A frequent question we receive for those willing to share an honest concern: “Does my donation even get to Abaco? With all the issues surrounding post-Dorian relief, can I be sure the money isn’t mismanaged or wasted?”

The answer is unequivocally Yes. Your money gets directly to our projects in Abaco, fueling essential community development and structural restoration. We are a trusted non-profit that utilizes secure channels and maintains the highest external ratings for financial accountability.

It’s a question asked with great honesty, and it deserves a clear, strategic answer. Abaco has dealt with significant public issues concerning the transparency and execution of recovery funds. This volatility surrounding mismanagement of funds is rooted in a legitimate fear that your generosity will simply be absorbed by poor oversight. We understand this worry and counter it with operational proof and radical transparency.

Radical Financial Accountability

We can overcome operational friction because our model is built on financial accountability and resilience. We don’t just rely on good intentions; we rely on metrics, security protocols, and external validation to meet the massive Abaco long-term need.

• External Monitoring (Highest Ratings):
  • Guidestar Platinum (2018–2025): Highest level of recognition for transparency and accountability.
  • Charity Navigator 4-Star (2017–2024): Highest rating for financial health and governance.
• Operational Health (Low Overhead): 
  • Low A/O Cost: In 2024, Many Hands operated at an extremely low 11.4% administrative and overhead cost.
• 100% Model: Our operational expenses are covered by our own businesses and a private group of donors, so that 100% of what you give goes toward the programs you care about.

This structure ensures that we are a trusted non-profit committed to accountability. Because we run mission-aligned businesses to cover our core operational needs, resources donated specifically for projects can be used 100% for that project.

The Financial Integrity Pipeline: From Pella to Marsh Harbour

Our financial integrity is managed through a transparent process—the Financial Integrity Pipeline—designed to maximize security, bypass mismanagement risk, and ensure accountability from Pella to Marsh Harbour.

• A. The Secure Transfer:
  • Funds are wired from Pella to a trusted, well-respected bank in The Bahamas. This is a foundational step designed to protect resources from systemic mismanagement issues often associated with government channels.
  • Dual Control: Our bank requires two signatures from local Many Hands leadership to move money, guaranteeing checks and balances on expenditures.
• B. External Oversight & Audit:
  • CEO Verification: The bank calls me, Tim Brand, to verify every check written over $5,000. This external, high-level verification step ensures the security of major expenditures and reinforces our commitment to transparency.
  • Receipt Mandate: Every expense, regardless of its size, requires a receipt. Our staff creates formal receipts with vendors at the time of purchase to ensure auditability.
• C. Sustainability & Audit:
  • Field Verification: Our Operations Officer reviews and logs every receipt, tying it back to the approved budget sheet each month.
  • Headquarters Audit: This data is then transmitted to our Financial Manager in Pella, Iowa, who performs a final, detailed audit. This rigorous process is necessary for Abaco long-term development.

The Real Story: Why Integrity Matters

When we talk about financial integrity, we are talking about Natasha McKenzie and her family. They lost their home in Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and have been living in a small shack for over six years—two parents, two adult children, and at least five grandchildren crammed into one space. Because of the harsh living conditions, basic sanitation has been a challenge for the family, especially the small children. Rebuilding this house for the McKenzies has been moving, as hope is being restored. Because our funds are secure and available, our team also delivered diapers, wipes, food, and fun items immediately. Natasha’s family will be moving into their new, safe home this month. Secure resources, accounted for and managed with dual oversight, ensured this family’s restoration after six long years.

Your Confidence: The Fuel for Lasting Transformation

This commitment to financial accountability means you can be confident that the money designated for a specific project—home repairs, agricultural support, or the building of the community center—is used entirely for that purpose. Your generosity is not wasted on inflated overhead or corrupted by local mismanagement. The integrity of our pipeline is the shield that protects your intent.

Does your money make it to Abaco? Yes, absolutely. Your resources make it to the hands of our local Abaconian staff and directly into the communities we serve, fueling lasting Abaco long-term development.

Your Trust is the fuel. Your partnership makes every operation possible. Your help is needed now more than ever to secure the foundation for Love in Action.

Give to Sustain the Mission: Provide immediate funds for community development and safe homes at Donate.

Become an ARK Monthly Giving Partner: Commit to the long-term work required to give an at-risk student the needed academic resources and teacher attention by joining our monthly ARK giving program, helping them to learn to read, write, and develop math skills. Go to Donate and select Monthly Giving for ARK Partner.

We ask you to stand with us to deliver Love in Action every single day, without fear, doubt, or delay.

Be blessed,

Tim Brand
Founder & CEO, Many Hands

About Many Hands:

Many Hands is an Iowa-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming together, to be in action, in a broken world. We desire to walk alongside the community and empower individuals and families by focusing on education, agriculture, leadership, safe structures, youth programs, and early childhood development. Together, we can rebuild lives and restore hope, one person, one family, one community, at a time.

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