Heifer's Cornerstone Principles

Passing on the Gift allows families and individuals who have received animals to be donors themselves. This spirit of goodwill ripples through the community as animals are passed on and bonds are formed in a group effort to better their own lives.

Accountability allows for organization at the grassroots level. Community members decide together what kind of animal and assistance they would like. They also set goals, plan appropriate strategies to achieve those goals and evaluate their success.

Sharing & Caring embodies Heifer’s belief that global problems can be solved if all people are committed to sharing what they have and caring about others.

Sustainability & Self-reliance is necessary for the long-term success of projects. Heifer can only fund a project for a limited time so the families Heifer works with must plan to support themselves.

Improved Animal Management means that project participants learn how to keep their animals safe, healthy and productive through proper food, shelter, healthcare and reproductive management.

Nutrition & Income are the rewards Heifer expects recipients to reap from their gift animal through the consumption and/or sale of products such as milk, eggs, cheese, honey and wool.

Gender & Family Focus encourages women and men to share in decision making as well as in the benefits the animals and training bring.

Genuine Need & Justice ensures that those most in need are given priority in receiving animals and training.

Improving the Environment includes such agroecological techniques as improving soil fertility with animal manure, promoting forestation, respecting and encouraging biodiversity, monitoring watershed conditions and minimizing erosion.

Full Participation is expected in groups that Heifer works with. Leaders at the grassroots level should be committed to involving all members in decision making.

Training & Education include formal sessions as well as informal farm visits and demonstrations. Each project group decides on their own training needs and local people are involved as trainers. Some topics of education include human nutrition, food processing, marketing and leadership development.

Spirituality is expressed in common values, common beliefs about the value and meaning of all life, a sense of connectedness to the earth and a shared vision of the future. Heifer International works with people of all beliefs in our efforts to overcome poverty and hunger.