Our Process Q & A

What is an overview of Third Ladder program services?

We offer a full-service charitable investment process with program services.

Our method

• Vetted international humanitarian programs
• Over 50 years of combined expertise in identifying reliable methods, red flags, and markers for positive impact that bring restoration, healing, and hope
• Annual international grant distribution to 7 independent programs
• Operation of 1 domestic therapeutic services program
• Pro-rated annual grant distribution with quarterly reporting and accountability
• Management of fund transfer in accordance with domestic & international laws
• Monitoring & Reporting

Our Partners

• One way to efficiently & responsibly identify & support domestic & international needs for humanity
• Tax-deductible giving in accordance with US law
• Donor-managed program designation
• Donor-driven support services for their investment allocations & reporting
• Direct live communication opportunities with on the ground programs

How are programs vetted?

All programs are required to submit a grant proposal by our fall deadline with a detailed budget for evaluation in order to be considered for a grant the following fiscal year.

Program vetting is a comprehensive process. It includes research and review of the application to explore an organization’s purpose, philosophy, financial standing, history, referrals, registrations, methods, and impact.

New applicants are visited in person to verify activities and meet finance managers, program managers, and beneficiaries. Our staff member evaluates each applicant using our designed process, method, and extensive checklist for grant approval. Existing programs receive strategic visits for on-site review.

Programs approved for an annual grant must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that specifies how funds are received, held, utilized, and accounted for under expected conditions as well as potential challenges. Protection for Partner funds is a priority, with all due care and adherence to US law and those where each program resides. We aim to protect our Partner, the program we support, and the individuals it serves.

What is the monitoring and reporting process?

Our MOU specifies exactly what grant funds received can and will support. It outlines a reporting system that includes quarterly submission of receipts and financial statements, direct communication from program directors, beneficiary updates, impact reports, and visuals. We confirm funds spent, reconcile MOU budgets, and adjust accordingly.

Annual grants are dispersed in quarterly installments. Financial and impact progress reports must be submitted by deadlines and approved by our team prior to each grant wire.

Conditions for the return of funds, if a recall is necessary, are outlined in every MOU.

We facilitate a secure process for your financial gifts to go directly to approved programs and a diverse portfolio of humanitarian needs. We can apply your gift to critical needs (CPN), or you can designate it toward a program that responds to a particular human suffering. Monitoring and reporting follow your gift past delivery and through to its use and point of direct program services and impact.

What are direct program services?

Local direct program therapeutic services are through Aria Music Therapy. Aria enables us to collaborate with senior and memory care centers, veteran support programs, healthcare institutions, and trauma aftercare centers to provide music therapy for individuals and families. You can designate your gift toward these services currently supporting the metro Atlanta community.

What is the personal donor charitable giving portfolio service?

Your relationship with Third Ladder and humanity is more than transactional; together we step into the life and world of someone who is suffering to offer love through meaningful and appropriate action.

Since we began, Third Ladder has offered a unique service to existing and prospective donors. With a personal consulting session, our team listens to your passions and goals for giving. We advise on existing program grant opportunities that share your particular passions and develop a focused or diversified allocation plan to these programs to meet your giving goals. Personal updates inform you of the specific impact you are making. Think of this as similar in its fundamental purpose to a personal financial advisor that helps you allocate investments. Charitable giving is a unique investment strengthened and maximized by knowledge of humanitarian methods, trends, and potential risks in a complex field of human need and behavior. It crosses borders and cultures and is entrenched in the unpredictable and high-risk landscapes of trauma, darkness, and a multimillion-dollar global conglomerate of intricacies, dynamics, and intentions.

Together, our team brings over 50 years of experience in the combined fields of direct trauma care, international and cross-cultural relationship building, humanitarian program evaluation, small business operations, grant distribution, accounting, and therapeutic services that equip us to offer you valuable support to your humanitarian charitable giving.

Alternatively, if you are seeking a simple, competent process that you can do independently and efficiently, rest assured our team will apply our experience, knowledge, and heart to receiving, managing, disbursing your gift, and sending reports for your records.

Our donors are our Partners. We honor your intention to meet legitimate need and provide you with real results, real stories, and assurance that you changed lives in a hurting world.

How much of my donation goes to direct program services?

Our current policy is for every gift given, 75% is directed to direct program services and 25% serves to sustain operating expenses. We are a young organization, and while this breakdown is soundly within reputable acceptable and advised standards for nonprofits, it is our goal to see the percentage allocated to direct program services continue to increase. In FY2024, we were able to exceed our goal and direct 79% of income toward direct program services.

Did you know you can schedule a personal consultation call with our team?  Click the button to learn more.

Our Commitment to You

We want you to see the ways in which your investment is being used.

Your direct impact

For each gift you give, 75% goes directly to program grants and unique due diligence services, and 25% supports the infrastructure to evaluate programs, facilitate giving and provide responsible oversight.

Our Financial Accountability

Accountability and transparency is of utmost importance to us.  Our 990 and Annual Report detail our financial statements.

View all financials here

Our Process

Every approved program in our grant portfolio goes through a rigorous vetting process.  Once approved, the monitoring and reporting process includes monthly reports, quarterly financials, and strategically scheduled routine site visits.