For the Terre des hommes Foundation (Tdh) the year 2008 has been very much the same as the previous year - a good year in spite of the global financial crisis. Tdh realized a general income of CHF 53.7 million (2007: 55.0 million) and generated a consolidated activity of some CHF 60 million (see page 62).



The project costs, together with networking and information, amounted to CHF 43.0 million (2007: CHF 42.3 million) which represents 86% of total expenses. Cost of fundraising and support to Swiss Working Groups amounted to CHF 4.6 million (2007 CHF 4.3 million) or 10% of the total expenses.

The relationship with our institutional donors remained on a very satisfactory level in 2008, with some CHF 26.2 million (in 2007 27.0 million) or 50% of the total income. The biggest single donor, the Swiss Government SDC with a contribution of CHF 6.5 million, represented 12% of the total income.
Administration costs of CHF 2.4 million could be maintained at the level of 4.8% of total expenses in spite of increased demands for reporting, accountability and internal control procedures. This was possible due to increased harmonization of standards and improved efficiency. Cash received from donors has been judiciously and cautiously placed and the Terre des hommes Foundation is happy to report that it incurred no losses in financial investments in 2008 in spite of the financial crisis.
Overall, the Terre des hommes Foundation has been able to consolidate its financial growth of the last five years and strengthen its position and its mission to help the children and families in the 35 countries where the Foundation is working.

Richard Spescha, Head Finance and Administration