Our work is effective! – The PHINEO Seal
We now have proof in black and white that our work is truly effective and that your donations are going where they are needed! After a long review process, we are proud to announce that we were awarded the PHINEO "Wirkt!" seal in Berlin on November 6.
What is the PHINEO "Wirkt!" seal?
PHINEO is a non-profit corporation that supports non-profits, foundations, companies, philanthropists, politicians, and administrators in maximizing their social impact. The organization conducts analyses and highlights the effectiveness of social projects.
The PHINEO "Wirkt!" seal is a free seal of quality for particularly effective non-profit organizations. It confirms that our work has a measurable impact and that we are a high-performing and transparent organization. As a donor or partner, you can be sure that your contribution will be used effectively.
To obtain it, we were assessed and analyzed by independent experts over a period of six months in a four-stage process. Out of a total of 101 applications, only 14 organizations passed the process and received the seal.
The Wilderness International Foundation is succeeding in its project "Transforming climate change - protecting every square meter of old-growth forest a climate savior" by purchasing endangered
Forest areas in Canada and Peru make a valuable contribution to climate protection.
At the project level, the systematic and reflective examination of
with problem and solution, a quantified objective with a scientific basis,
the involvement of relevant stakeholders and a meaningful impact report.”
Excerpt from the PHINEO analysis
The PHINEO assessment criteria
The most important criterion in the PHINEO analysis is the effectiveness of a project. To this end, we examine whether a project is needs-oriented, tailored to its target group, and pursues clear impact goals for that group.
In addition, it is examined whether a coherent concept, qualified personnel, and (if necessary) cooperation agreements are in place to achieve these impact goals. According to PHINEO, a focus on results and learning is also particularly important. "Only projects that continuously review their progress through monitoring and evaluation can make their impact visible and gear their activities towards even greater impact."1
Our team at the award ceremony in Berlin
Put through its paces: The analysis process
The Wirkt Seal analysis is conducted every 1-2 years with varying topics. It is free of charge and independent, and is financed by various sponsors. In 2023, the topic of "climate protection" was on the agenda—the perfect opportunity for us.
Phase 1: We started by submitting an online application form, in which we had to present our project—the protection of endangered primeval forests down to the square meter—in as much detail as possible. PHINEO then used specific analysis criteria to assess whether our project had the potential to receive the Wirkt seal of approval. We made a convincing case and advanced to the second round.
Phase 2: Next , our entire organization was put to the test. Various documents, such as our articles of association, annual financial statements, and cash audit report, were reviewed before the first face-to-face meeting took place. During this introductory meeting, PHINEO clarified specific questions and we were able to present our work in more detail. Once again, we made a convincing case, and our project was submitted to an independent recommendation committee.
Phase 3: Independent experts in the recommendation committee made a final decision on which organization would receive the Wirkt seal. They discussed the results of the PHINEO analysts and jointly prepared the final project evaluation.
Phase 4: In the final step, the selected projects—including ours—were published on the PHINEO website, and we received the PHINEO "Wirkt!" seal at the award ceremony. For us, this was a real accolade!
Receiving this seal is still a tremendous honor for us—a real accolade!
The approach [of the project] is presented in an easily understandable way, including operational steps, and is also critically classified in the reforestation debate. The concept addresses the areas of reforestation, but also biodiversity and the involvement of local forces, which not only creates jobs but also increases the credibility and acceptance of the project locally. Another positive aspect is that the geocoordinates give donors a very tangible connection to the project.
Excerpt from the PHINEO analysis
