[Community-Discuss] FUNDRAISING & DONATIONS - TO KEEP AFRINIC RUNNING

[John Curran]

On 18 Aug 2021, at 1:54 PM, Sander Steffann <sander at steffann.nl> wrote:

> 

> Hi John,


Hi Sander!  :-)


>> These are quite reasonable questions for anyone donating funds to any

>> cause to ask. [...] I find it quite encouraging that so many

>> organizations have already pondered these questions, and (in

>> recognition of the key role AFRINIC plays in the development and

>> growth of Internet in Africa) that have come together in a fund-

>> raising exercise to help keep AFRINIC running – may they find many of

>> similar mind and kindred spirit from around the globe.

> 

> I applaud that people are thinking about the staff of AFRINIC not being

> paid and raising funds to keep them going. The thing that confuses me

> is how the logistics work with that. I wonder how the money that is

> donated on TESPOK's bank account in Kenya will end up in the bank

> accounts of AFRINIC staff in Mauritius while AFRINIC (who I presume

> must handle the payments to the staff, tax payments and such things)

> has its bank accounts frozen. Is it as easy as TESPOK paying the staff

> and taxes directly without going through AFRINIC's bank accounts?


“As easy as” may understate it somewhat, but yes, I believe that is the case. (I will note that this is similar to the process which would have to occur for delivering support from the Joint RIR Stability Fund - if such gets requested at some point.)


> I think it would be good to know how the donated funds will be handled

> and how they will make life for AFRINIC staff better.


From the online FAQ at the donation website  <https://www.tespok.co.ke/?page_id=14001 <https://www.tespok.co.ke/?page_id=14001>> -


>> Why is AFRINIC not doing this themselves?

>> AFRINIC has no access to funding that it may receive directly. Although you may make deposits into the AFRINIC’s banking accounts (as some new members are doing) AFRINIC can not draw on those resources because of the current status quo. As a result Af-IX and partners are taking it upon ourselves to front-end the funding experience for AFRINIC.

>> 

>> How will the funds be disbursed?

>> TESPOK will reach out to AFRINIC to request for details of pending payments, to which AFRINIC will submit funding request to us for all expenses which they deem critical.The request shall be made via e-mail and shall include the following details:

>> 

>> i. Email with the subject: Request for Payment to the TESPOK finance email

>> ii. Attachment of invoice clearly stating Payee name with clear contact information: physical address; postal address; payee telephone number

>> iii. Bank account details: Bank Name, Branch, Account Number, IBAN Number, Intermediary Bank if required, SWIFT code, Sort Code, Routing Number (depending on jurisdiction receiving requirements)

>> iv. Copies of all transactions incoming and outgoing will be accessible via a report on the fundraising site.

>> How will you ensure appropriate auditing is in place?

>> 

>> i. Maintenance of proper books of accounts with records of all transactions incoming and outgoing

>> ii. Internal audit checks and controls will be established

>> 


Best wishes,
/John

John Curran
President and CEO
American Registry for Internet Numbers

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