What is the CROP Hunger Walk?

The largest fund-raising events for Church World Service (CWS) are CROP Hunger Walks. The first CROP Hunger Walk was in the 1960s. Now more than 500 communities across the U.S. join in CROP Hunger Walks each year. A unique aspect of CROP Hunger Walks is that Church World Service doesn’t receive all of the money raised. Up to 25% of the money donated is given to local hunger fighting agencies which include food banks and community gardens. Additionally, those sponsoring a walker can specify whether Church World Service or an alternative global hunger-fighting agency will receive the remaining 75% of the donation.

Accountability

Church World Service is committed to transparency and makes available a range of information related to our governance, our finances and our relationship with partner organizations.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, we hope you’ll contact us at 919-571-3800.

Governance

CWS is a cooperative effort of 37 member communions in the U.S., representing millions of persons around the globe. Each of these communions may name representatives to attend our annual meeting of members. The members’ meeting elects the CWS Board of Directors. The CWS Board of Directors meets three times a year, and oversees every facet of the agency.

Financials

CWS is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to CWS are tax deductible.

Our financial records are audited by independent auditors in accordance with guidelines established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  You can learn more about our sources of support and how we have used that support on our CWS Financials page. Only around 4 cents of every dollar goes to fund administrative costs. Visit www.cwsglobal.org/annualreport for our most recent annual report.

Accountability and Partnership

CWS is accountable to the individuals we assist. We are also accountable to the local community organizations with which we enjoy partnerships. They participate and have voice in our semiannual assessment of agency work.

Our partners are critical in helping us achieve our objectives. These local agencies know best the needs of their communities and how we can help.

As part of the landmark Keystone Accountability Survey, CWS set out to gauge how our partners would rate working with us. Led by an independent firm, this international effort gathered dynamic data and perspectives from 1,067 partners, on behalf of 25 international NGOs with which they work.  Overall, CWS partners generally commend our performance while assessing our strengths, confronting us with critiques and providing credible benchmarks. We are committed to using this feedback to improve our effectiveness, relevance and reliability as a partner.

Standards

CWS adheres to all guidelines for humanitarian assistance mandated by the International Committee of the Red Cross. CWS has a long relationship with the Sphere project, a common set of international standards used in disaster response. Both set a strong mandate for appropriate standards in providing humanitarian assistance, and specifically prohibit proselytizing.