The 12 Cornerstones

We have 12 essential principles (Cornerstones) that guide our work in the field. These principles are shared with groups as they develop their project plans. Many groups choose to incorporate them as their own principles or modify them to make them even more personal. These principles are officially called our “Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development,” or more simply "the Cornerstones,” and form the acronym "PASSING (on the) GIFTS.” 
 
Passing on the Gift® 
Passing on the Gift is our primary cornerstone. It means that every family who receives an animal agrees to pass on the first-born female offspring to another family in need. Each family also agrees to pass on the training and skills they acquired to others in the community. On average, the recipients- we call them our “project partners”- pass on each gift nine times. 
 
Accountability
Groups define their own needs, set goals and plan appropriate strategies to achieve them. Our field staff provides guidelines for screening recipients, planning the project, monitoring farmers’ progress and conducting self-evaluations. Project partners are also responsible for submitting semi-annual monitoring reports to our staff as a way to continue the accountability.
 
Sharing and Caring
We believe that global problems would be solved if all people committed to sharing what they have and caring about others. It is not easily measured, but this is one of our most important Cornerstones. It reflects our commitment to humane treatment of the animals in our projects and our shared vision of justice for all people. 
 
Sustainability and Self-Reliance
Because we fund projects for a limited time, project groups must plan to support themselves. We have found that self-reliance is most easily achieved when a group has varied activities and generates support from several sources instead of relying on one animal or byproduct to meet all of their needs.
 
Improved Animal Management
Feed, water, shelter, reproductive efficiency and healthcare are the essential ingredients in successful livestock management. These must be available so that the livestock we provide can be kept healthy and productive. The animals are a vital part of the farm activities and cannot cause an extra burden on family members or the farm resources. The species and breed chosen must be appropriate for each area.
 
Nutrition and Income 
Livestock contribute to human nutrition and well-being in many ways. Directly or indirectly, they provide high quality protein, fiber, draft power for crops, transportation and manure for soil fertility and fuel. The livestock must have potential for profitability to provide income for education, health care, housing and emergencies. As “living savings accounts,” livestock provide long-term economic security. 
 
Gender and Family Focus 
Gender refers to the socially defined roles of men and women in each culture. Our gender equity program encourages women and men to share decision-making, ownership of the Heifer animals, labor and the benefits of projects. Priority for funding is given to projects in which the whole family participates. On-farm employment strengthens rural families and communities by decreasing the need for migration to urban areas in search of employment.
 
Genuine Need and Justice 
We are a partner to people who truly need an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives and who can benefit from modest support. Project participants develop their own criteria to determine who will receive animals and related training. The poorest in the community should be included in the group membership and receive priority for assistance. Families are eligible regardless of creed or ethnic heritage. Priority is given to groups that have traditionally been neglected.
 
Improving the Environment 
The introduction of Heifer International livestock should improve the environment by having a positive impact on one or more of the following: soil erosion, soil fertility, sanitation, forestation, biodiversity, pollution, and wildlife and watershed conditions. In addition, the livestock should not cause or worsen any environmental problems.
 
Full Participation
We work with community-based groups or intermediary organizations representing community-based groups. A truly effective group has strong leadership and organization and is committed to involving all members in decision-making. Members of the group "own” the project and the groups have control over all decisions. 
 
Training and Education
Groups decide their own training needs, and local people are involved as trainers. Training includes formal sessions as well as informal (farm visits, demonstrations, models or promoter farmers) and is hands-on more than academic. In addition to training in livestock husbandry and care of the environment, groups have requested training in diverse topics such as food processing, marketing, group formation and human nutrition. 
 
Spirituality
Spirituality is common to all people and groups, regardless of their religion or beliefs. Spirituality is expressed in values, beliefs about the value and meaning of life, a sense of connectedness to the earth, and a shared vision of the future. It often creates a strong bond among group members and gives them faith, hope and a sense of responsibility to work together for a better future.