Q - Who chooses the charities?
A - In 2007, the three charities were chosen by the founding members of TRE. All Frogman employees were invited to present a potential recipient charity to the founders and employees, and each employee ranked the proposals. In the future, the TRE Board of Directors will vote on the proposed charities, based on the criteria as outlined on our website.
Q - Why are there no US charities selected in 2007?
A - Each year, new charities will be chosen for funding by TRE. In 2007, the Board chose three very worthy charities in the Third World. In future years, it’s possible that a charity in the US may be chosen.
Q - What are the criteria for the selection of a charity?
A - The Board will use the TRE Mission Statement and a written list of criteria available on our website. In general, we will support start-up or smaller charities that have a worthwhile project that needs an initial infusion of cash to get off the ground and then becomes sustainable and grows on it’s own. While there is certainly a need for emergency aid such as food or medical supplies, we will focus on those programs which have the ability to stand on their own financially in a short time frame.
Q - How will a donor know that the projects will be completed as promised?
A - In 2007, we have requested that the three chosen charities report (text and photos) on their projects’ progress throughout the year. This information will be available for galleries to include in their newsletters and will be posted on this website. Galleries will be asked to stay in touch with their collectors regarding the progress of The Ripple Effect throughout the year. Additionally, a Board member will visit the African projects in person, with a report following. In future years, our contract with chosen charities will outline reporting requirements so that donors will have easily obtained updates (including photos) of the projects, available for the galleries to include in their newsletters, and on this website.