Administration & Finance
Office & Equipment
GPF was settled comfortably into its new office as 1999 began, following a year that saw much attention devoted to the equipping of the new space. The office, designed by architect-designer Rodman Paul, is organized on an "open" basis with a minimum of interior walls. Located just across the street from the United Nations headquarters, it permits speedy access to every part of the UN complex and easy interaction with delegations and NGOs. The office is sunny, nicely furnished, and equipped with seven computer workstations. It provides an attractive and highly functional environment for our work.
During 1999, we purchased two new computers, including a fast new network server, designed to better accommodate the heavy demands of the office system. We also purchased a new, network-based laser printer and some new office furniture. Minor carpentry helped organize paper and other supplies.
People who visit the office notice immediate how little paper and few file folders are to be seen. In fact, the office is close to being "paperless" in that virtually all documents are stored in the computers' memory and shared via the local area network. Our research mostly uses the world wide web and web-based data-bases. Correspondence is almost entirely by email. Not only is this a very efficient way to work, it is very environmentally friendly, using relatively little paper, ink or other disposable products. Information is easy to find and with virtually no file cabinets, we have much more space for human inhabitants.
Finances
GPF's annual budget for 1999 increased over 1998. Income was spent primarily on rent, capital equipment, office operations and staff. Two-thirds of the income came from individual donors. The remainder came from foundations, churches and partner organizations.
During the year, GPF introduced a new web-based donation system, enabling us to solicit and to receive donations directly from our large site on the world wide web. This new system was one of the factors that helped GPF attract substantially-increased donations for the year.
In 1999, for the first time, members of the NGO Working Group on the Security Council paid dues to support GPF's activities as Working Group secretariat. The total sum from this source, though modest, was an important source of encouragement from our thirty partners in this endeavor.
Nearly all of GPF's budget went directly into its program activities, with less than 10% being spent on general administration and fundraising.
During the last half of the year, GPF embarked on a major fund-raising effort and the budget for 2000 was set at $180,000. Expanded resources are essential if GPF is to solidify its important recent gains and strengthen its program work in 2000 and beyond.
Global Policy Forum is supported primarily by contributions from generous individuals who join as members. GPF also receives grants from foundations and partner institutions. GPF is incorporated in the State of New York, registered as a charitable organization and recognized by the US Internal Revenue Service as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
