NGO Abroad

I found Ann and NGOabroad after a period of time as a director of a not-for-profit organization which worked with other agencies to provide architectural assistance in disaster situations.

As any one who has worked in the sector knows money is a constant concern - both in what can be done and how long the organization survives.

I am an architect and what attracted me to NGOabroad was the role which Ann played which is something like an agent between me and the end clients - in this case the global charities and NGOs which Ann visits. On her frequent expeditions she gathers a portfolio of projects in need of professional assistance. This model avoids the trap of having to raise money first in order to provide the service and expertise. I see myself as an enabler for organizations to take what I have done and source the funds. Whilst the downside is that projects may never be realized my own experience is that what I provide is pivotal in getting a project off the ground.

I am now about to embark on my forth project with Ann and like the other three projects it will be different, stimulating and challenging in equal measure.

I am working with four different not-for-profits in four different countries and it is they that either have, or have the ability, to source the funds required. Although my role is ostensibly to provide architectural services this can often expand to cover advice on agriculture, business plans, landscape design, WASH, renewable energy, low cost housing, masterplanning, grant applications, etc. Each project has required a different and unique solution; a solution which is unique to the client, the country and the culture.

The opportunity to work for these clients and the privilege that it is is largely down to Ann's ability to source projects and match them to people like me with a set of skills with broad application.

I suppose it goes without saying that I have found Ann to be highly professional, prompt to communicate, truthful and most importantly a thoroughly decent person! She has a well balanced, and nuanced, ethical compass; mercifully free of any agenda and has a total avoidance of dogma, preferring direct action in the hope of long lasting and sustainable results.
Long may she continue!

I have been working as a Registered Nurse for one year and have always had a dream of working overseas and volunteering with an NGO. I am in the very beginning stages of my interaction with this company but I can already tell you that it is exactly as good as you think that it is after your first interaction with Ann. She is knowledgeable beyond belief and is such a wealth of resources. She will work with you and tailor an experience to you that is in your price range whatever that may be. She is passionate about what she does and the money comes second for her (she spoke with me free of charge for two hours after my paid consult). It has already blown my mind the amount of close communication she has had with me this early in the process and I am positive that with her at my fingertips via email while I'm away I will have the experience of a lifetime during my placements in Sri Lanka and Uganda come fall.