Cornerstones

Out of its decades of experiences, Heifer International has developed a set of principles called the Heifer Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development.

The Heifer Cornerstones form the basis of our Accountability Process. All project partners and farmer groups are screened, monitored and evaluated according to these principles. The project plan made by the groups takes these factors into consideration.

These cornerstones are aspects of our program that are essential for effective, sustainable human development with an emphasis on families. Also of primary importance to Heifer is the well-being and productivity of the livestock and the care of the environment.

The twelve factors fall neatly into the acronym “Passing on the Gifts”, making the list easier to remember for presenters, volunteers, trainers, donors, board members, and partners.

Passing on the Gifts
Accountability
Sharing and Caring
Sustainability and Self-Reliance
Improved Animal Management
Nutrition and Income
Genuine Need and Justice

ON THE

Gender and Family Focus
Improving the Environment
Full Participation
Training and Education
Spirituality

Passing on the Gifts: Passing on the gift embodies Heifer’s philosophy of practical sharing and caring. Every family who receives and animals agrees to pass on the first female offspring to another family in need, and also agrees to pass on to others the training and skills that they have acquires. Many group also choose to “pass back” an additional animal, or else a portion of sales income, to support their project.

Accountability: The farmer groups define their own needs, set goals and plan an appropriate strategy to achieve goals. Heifer provides guidelines for planning the project, screening recipients, monitoring farmers’ progress and conducting self-evaluations to their success.

Sharing and Caring: Heifer believes that global problems can be solved if all people are committed to sharing what they have and caring about others. Though not easily measurable, this spiritual aspect of our work is one of our most important cornerstones. Sharing and caring also reflect our commitment to humane treatment and caring also reflect our commitment, and our shared vision of justice for all people.  

Sustainability and Self-Reliance: Heifer funds projects for a limited time. The project groups must plan to eventually support themselves by member donations, fundraising, or other productive activities.

Improved Animal Management: Feed, water, shelter, reproductive efficiency and health care are the essential ingredients in successful livestock management. These must be available so that the livestock provided by Heifer can be kept healthy and productive. The animals should be a vital part of the farm activities without causing an extra burden on family members.

Nutrition and Income: Livestock contributes directly to human nutrition and well-being by providing high-quality protein and fiber and indirectly through draft power for crops and transportation as well as manure for soil improvement. The livestock should have potential for profitability to provide long-term economic security for education, health care, and housing, while serving as a living savings account for emergencies.

Gender and Family Focus: Gender refers to the socially defined roles of men and women in each culture. Heifer’s gender program encourages women and men to share in decision-making, ownership of the Heifer animals, labor and the benefits of projects. Priority for funding is given to projects in which the whole family participates.

Genuine Need and Justice: Heifer is partner to people who truly need and opportunity to improve the quality of their lives, and who can benefit from a modest level of support. Group members develop criteria to determine who will receive animals and related inputs. Families are eligible regardless of creed of ethnic heritage.

Improving the Environment: The introduction of the Heifer livestock should improve the environment by having a positive impact on soil erosion, soil fertility, sanitation, forestation, bio-diversity, pollution, wildlife and watershed conditions. Also, the livestock should not cause or worsen any environmental problems.

Full Participation: Heifer works with grassroots groups or intermediary organizations representing grassroots groups. A truly effective group has strong leadership and organization and is committed to involving all the members in decision-making. Members of the group “own” the project, and the groups have control over all key decisions.

Training and Education: The group decides on its own training needs, and local people are involved as trainers. Training includes formal sessions as
or leader farmers) and is “hands-on” more than academic. Some topics of education include human nutrition, food processing, marketing and leadership development.

Spirituality: Spirituality is common to all people and groups, regardless of their religion or beliefs. Spirituality is expressed in common values, common beliefs about the value and meaning of life, a sense
of connectedness to the earth and a shared vision of the future. It often creates a strong bond among group members.