About the 1% for Development Fund

What is the 1% for Development Fund?

An association of staff of the United Nations system and other intergovernmental organizations who have chosen to allocate 1% or more of their salary to projects in developing countries and those with economies in transition. The first 1% Fund was set up in Geneva in 1976; others were established in Rome, New York and Vienna. Though their objectives are the same, each 1% Fund operates independently. It is now possible, thanks to a revision in the statutes of the Fund, for non-UN persons to become members.

Why 1%?

In Resolution 2626 (XXV) of 24 October 1970, the UN General Assembly set a target for official development aid of 0.7% of the GNP of developed countries. Frustrated at the inertia of most countries concerned (they allocate on average 0.3% of their GNP) and of the UN system, a small group of international civil servants decided to start practicing what governments preached, by contributing 1% of their salary to development projects. Officials are also motivated to join 1% by the observation that community needs can often be met by projects too small to fit the programmes of large national and international development agencies.

How does the Fund provide support?

A Projects Committee of Fund members evaluates proposals submitted by local or national non-governmental organizations, generally groups or associations that are too small to be considered by established development organizations. About 120 proposals are received per year, but only about 20 can be funded with the current resources of the Fund. The projects to be supported are approved at general assemblies twice a year, on the basis of rankings established by the Projects Committee. Each funded project is required to report on results, and a Follow-up Committee monitors the reporting. When possible, additional follow-up information is obtained by Fund members and their colleagues who have the opportunity to visit project sites on working or vacation trips.

What percentage of members' contributions is spent on administration?

Virtually none. Essentially the entire amount of members' contributions is allocated to development projects. The Fund incurs no administrative costs, beyond postage and the rental of this website, because it is administered entirely by its members as volunteers.

So what?

Find out on our Accomplishments and The Fund in action pages!