youth-run it will have the same
or better effects on many other young people.”
Back at Camp Masiye, Siphelile began training people on how to mainstream
psychosocial support into their programs. “We encourage people to recognize that
children’s needs go beyond material and educational support, and that they have
social and emotional needs,” she says.
Anonymous
The Firelight Foundation recently helped Siphelile attend the World AIDS Conference
in Bangkok, Thailand so that young people’s opinions and ideas would have a voice.
She notes, “It was an amazing learning experience to be a part of such an event …
One thing that stood out was that most programmers do not see that young people’s
problems in the context of HIV and AIDS are very diverse. If we are to reduce the
impact of AIDS on youth we need to go beyond making sure that they have access
to condoms or treatment. Young people need to be supported in acquiring life skills
and developing socially acceptable values and principles -- but most importantly, they
need to be heard and involved in meeting their needs.”

GRANTS 2004
GWAI GRANDMOTHERS’ GROUP, Gwai
$3,000 The Gwai Grandmothers’ Group visits homes to help strengthen the coping capacity of families and children.
They assist with feeding and bathing children and the sick and teach caregivers basic home-care techniques.
With Firelight’s support, the Grandmothers’ Group is maintaining a vegetable garden to provide food to
orphans, continuing weekly home visits, and purchasing sewing and knitting machines. These machines help the
Grandmothers’ Group generate income for their activities and also allow them to train young women at risk of HIV.
HOPE FOR A CHILD IN CHRIST (HOCIC), Bulawayo
$6,400 HOCIC is a consortium of faith-based organizations that works to address the needs of orphans and
vulnerable children. HOCIC trains orphan care program coordinators and provides direct support to
children affected by HIV/AIDS. They also establish income-generating activities, the profits of which support
orphan care programs. With Firelight funding, HOCIC is training 75 young community representatives on
strategies for responding effectively to vulnerable children’s needs. In their respective communities, these
representatives will reach a total of 30,000 vulnerable children.
INSTITUTE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS–ZIMBABWE (ICA-Z), Harare
$3,000 ICA-Z focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention education and awareness raising, micro-credit finance, and
community capacity building. This grant supports ICA-Z’s efforts to establish a youth meeting and resource
center, to share HIV/AIDS prevention and care information, and to foster community involvement in meeting
the needs of children affected by HIV/AIDS.
ISLAND HOSPICE, Harare
$14,700 – Regrant Founded in 1979, Island Hospice was the first hospice established in Africa. With previous Firelight funding,
Two-year grant Island initiated a community-based Children’s Bereavement Support Project to increase the quality of
emotional care for bereaved and ill children and their caregivers in high-density suburbs surrounding
Harare. This grant will fund refresher courses for bereavement support group facilitators and the training of
youth in home-based care of family members living with HIV/AIDS.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
J.F. KAPNEK CHARITABLE TRUST, Zvimba
$32,700 – Regrant The Kapnek Trust aims to mitigate the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on the children of Zimbabwe, both
Three-year grant through preventing new pediatric HIV infections and by supporting an integrated program of care for young
vulnerable children. With Firelight’s earlier grant, the Kapnek Trust provided secondary school scholarships
to 15 young women preparing for careers in health care. With this three-year grant, the Kapnek Trust is
building and equipping three community preschools that will provide education, nutrition, and medical
support to 225 children. The children’s caregivers will also benefit, by having time to pursue incomegenerating
activities and respite.
The entire grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.

MOTHER OF PEACE COMMUNITY, Mutoko
$9,000 – Regrant Mother of Peace Community is a residential care
facility for abandoned and neglected infants
and children. Past Firelight funding has helped
the organization conduct workshops to raise
awareness about children affected by HIV/AIDS
and to train families on practical skills to meet
children’s needs. The organization also initiated
community-based income-generating projects in
an effort to enhance the community’s capacity
to care for children affected by HIV/AIDS. With
this grant, they will work with the community to
establish a grinding mill. Profits from the mill
will be used to address the needs of children
orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS
within the community.
GRANTS 2004
REGIONAL PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT INITIATIVE
(REPSSI), Bulawayo
$5,000 This grant provides REPSSI with an opportunity for
networking by funding its participation in the XVth
International Conference on HIV/AIDS held in
Bangkok in July 2004. Firelight funding helped to
sponsor REPSSI’s satellite meeting on “Enhancing
Psychosocial Support for Children Affected by
HIV/AIDS” at the conference.
SALVATION ARMY MASIYE CAMP, Bulawayo
$23,800 – Regrant Masiye Camp offers life skills training to child
Two-year grant heads-of-households using experiential learning,
recreational activities, and small group discussion.
Previously, Firelight funds enabled Masiye Camp
to establish an emergency fund to respond to urgent needs faced by youth attending camp. The fund assists
with expenses such as rent, utility bills, emergency medical crises, or school fees. This grant enables Masiye
Camp to strengthen the community’s capacity to care for HIV-positive children aged birth to five years old by
training and supporting local networks of caregivers to offer palliative care and psychosocial support.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
© Jim Hayes

GRANTS 2004
UNITED CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICA/BONGANI ORPHAN CARE PROGRAMME,
Bulawayo
$24,000 – Regrant The Bongani Orphan Care Programme trains volunteers to assist children affected by HIV/AIDS by providing
Two-year grant services such as bereavement support and legal assistance to protect property rights following their parents’
deaths. Previously, Firelight funding supported the training of 450 community volunteers in leadership skills,
100 youth and caregivers on the facts about HIV/AIDS and basic nursing care, and 604 vulnerable youth
in small-scale income-generating activities. Current grant funds enable Bongani to educate additional
volunteers in HIV/AIDS and reproductive health, provide children with recreational opportunities, and
support job skills training for orphans.
$11,000 of this grant was funded through Firelight’s Donor Advised Fund, at Tides Foundation.
YOUTH FOR A CHILD IN CHRIST (YOCIC), Bulawayo
$8,500 YOCIC is a youth-led organization that has pioneered “Kids’ Clubs,” where hundreds of children come to
play, have fun, and learn about HIV prevention and care. They also discuss with peers how to cope with the
loss of their parents and other challenges posed by HIV/AIDS. With Firelight funds, YOCIC is establishing a
fund to meet emergency needs, training 20 youths in income-generating activities, and providing start-up
grants for small businesses. The grant also helps the organization purchase a computer and printer and
covers administrative costs.
$2,900 – Regrant This grant covers travel expenses associated with the YOCIC Program Manager’s participation as a youth
representative at the XVth International Conference on HIV/AIDS in Bangkok, Thailand.
Joop Rubens

Firelight awarded 20 multi-year grants in 2004, which disbursed funds over two or three years. Multi-year grants offer
successful organizations the stability necessary to build their organization and expand their services. For example, Cameroon
Medical Women Association was awarded a total of $10,000 in 2004, $5,000 to be paid in 2004 and $5,000 in 2005.
All grants awarded during 2004 are listed below. Some grantees were awarded more than one grant during 2004 and are
therefore listed more than once.
Grant Awards 2004 2005 2006
Cameroon
Cameroon Medical Women Association $5,000 $5,000
GRANTS 2004
Kenya
ESSIE Development Group $6,000
Grassroots Alliance for Community Education $25,000
Grassroots Alliance for Community Education $25,000
Kibera Community Self-Help Programme $12,000
Mama Darlene Children’s Centre and Community Development Projects $8,000
Pandipieri Community Health Programme $12,000 $10,000
Positive Widows in Kenya $8,000
Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Programme $7,500
Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Programme $16,000 $16,000
Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Programme $16,000 $16,000
Teenage Mothers and Children Family Health Care Programme $3,000
WEM Integrated Health Services $12,000 $12,000
Lesotho
Hoohlo AIDS Support Group $3,500
Khanya Support Group $6,000
Lefikeng Disabled and Social Training Centre $6,000
Lesotho Child Counselling Unit $10,800
Phopholetsa HIV/AIDS Support Group $3,500
Re Tsepile Morena Support Group $3,500
Tšosane Support Group $9,000
Young Basotho Professionals Forum $4,500

Grant Awards 2004 2005 2006
GRANTS 2004
Malawi
Eye of the Child $10,000
Matindi Youth Organisation $8,000
Namwera AIDS Coordinating Committee $9,900
Nkhotakota AIDS Support Organization $9,500
Rwanda
Association d’appui aux Groupements
dans le domaine Socio-économique $15,000 $10,000
Association de Soutiens aux Rescapés du Génocide $15,200
Association pour le Développement Agro-Pastoral $4,500
Benishyaka Association $9,900 $13,900 $11,000
Centre pour l’Amour des Jeunes $5,000
Ejo Nzamera Nte Association $9,800
Ihorere Munyarwanda $8,000
Solidarité Femmes 3x3 $6,000
Soutien aux Initiatives de Lutte Contre le SIDA
en faveur des Enfants Economiquement et Socialement Défavorisés $4,000
Trust and Care $9,600
South Africa
Association François-Xavier Bagnoud $12,000 $10,000
Belabela Welfare Society $4,000
Botshabelo Babies Home $15,000
Children’s Rights Centre $16,000 $14,000
Children’s Rights Centre $4,000
Diketso Eseng Dipuo
Community Development Trust $10,000
Greater Nelspruit Rape Intervention Programme $4,000
Mofumahadi Wa Tshepo Care $5,000
Motivation Community Development $5,000
Rob Smetherham Bereavement
Service for Children $10,000
Rural Women’s Movement $4,000
St. Nicholas Children’s Hospice $10,000
Thandukuphila Community Based Organization $8,000

Grant Awards 2004 2005 2006
Tanzania
AIDS Outreach Nyakato $4,000
Boona Baana Centre for Children’s Rights $6,400
Butogwa Women’s Health
and Development Association $5,000
Diocese of Southern Highlands $3,500
Elimu, Michezo na Mazoezi $12,000 $12,000
Lake Nyanza Environmental
and Sanitation Organization $12,000 $12,000
Maryknoll Mission Sisters, Musoma $5,000
Maryknoll Mission Sisters, Mwisenge $6,000
Muungano Community Based Organization $3,500
Tanzania Teens Against AIDS $6,000
Tuamoyo Family Children’s Centre,
St. Alban’s Street Children Society $9,600
WAMATA Sengerema $7,200
Yatima Kwa Wazazi $3,500
GRANTS 2004
Uganda
Action for Children $5,000
Centre for Environment Technology and Rural Development $2,000
Centre for Environment Technology and Rural Development $15,000 $15,000
Friends of Christ Revival Ministries $10,000
Kyetume Community Based Health Care Programme $10,000
St. Francis Health Care Services $15,000 $15,000
St. Francis Health Care Services $4,000
Student’s Self-Helper Initiative $7,700
Youth Alive Club $14,300
USA
Hesperian Foundation $4,000
Keep A Child Alive $10,000
Zambia
Anglican Street Children Project $14,500
Bwafwano Community Home-Based Care Organization $15,000 $15,000

Grant Awards 2004 2005 2006
GRANTS 2004
Bwafwano Community Home-Based Care Organization $4,000
Bwafwano Community Home-Based Care Organization $2,800
Care for Children in Need $12,300
Chikanta Community Schools Development Project $3,700
Children in Distress-Kitwe $9,800
Children in Distress-Kalomo $8,000
Children of the Most High-Zambia $10,000
Community for Human Development $5,000
Development Aid from People to People, Children’s Town $15,000 $10,000
Development Aid from People to People, Children’s Town $4,000
Kaoma Cheshire Community Care Center $6,000
The Law and Development Association $10,000
Luapula Foundation $15,000
Luapula Foundation $3,700
New Horizon Ministries $6,000
Ray of Hope for Orphans $4,000
Reformed Open Community Schools-Lundazi $7,000
Senanga Orphan Day Centre $15,000 $10,000
Youth Activists Organization $8,800
Zimbabwe
The Centre $4,000
Child Protection Society $10,000
Dananai Centre $15,000 $15,000
Family Support Trust $5,000
Girl Child Network $4,000
Gwai Grandmother’s Group $3,000
Hope for a Child in Christ $6,400
Institute of Cultural Affairs-Zimbabwe $3,000
Island Hospice $14,700
J.F. Kapnek Charitable Trust $13,800 $11,400 $7,500
Mother of Peace Community $9,000
Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative $5,000
Salvation Army Masiye Camp $13,800 $10,000
United Congregational Church of Southern Africa/Bongani Orphan Care Programme $12,000 $12,000
Youth For A Child in Christ $8,500
Youth For A Child in Christ $2,900

TREASURER’S NOTE
The Firelight Foundation awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants during 2004, contributing to a five-year cumulative total of just
over $3 million in grants. We continue to pursue a strategy of conservative portfolio management, low overhead, and active
fundraising in order to maximize our grantmaking dollars.
FUNDRAISING
The Firelight Foundation committed to a greater focus on fundraising in 2004. Individuals, businesses, and other foundations
contributed a total of $450,150. The number of donations we received increased 40% over FY 2003. Firelight’s unique
ability to apply 100% of all donations to grantmaking, as our endowment covers all other expenditures, continues to be very
attractive to donors. A full-time Development and Communications Officer was hired in at the end of FY 2004 to manage and
expand our future fundraising efforts.
GRANTMAKING
In 2004, Firelight awarded 109 grants to organizations in 10 African countries and the United States totaling $1,186,900. We
awarded $825,400 in grants from donations and our endowment. The remaining $361,500 was funded through the Firelight
Foundation Donor Advised Fund at the Tides Foundation.
Some individuals contribute to Firelight through our Donor Advised Fund at the Tides Foundation. Grant awards made
through the Donor Advised Fund are recommended by the Firelight Foundation Board of Directors and approved by the Tides
Foundation Board of Directors. The Firelight staff manages the due diligence and application process for these grants. Staff
also visit, support, and receive reports from Tides grantees. This report provides a complete list of grantees and the level of
support they received through the Firelight Foundation Donor Advised Fund.
FUTURE GRANTMAKING
With an anticipated increase in donations and the continued health of the endowment, Firelight plans to award more than
$1.35 million in grants in 2005.
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US

Two-Year Comparison for the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2003 and 2004
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
ASSETS
2003 2004
Current Assets 11,162,431 11,409,342
Property and Equipment, net 38,369 35,101
Other Assets 6,000 9,355
Total Assets 11,206,800 11,453,798
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Accounts Payable 24,108 31,422
Grants Payable 146,750 200,655
Total Current Liabilities 170,858 232,077
NET ASSETS 11,035,942 11,221,721
Total Liabilities and Net Assets 11,206,800 11,453,798

2003 2004
PUBLIC SUPPORT AND REVENUE
Support from Individuals 284,592 140,150 *
Support from other Foundations 317,250 310,000
Revenue from Investments 1,742,754 1,335,520
Total Public Support and Revenue 2,344,596 1,785,670
EXPENSES
Grants Awarded 720,800 825,400
Program Services 347,945 394,517
General and Administrative 204,040 312,684
Fundraising 46,141 67,290
Total Expenses 1,318,926 1,599,891
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 1,025,670 185,779
* In addition, $361,500 in donations were administered through the Firelight Foundation Donor Advised Fund at
the Tides Foundation.
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
Foundation Support
17%
Individual Support
8%
Investments
75%
Grants Awarded
51%
Fundraising
4%
General and Administrative
20%
Program Services
25%
REVENUE 2004
EXPENSES 2004

FINANCIALS & ABOUT US

INDIVIDUALS
Laurie Ahern
Cengiz Alaettinoglu
Page Allen & Nat Owings
Uzoma Amuta
Anonymus
Cathy Aronson
Frances Ashcroft
Muhammad Ashraf Kapadia
Barbara & Robert Astone
Jennifer Astone
Judy Astone & Donald Patten
Roger & Carolyn Ayers
Russell Ayers
Catherine Bacon
Beverly Bell
Susan Berlow
Lisa Berry & Leslie Johnson
Gretchen Borchelt
Jennifer Boulanger &
Bruce Schillo
Caitlin Brune
Catherine Bryant
Patrick & Linda Bujold
Tom & Lore Burger
Holly Burkhalter
Eileen Campbell
Rose Campbell
Lawrence Carbone &
David Takacs
Rita Carter
Mary Collins & Kate Collins
Steven Corbato & Susan Bratton
Janet & Bill Cornyn
Dorothy Courtney
Kenneth Crepea
Jill Croft
Tim & Betsy Croft
Alan Crystal & Marilyn Uzan
Bill Dalo
Lewellyn Dameron
Bill Darte
Karen DeMorett
Martha Egan
Ingrid Erkman
Timothy & Larissa Fain
Robert & Sarah Feinerman
William Fitzpatrick
James Flach
Hasanna Fletcher Ryan &
Dane Ryan
Caroline Flowers
Lynn & Michael Freeman
Pat & Michael French
Marcel & Elizabeth Gani
Gaurav Garg & Komal Shah
Aviva Garrett & David Doshay
Jennifer Gilbert & Rob Fagen
Russell Gold
Margery Goldman &
Marvin Naiman
Vikki Golsh
Adam Grosser
Richard & Judith Guggenhime
Veronica Guiry
Robert Hall
Susan & Mark Hamlin
Glee Harrah Cady
Jim Hayes
Deborah Haynor &
Joyce Colman
Monika Henderson
Yvonne Hines
Sarah Hobson
Angie Holman
Beverly Honchorek
Elisha Huricks
David Imboden & Kathy Levy
Matthew Iverson
Stevie Jaguitis
Paul & Sarah Janssens
Kristen & Jeremy Johnson
Alan & Jacqueline Jones
Merike Kaeo
Sue Karant & Horace Small
A. Edward & Jeanette Katz
Kathy Keyes
Haideh Khorramabadi
James King &
Mary Lou Goodwin-King
Martin King
Sherrie & Marc Kingsley
Nancy & Edward Kopf
Sara Kopf
Jacqueline Kovach
Erik Kreil & Lucia Divenere
Laura & Gary Lauder
Anne Layshock
Jesse & Laura Lee
Laura A. Lee
Mary Lee & Ernest Kilton
Hilde Levine
John & Shari Levitt
Tony Li & Lisa Bourgeault
Mary Libbey
Lynn Lim
Kathlynn & James Lockard
John Lohr
Ali MacGraw
Scott Mackie
James Marsh & Mary Snow
John & Elizabeth Martin
Natasha Martin
Marie Martone Farrand
Mark Merrill
Ruth Messinger
Neeraj Mistry
Tammy & David Moody
Libby Moroff
Bruce Morton
Thelma Mosbey & Sherley Phillips
John & Nancy Munger
Karen Anne Murray
Ghassan Nakad &
Judith Barsalou
Cindy Nathan
Albert & Mary Nibbe
Alene Nitzky
Leslie Nobile
Shirley Nuno
Kerry Olson
Donna Orr
Steven Ott &
Jennifer Hubbell-Ott
Peggy & John Overcashier
Stephen & Tracey Peranich
Beth Pettengill-Riley
Victoria Pilate
James Potash & Sally Scott
Paul Reilly & Deborah Reilly
Mary Robertson
Janet Rossi
Naomi Rutenberg & Robert Burn
Bijal Sanghani
Rachel Scheer
Linda Seal
Matthew Shafeek
Dan & Hester Shapiro
Constance Shaw-Plouffe &
George Plouffe Jr.
Jan & Caroline Shinpoch
Robert & Karen Simon
Thomas Skibo
Pearish Smith
Bing Sun
Sheila Sundar
Nafia Tasmin Din
David & Nina Taylor
Leah Taylor Roy
Malay Thaker
Anna Tiran
Rick Tra
David Tremblay
Randy Trigg
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US

FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
Phan Trinh
Jean Trotzky
Judith Tumin
Laura &
Michael van Lienden
Virginia Vendrell &
Haywood May
Ronald Vertrees
Carol Ward
Ellen Weiss &
Jonathon Greenberg
Gloria Welsh
Jane Whicher
David Wittbrodt
William Woodward &
Robin Blackwood
Marianne Wyllie
Andrea Yaffe
Irene Yoon
Irene Yung
BUSINESSES
Anonymous
Astone’s Protea
Eddison & Melrose
Gayle’s Bakery & Rosticerria
Gifts In Kind International’s
Hewlett-Packard Employee
Products Gift Matching
Program
Reevis Mountain School
Santa Cruz Home Finance
Streeter Specialty
Tiffany’s Flowers
and Boutique
WomanTours
Zaplin-Lampert Gallery
FOUNDATIONS
Argentarius Foundation
Community Foundation Silicon
Valley
Flora Family Foundation
Tsadik Fund of the TIDES
Foundation
FAITH-BASED
ORGANIZATIONS
AM Isaiah Israel Congregation
OTHER GROUPS
Western Michigan University
Communication Department
GIFTS IN HONOR OF
Christie Abdul
Steve Ames
Randy & Janis Archer
Fr. Vince Arimond
Tim & Ann Arimond
Cathy Aronson
Judy Astone
Robert Astone
Tamara & Kevin Babcock
Tracy & Barry Barrett
Tat Blesch
Peter Bloch
Frank Bower
Tom & Julie Brown
Sheila Brune
William Campbell Brune
Judy Bryan
Eileen Bujold
Sean & Jane Bujold
Thomas & Margaret Bujold
Paul Burnett
Geoff Bushell
Corey Calgaro
Larry Carbone & David Takacs
Paul Cianci
Donna Coen
Eric & Kara Craine
Rob Dahline
Amy Dameron
Jerry & Marilyn Danielson
Tasmin Din
James Duran
Sam & Robin East
Ms. Airie Lindsay
Titia & Bill Ellis
Neal & Deb Enzenauer
Kay Erickson
Buck & Jill Florek
Peggy & Daren Franzen
Sandra Golden
Carolyn Froeberg
Carrie, Mark, Nathan &
Audrey Fuentes
Jeff Garn
Chris & Darla Greenley
Dan Greenley
Marie Matetich &
Kevin Griswold
Bill Haig
Bill & Sharon Hall
Nancy Harper
John Hausler
Ken & Colleen Hausler
Jon Henry
Evan Hinshaw
Jean & Phil Holbo
Cynthia Iverson
Dick Ivey
Dana & Loreen Jackson
Chris Jones
Dave Katz & Kerry Olson
Sharon & Bill Keeton
Marcia & Erik Kjesbu
Bill Lah
Terry & Jody Leonidas
Andy & Ruth Lerohl
John Lerohl
Rev. Al & Ruth Lerohl
Judy Margolis
Jim Matetich
John Matetich
Norm & Carol Mattson
Jon Maturi
Marquerite McGlone
Brian & Bonny McGuire
Miriam &
Felicia Messinger-Hayes
Anicka Mihalik
Tom & Faith Nix
Arlie & Maija Norwood
Jim Palmquist
Roy & Carol Palmquist
Ted & Ann Palsgrove
Amelia Perez
Paul Philpott
Theresa Sain & Sivan Kartha
Tom Schaeffer
Bill Sergot
George & Diane Shapiro
Melody Shapiro
Stefanie & Skylar Shapiro
Gaurav Garg & Komal Shaw
Barb Sigurdson
John Spencer
Nancy Swift
Fran Taylor
Moira Thomas
Sangeeta Tripathi
Joseph & Joan Varda
Jim Gordon & Dinna Voges
Dave Wittbrodt
Ray & Joan Yahrmatter

Donor, Santa Cruz, California
Software engineer, documentary filmmaker, and photographer Jim Hayes has been a donor to Firelight Foundation for the
past several years. He was drawn to the foundation because it addressed his strong interest in children’s issues, social change,
hunger, and HIV/AIDS. “Firelight supports programs that resonate deeply within me,” Jim says. “I see not only the physical
needs of children being met, but the powerful psychological support they require as well.”
Jim became familiar with the Foundation through founder Dave Katz, who was
a colleague in two different high-tech businesses. He attended the foundation’s
first fundraising event in 2003, and began donating after hearing of Firelight’s
work to improve the lives of children and families suffering from extreme poverty
and the fallout of AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Since retiring from the internet infrastructure industry, Jim has devoted his time
to creating a state-of-the-art high definition video editing and production studio
in his home, where he creates fundraising and educational videos for nonprofit
organizations. In 2003 he volunteered to travel to Kenya to direct and produce
a video for the Firelight Foundation about grassroots organizations. “The trip
really drove home the point that these small community-based organizations are
in the best position to know what they need. Every dollar that Firelight gives hits
the ground running. The money goes such a long way.”
Jim has been a photographer since he was twelve, and his recent photos from
South Africa and Zambia enhance the pages of this annual report. “For me, the
emotional content of a photograph is key,” he comments. “When I look at the
images from my most recent trip, there are some heartbreaking things that come
through... It’s clear these kids know struggle. But their hopefulness and courage
and strength all shine through too.”
His interest in helping children encompasses not only children in need in Africa,
but young people in his hometown of Santa Cruz, California. Each year, the
small private foundation he started awards money to several local high school
seniors for their college education.
Jennifer Anderson-Bähr
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
Jim has recently accepted a position on the Firelight Foundation Board of
Directors, beginning in fiscal year 2005. He will be returning to Africa with his
video camera in 2005 to document how a Firelight grantee in Zambia reached
out to the local community and transitioned from an orphan care institution to
a community-based organization, affecting the lives of thousands of vulnerable
children.

FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
Kerry Olson, President
Kerry Olson, Ph.D., is co-founder and President of the Firelight Foundation. Prior to starting Firelight, Kerry worked for over 20
years as an educator, a child development specialist, and a research social scientist. She is actively involved in the fundraising,
advocacy, and program development operations of Firelight.
David Katz, Vice President, Treasurer
Dave Katz is a senior software engineer at a Silicon Valley internet infrastructure company. Dave and his wife Kerry Olson
established the Firelight Foundation in 1999 out of their shared sense of social responsibility toward those in need. In addition
to overseeing the financial management of the foundation, Dave serves as technical manager for computer and networking
operations.
Debra Evans, Secretary
Debra L. Evans, Board Secretary, has extensively explored issues related
to women’s health and spirituality as a writer, educator, and consultant
since 1974. She has published 21 books and numerous articles as
well as served on a wide variety of public and private boards at the
community, state, and national levels. Debra is Kerry Olson’s sister.
Nancy Shallow, Member
Nancy Shallow, J.D., is a senior consultant specializing in employment
practices risk management for a global human resources consulting
firm. She is a strong advocate for children’s fundamental human rights,
and is the sister of Kerry Olson.
Geoff Foster, Firelight Advisory Board member

Geoff Foster, Mutare, Zimbabwe
Geoff Foster, M.D., is an expert on healthcare and other forms of support for children affected by HIV/AIDS. He is the founder
of the Family AIDS Caring Trust (FACT), one of the first AIDS service organizations in Africa. His programs are considered by
UNICEF to be model approaches to community-based care for orphans. Geoff consults with many international organizations
on programming for orphans and vulnerable children.
Stefan Germann, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Stefan Germann is an innovator of programs that support children and youth affected by HIV/AIDS in southern Africa. He
founded Masiye Camp, a program for the psychosocial support of orphans and vulnerable children through adventure-based
learning. Stefan helped found the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI), an organization working to increase and
enhance existing psychosocial support programs for children affected by AIDS throughout southern Africa.
Tim Jackson, London, England
Tim Jackson is a journalist and writer based in London who has also started a successful technology company and managed
a venture capital fund. As founder of the Argentarius Foundation, a private charity, Tim was introduced to the issues facing
orphans and vulnerable children. His research into funding community-based projects led him to the Firelight Foundation.
Business Week recently named Tim one of “The 50 Most Influential People in Europe.”
Natasha Martin, Half Moon Bay, California
Natasha Martin, F.I.M.L.S., has 20 years of scientific research experience in immunology, as well as extensive experience in
interdisciplinary project management in HIV-related clinical research. She is Founder and President of Grassroots Alliance
for Community Education (GRACE), an organization that helps African community-based organizations implement locally
determined and sustainable initiatives to fight HIV/AIDS.
Beatrice Were, Kampala, Uganda
Beatrice Were is a member of the National Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (NACWOLA) in Uganda, and is
currently working for ActionAid in Kampala, Uganda. She served as NACWOLA’s National Coordinator for six years and
initiated the widely replicated Memory Book Project. Memory Books are created by families to provide children with a
connection to their family history and to help dying parents plan for the future care of their children. Beatrice is a mother living
with HIV.
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
Betty Gahima, Visiting Scholar, Kigali, Rwanda
Betty Gahima is an educator and the founder and National Coordinator of the Benishyaka Association, founded in 1994.
Benishyaka ensures access to educational and livelihood opportunities for Rwandan orphans, widows, and families affected by
the genocide and HIV/AIDS. Betty serves on a number of national and regional steering committees and boards, including the
Eastern African Initiative for the Advancement of Women.

Advisory Board Member, Mutare, Zimbabwe
Dr. Geoff Foster was a pediatrician at the government hospital in Mutare, Zimbabwe when he observed increasing numbers
of children affected by HIV/AIDS. He recognized that medical responses to HIV/AIDS were not enough, and that communities
needed to become more involved in meeting the broader needs of children. In 1987, he established the Family AIDS Caring
Trust (FACT), Zimbabwe’s first AIDS service organization and one of the first AIDS organizations in all of Africa.
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
Under Geoff’s leadership, FACT began engaging local church, political, health, and
business leaders to build a broad volunteer and funding base within the community.
FACT targeted programs to youth, orphans, persons living with AIDS, single women,
truckers, employees, sex workers, and people living in rural areas. In the 1990s,
FACT began providing professional training and mentoring to hundreds of AIDS
organizations emerging across Africa in response to the pandemic. Rather than
setting up satellite offices, FACT’s approach was to strengthen existing organizations
to respond to the epidemic. Where necessary, FACT worked with community groups
to help establish new, locally-owned organizations.
The ideas pioneered by Dr. Foster and FACT have become the standard in HIV/
AIDS work today: that HIV/AIDS organizations work with local communities; that
prevention and home care programs be culturally appropriate; and that concerted
efforts must be made to decrease the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. By the time
Geoff stepped down after more than a decade of leadership, FACT had 15 national
and regional programs and a staff of 55.
Dr. Foster is now considered one of the world’s leading experts on children affected
by AIDS, and has consulted with numerous organizations, including UNICEF, USAID,
Save the Children Fund, WHO, and World Conference of Religions for Peace. He
has conducted many research projects on community responses to vulnerable children that have informed and enlightened
international donors, faith-based groups, and governments. Geoff received the Order of the British Empire from Queen
Elizabeth II in recognition of his work in establishing and developing FACT. The Geneva-based Schwab Foundation recently
identified him as one of the world’s 100 outstanding social entrepreneurs.
© Jim Hayes
Geoff has been a member of the Firelight Foundation Advisory Board since 2002. He brings to Firelight a perspective
developed from nearly two decades in the field and a passionate advocacy for the need to develop responsible and
effective mechanisms to channel resources to grassroots groups: “I was drawn to the Firelight Foundation because its aims
and objectives are incredibly progressive for an organization based in the United States, thousands of miles away and a
culture different from Africa. What the Firelight Foundation is doing is very cutting edge, in the sense of showing donors and
large international foundations what is possible through the targeted provision of small grants directly to community-based
organizations and emerging grassroots groups.”

Jennifer Astone, Executive Director
Jennifer Astone, Ph.D., is an applied anthropologist who has focused on human rights and community-based development in
Sub-Saharan Africa since 1985. Prior to joining the Firelight Foundation in 2001, she worked for the Global Fund for Women
and the African Development Foundation.
Jennifer Anderson-Bahr, Senior Program Officer
Jennifer Anderson-Bahr, M.I.A., has worked on HIV/AIDS and its impact in Africa since 1988. From 1991-2000 she lived in
South Africa and Lesotho, working with international and indigenous organizations focused on community-based HIV/AIDS
prevention and care.
Caitlin Brune, Program Officer
Caitlin Brune, M.P.H., has focused on maternal and child community-based healthcare since 1992, including work in Kenya,
Ghana, and Zimbabwe. Her previous experience includes work with a foundation in Zimbabwe on efforts to prevent motherto-child
transmission of HIV.
Josh Dankoff, Program Assistant
Josh Dankoff, B.A., has worked in Nigeria at a communitybased
organization committed to HIV prevention among
youth and has studied in Cameroon.
Joop Rubens, Communications
and Development Officer
Joop Rubens, J.D., M.A., has lived in South Africa where
he worked in HIV/AIDS prevention and counseling and
worked with African youth on technology projects in various
countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Cheryl Talley-Moon, Administrative Assistant
Cheryl Talley-Moon has worked in the field of alternative
medicine and with Alzheimer’s patients. She was the
Firelight Foundation’s first employee in 2000.
Lynn Brisson, Accountant
Lynn Brisson, C.P.A., has nine years of experience working
with local nonprofit organizations.
From left to right: Jennifer Anderson-Bähr, Jennifer Astone,
Cheryl Talley-Moon, Joop Rubens, and Caitlin Brune.
Josh Dankoff and Lynn Brisson are not pictured.
Brendan Bujold
FINANCIALS & ABOUT US

FINANCIALS & ABOUT US
Karen Ande
Judy Astone
Cathy Aronson
Tristan Bähr
Gail Brenner
Patrick Bujold
Holly Burkhalter
Kristen Cheney
Olivier Corbet
Brian Corser
Tim Davis
Gaurav Garg & Khomal Shah
Jim Hayes
Sara Keene
John & Shari Levitt
Katie Malloy
Charlene McKowen
Grace Mnguni
Tammy Moody
Bob Moon
Ryannon Moon
Nancy Munger
Karen Anne Murray
Jolly Ntungire
Donald Patten
Carmen Pegan
Lee Slaff
Jennifer Smith
Chuck Tremper
Marty Vaden
Dave Wittbrodt
Marianne Wyllie
Joop Rubens
In addition to the volunteers listed, Firelight would like
to acknowledge and warmly thank the many individuals
who have volunteered their time and insight by providing
assessments, references, and referrals as part of our
application and due diligence process.

DONATE
An endowment covers Firelight’s administrative
expenses, uniquely positioning Firelight to bring
100% of your donation to grassroots groups
serving children affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-
Saharan Africa.
We invite you to become part of our growing
network of supporters!
• Donate by cash, check, or credit card
– Firelight accepts cash and checks made
payable to the Firelight Foundation. To use
credit cards and to donate online visit us at
www.firelightfoundation.org.
• Share your stock – Stock may be transferred
to Firelight via accounts at Goldman Sachs or
Northern Trust Bank.
• Arrange a recurring donation – Pledge to
contribute an amount each month. On our
website you can register to make automatic
monthly donations via credit card. We also
appreciate multiyear commitments – please
contact our Communications & Development
Officer (development@firelightfoundation.org)
for more information.
• Honor friends and family – Make a
donation to Firelight in honor of someone’s
birthday, as a holiday gift, or to highlight
other celebrations. Firelight will advise the
honoree of your gift.
• Request a company match – Many companies have a corporate giving program that will match your donation. Check
with your employer.
© Jim Hayes
MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Make a bequest – Make a long-lasting
contribution by naming Firelight as a beneficiary of
your life insurance policy
or will.
• Give through the Firelight Foundation
Advised Fund at the Tides Foundation – To
facilitate donations, Firelight has set up a donoradvised
fund at the Tides Foundation in San
Francisco. A small administrative fee is associated
with this fund.
• Offer in-kind support – In-kind donations will
be acknowledged and valued for tax deduction
purposes at their fair market value.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Joop Rubens
Donations made to Firelight are tax deductible
to the full extent of U.S. Internal Revenue Service
regulations. All donations will be acknowledged in
writing within two weeks of the date of donation.

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
There are many ways that you can support the needs of children affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Educate yourself – Please visit our website, www.firelightfoundation.org, to learn more about children and HIV/AIDS and to
find links to many related websites.
• Raise awareness in your community – Give a presentation to your child’s class or school, a civic group, or your faith-based
community. Contact us for outreach materials.
• Advocate – Write a letter to support increased funding to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. To find
out more about the Global Fund, visit www.globalfundatm.org.
• Volunteer – Show your support for Firelight or another organization working to address the pandemic by giving your time,
talents, or expertise. If you are interested in volunteering at Firelight, please contact our office for more information.
• Host a house party – Invite your friends and family to your home and educate them about the challenges of HIV/AIDS in
Africa. Firelight staff are sometimes able to attend or present at educational events.
For more information contact Joop Rubens at (831) 429-8750 or email at joop@firelightfoundation.org.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE

MAKE A DIFFERENCE