DISTRIBUTIONS

DISTRIBUTION METHODS

 

SOAR assists the orphanages of Armenia through 3 primary mechanisms. First, we work with for-profit corporations to provide donations of specific products. These goods are then shipped by SOAR to Armenia, at which point our Partners receive the goods and make the appropriate distributions.

Second, we receive new and used goods from donors and ship them to Armenia. Our Partners in Armenia receive the goods and make the appropriate distributions.

Third, we receive cash donations, from individual donors and from foundations, to purchase goods and services for the orphanages. Some of these products may need to be purchased outside of Armenia and shipped to our Partners. It is our hope, however, that most of the goods and services can be purchased in Armenia. This method of procurement will serve the dual role of satisfying the orphanages’ needs while simultaneously providing a much needed boost to the Armenian economy. Our Partners are responsible for either receiving goods purchased by SOAR or procuring the items and services for SOAR and subsequently making the distributions.

QUALITY CONTROL

SOAR has a strict quality control protocol to assure that all donations, in their entirety, reach the intended recipients. This protocol has nine primary elements:

 

      1. SOAR rarely makes cash distributions directly to the institutions. Rather, goods and services that can be procured in Armenia are purchased by SOAR staff and distributed directly to the orphanages. In-kind donations from the Armenian diaspora that can be shipped or hand-delivered are encouraged.
      2. SOAR uses Microsoft Planner to retain receipts, pictures, and internal documents for all projects.
      3. All purchases are memorialized with a receipt or invoice.
      4. SOAR implements chain-of-custody procedures for all distributed goods or services to assure that items have been received in the exact quantity intended. The recipient provides written documentation to indicate that the goods and services received is the quantity indicated, after which this documentation is sent to SOAR National and retained in Microsoft Planner.
      5. SOAR staff, Chapter members, and other volunteers who visit Armenia make random inspections of the institutions. Discrepancies are to be reported immediately to SOAR’s Executive Board Chairman.
      6. When possible, donations provided by SOAR are engraved and/or stamped with a corporate seal.
      7. Capital projects are acknowledged with a plaque and/or dedication ceremony.
      8. SOAR does not transfer funds to other organizations to distribute on our behalf.
      9. A zero-tolerance policy for fraud, theft, and/or deception is imposed. Malfeasance would result in the termination of assistance.