HOW WE GIVE: BEST PRACTICES AND FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

IFC’s commitment to the community is matched by our commitment to transparency and responsible financial management. The President and Treasurer prepare a budget for the following calendar year that is voted upon by the Executive Board and then presented to and voted upon at the January Annual General Meeting by the membership.  IFC expenditures and income are reviewed as they occur by the IFC Administrator and by the Treasurer and are reviewed monthly and annually by an external accountant. 

Our approach is guided by close relationships, local insight, and strong accountability:

• Individual financial support for urgent medical or dental assistance for an indigent person may be provided via our "patrocinio" program. The process starts with an application by an individual that is supported by a Board member sponsor. These are carefully reviewed and must be supported with written cost estimates from the medical or dental provider. Final approvals are made by IFC’s President.
• Organizational support requests are reviewed by the Education or Social Services Committees. Once site interviews are conducted by committee members, the results are reported to the committee as a whole, who vote upon whether and how to allocate funding to the various applicants. The Executive Board votes whether to accept the recommendations of the two committees. Once a grant is approved, a committee member serves as a liaison to ensure responsible use of funds and ongoing communication.
• Accountability matters. All supported organizations must submit annual reports and provide receipts (facturas) for continued funding. IFC also conducts annual site visits to ensure that support is being used effectively and safely. If standards are not met, funding is reconsidered.

Since 1985, IFC has distributed millions of pesos in support of health, education, and cultural initiatives throughout Puerto Vallarta and Jalisco. Although we welcome large donations with gratitude; we know that small contributions, managed wisely, can make a big impact - and we’ve seen that philosophy transform lives.