FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

About the organization

Yes. ROOTS & BRIDGES gGmbH is recognized as a non-profit organization in Germany.
(Commercial Register Hamburg: HRB 193272 // Tax Number 17/450/11949)

Donations to the German gGmbH can be tax deductible, provided that the legal requirements are met.

ROOTS AND BRIDGES NPC (Registration Number: 2025/516225/08) in South Africa is also officially registered and operates according to local non-profit guidelines.

Yes, Roots & Bridges is a serious and trustworthy brand. We place great importance on transparency, fairness, and sustainability. Our products are carefully selected and tested to ensure the highest quality. We also maintain close relationships with our suppliers to ensure fair working conditions and environmentally friendly production methods.

ROOTS & BRIDGES is a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH) and thus legally a non-profit organization.

At the same time, we operate with an entrepreneurial mindset and a social impact approach. This means that we combine classic project work with strategic brand development, purpose-driven products, and long-term partnerships.

Our goal is not to make projects exclusively dependent on short-term donations, but rather to build stable and diversified funding structures.

In doing so, we do not pursue private profit maximization. All surpluses are channeled, in accordance with our statutes, into our charitable purposes.

We see ourselves as a non-profit organization with economic responsibility and a long-term perspective.

ROOTS stands for being rooted. For basic care, security, education, and inner strength. It's about creating stable foundations on which children can grow and develop self-confidence.

BRIDGES stands for connection. Between cultures. Between resources. Between people and opportunities. Bridges open access to knowledge, networks, and perspectives that would otherwise remain out of reach.

Both are inextricably linked. Without roots, there is no stability. Without bridges, there is no development.

At the same time, these terms carry a personal dimension. Every person knows the need for support and belonging, as well as the desire for connection and new opportunities. ROOTS and BRIDGES therefore appeal not only to our projects but also to what individually motivates people.

ROOTS & BRIDGES combines both in a holistic approach: local empowerment and global connection.

Dignity is not an abstract concept for us, but a fundamental human right. Every person possesses it, regardless of origin, age, or life circumstances.

Children, in particular, are especially dependent on protection, security, and respectful guidance. Respecting and protecting their dignity is at the core of our work.

However, for us, dignity means more than just protection.
It also means the real possibility of a self-determined life with opportunities, education, and prospects.

Dignity means not viewing people as passive recipients of aid, but as active shapers of their own future.

Dignity means cultural respect and genuine listening.

Dignity means not instrumentalizing suffering for attention or increased donations.

Dignity means long-term stability instead of short-term effects.

That is why our projects are designed to strengthen self-confidence, independence, and responsibility. Development should empower people to shape their lives autonomously.

Sustainability is often associated exclusively with environmental awareness. For us, however, it means much more.

Sustainable change is long-lasting and effective in the long term. It emerges where education opens up real prospects, where structures are permanently viable, and where responsibility is taken locally.

For us, sustainability means designing projects in such a way that they not only provide short-term help but also create stability over years and generations.

This includes capacity building, local participation, clear responsibility structures, and a solid financial foundation. True development only occurs when systems remain stable and, at the same time, have an impact.

We think in generations, not in campaign cycles.

ROOTS & BRIDGES is denominationally independent.

Our work is based on universal values such as dignity, respect, personal responsibility, and community. We work with people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds and respect local diversity.

Our focus is on creating a tangible impact for children and communities. Our motivation stems from responsibility and humanity, not from adherence to a specific religious belief.

Companies can support ROOTS & BRIDGES in many ways.

Options include:

- Strategic CSR partnerships
- Project sponsorships
- Sponsoring of individual programs
- Employee donation programs
- Co-branding or product collaborations
- Corporate volunteering

We develop individual and long-term partnerships. This is not about one-off actions, but about credible, measurable impact.

Companies benefit from transparent impact, accessible and concrete aid projects, authentic communication, and a strong purpose brand. This fosters employee loyalty and supports each individual's need to contribute to something meaningful.

We are always available for a non-binding consultation.

Yes, we develop individual CSR strategies and projects for companies tailored to their needs and goals. Feel free to contact us so we can discuss the possibilities.

Regarding Project Work

Our "Safe Parks" are not ordinary school projects that disappear into a drawer after completion. Instead, we see them as sustainable, real-world projects that are constantly being further developed and expanded. For example, our "Safe Park" in Duisburg is already in its fourth year, and our "Safe Park" in Essen is in its second year. Our projects are primarily driven by the commitment of schools, teachers, and students. We actively support them in this endeavor.

Our focus is on regions where structural disadvantage, a lack of educational opportunities, and economic insecurity are particularly prevalent.

At the same time, we see enormous potential, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit in these African communities. We do not operate from a position of "helping from above", but from partnership, respect, and collaborative development.

Last but not least, we have long-standing, friendly relationships with Africa and a special place in our hearts for this continent.

The focus is on children and adolescents.

At the same time, we work indirectly with families and communities, as sustainable development can only succeed within a social environment. In the long term, we also support young adults in their transition to vocational training, self-employment, or employment.

We work with an agile mindset and deliver iteratively. The sooner the product owner sees results and provides feedback, the sooner necessary adjustments can be made. Therefore, we avoid developing features for months and then presenting a big bang that may not meet the requirements. Our development approach is also highly modular, so that individual components can be exchanged or extended independently of each other. Furthermore, our goal is to deliver software that is future-proof and scalable. That means we ensure that our software can grow and adapt to new requirements without dependencies.

Our Safe Parks are built where they are most needed. Therefore, we work closely with the respective local authorities (municipalities, provinces, etc.) to assess the local conditions, the needs of children and young people, and the available resources. This assessment helps us to find the most suitable location for a new Safe Park.

Yes, it is possible. Please get in touch with us at office@global-bridge.org.

Unfortunately, no. We would like to see that too! If we were to fully finance Safe Parks, we would risk being taken advantage of by fraudulent individuals. We require a minimum contribution from each Safe Park owner to ensure that the Safe Parks are sustainably financed and operated.

If a project is terminated for structural or security-related reasons, remaining funds will be allocated to a comparably themed project area that aligns with our charitable purpose.

Our goal is always long-term stability. At the same time, we respond responsibly to changes on the ground.

Yes. We welcome initiatives from supporters, schools, companies, or private groups.

We are happy to provide information material and support your commitment with content.

Simply get in touch with us.

On Donations, Impact, and Control

Yes. For every donation to ROOTS & BRIDGES gGmbH in Germany, we issue an official donation receipt.

As we are registered as a non-profit gGmbH in Germany, donations can be claimed for tax purposes, provided the legal requirements are met.

Donation receipts can also be issued in South Africa. However, for this, the donation must be made directly by bank transfer to ROOTS AND BRIDGES NPC.

Yes, you can also donate via bank transfer. Although we offer the option to donate quickly and easily via Shopify using a credit card or other payment methods, you are very welcome to donate via bank transfer if you prefer.

Bank details:
ROOTS & BRIDGES gGmbH
Hamburger Sparkasse
IBAN: DE32 2005 0550 1506 5898 76
BIC: HASPDEHHXXX

A German donation receipt can be issued for tax purposes. Please provide your full name and postal address in the reference field of the transfer.

Your donation is tax-deductible for the year in which we receive it. The date on the donation receipt corresponds to the date we received your donation.

Yes. Regular donations are possible and help us with long-term planning.

Standing orders or recurring online donations can be adjusted or terminated at any time. We want support to remain voluntary, conscious, and flexible.

The exchange rate is fixed at the beginning of the campaign for the entire campaign period. If an amount is promised in a different currency during the campaign, it is converted into the campaign currency at the exchange rate valid at the time the promise was made and confirmed in that currency.

Donations from South Africa can be transferred directly to ROOTS AND BRIDGES NPC if a donation receipt is required. Otherwise, donations can also be made directly in the shop by credit card. The currency will be converted automatically.

Bank Details:
ROOTS AND BRIDGES NPC
First National Bank
Account No: 63166075573
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

The donation is tax-deductible under South African tax law. A corresponding certificate will be issued by ROOTS AND BRIDGES NPC. Please include your full name and postal address in the reference field of the transfer.

ROOTS & BRIDGES pursues a diversified funding model.

In addition to traditional donations, we are developing a strong impact brand with purpose-driven products, strategic cooperations, and entrepreneurial approaches. In accordance with our statutes, all generated surpluses are channeled into our charitable projects.

The aim is not to make our projects exclusively dependent on short-term donation income, but to build long-term financial stability.

A portion of the profits and specially designated contributions are added to the organization's assets. These funds are invested responsibly and with an awareness of risk, in accordance with legal requirements. The returns generated from these investments serve to sustainably secure our projects and administrative structures.

In this way, we combine charitable work with entrepreneurial foresight and create a stable foundation for long-term impact.

Direct financial aid can be useful in certain situations and provide short-term relief. However, it rarely replaces missing structures, educational opportunities, or long-term prospects.

Our approach aims to create stable frameworks within the community. Safe Parks offer protection, regular meals, educational support, social guidance, and skill development. This fosters sustainable development instead of short-term support.

We deliberately invest in structures, skills, and self-reliance. The goal is to empower people to build their own futures rather than creating long-term dependencies on external transfer payments.

Long-term change occurs where communities are strengthened, not just individual situations.

Transparency and clear structures are core principles for us.

Project funds are allocated exclusively based on documented needs assessments. Every allocation of funds follows defined approval processes and is recorded in a traceable manner.

The use of funds is regularly reviewed and coordinated with the responsible partners. We operate with clear responsibilities, separated areas of accountability, and continuous communication between the participating organizations.

Furthermore, we focus on long-term partnerships rather than short-term project relationships. Trust is built through proximity, regular exchange, and mutual accountability.

Our aim is to create structures that promote transparency, minimize risks, and ensure responsible action at all levels.

We use a comprehensive methodology to measure impact, which is based on qualitative and quantitative data. This includes surveys, interviews, case studies, and statistical analyses. We evaluate the short-term, medium-term and long-term effects of our projects on the target groups and the environment.

Yes, we publish an annual report. You can view our latest annual report [here](https://www.caritas-international.de/jahresbericht). On this page, you can also access our financial overview for further details.

The use of funds is transparent and is monitored by both our board and the auditors appointed by the General Assembly. In addition, the tax office checks whether the funds are used for tax-privileged purposes.

For us, transparency is not an add-on, but a fundamental principle.

All uses of funds are based on documented requests from our local partners. Every project funding is reviewed, approved, and clearly allocated.

We regularly report on the progress, developments, and concrete impact of our work. This includes project updates, insights into the Safe Parks, partner reports, and a clear presentation of our administrative structure.

Our goal is not just to demand trust, but to earn it through openness. Donors should understand what their funds are used for and what long-term perspective this creates.

Yes, all donations we receive are restricted to specific projects. Our project descriptions include a "Donate now" button, allowing you to choose the project you wish to support. Our internal processes ensure that your donation is used exclusively for the intended project.

Project funds are awarded based on documented requests for funding. ROOTS AND BRIDGES NPC and other partners submit detailed grant requests outlining the financial resources needed for specific programs and initiatives.

After review, funds are transferred with a specific purpose.

Donations not immediately required are securely invested to allow capital to work responsibly. The focus here is on minimizing risk, for example, through overnight deposits, fixed-term deposits, or broadly diversified ETFs.

Donations explicitly designated for administration or the long-term growth of the fund are also strategically invested to maximize their impact before specific costs are incurred.

The administrative costs of ROOTS & BRIDGES gGmbH are consciously borne by long-term supporters who specifically enable these structural costs.

Nevertheless, our goal is to keep administrative overhead as low as possible.
Transparency and efficiency are our top priorities.

The entire donation goes directly into our projects, as the administrative costs are covered by other funding sources.

To products and services

No. The purchase of a product or service does not legally constitute a donation and does not entitle you to receive a donation receipt. Donations are voluntary contributions made without consideration.

However, profits generated from the sale of products and services are used in accordance with our statutes for our charitable purposes. In this way, our entrepreneurial activities contribute to the long-term financing of our projects.

To support charities, Roots & Bridges offers products whose profits are used to support disadvantaged people.

Data Protection, Payment, Shipping, and Returns

Please refer to our guidelines for these topics.

Shipping Revocation Data Protection Terms and Conditions

Accepted Payment Methods

Donations via bank transfer to:

ROOTS & BRIDGES gGmbH
Hamburger Sparkasse
IBAN: DE32 2005 0550 1506 5898 76
BIC: HASPDEHHXXX

This option is for donations made within Germany.

A German donation receipt can be issued for tax purposes. Please provide your full name and postal address in the purpose of transfer.

ROOTS & BRIDGES NPC
First National Bank
Account No: 63166075573
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

This option is intended for donations made within South Africa to support Safe Park projects in South Africa.

A South African donation receipt can be issued for tax purposes. Please include your full name and postal address in the transfer reference to ensure proper documentation.