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Non-Profit Status for Measuagoon
Measuagoon wishes to announce that
as of March 2000, it has been granted 501(3)(c) status in the
United States. This means that all contributions to Measuagoon's
community development activities can be claimed as exemption for
U.S. tax purposes.
Measuagoon is a Liberian registered Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which provides assistance in cash and/or kind to Liberian rural communities to assist them in carrying out productive and social development activities of their choice. Measuagoon is a non-profit, non-partisan organization which provides assistance to all communities irrespective of ethnic origin, religion, party affiliation or otherwise. All communities willing to work without compensation for their own benefit and an improvement in their quality of life are eligible to participate in and benefit from Measuagoon supported operations. Contributions to the community of choice can be made directly to the community under Measuagoon's general oversight for accountability purposes, or through Measuagoon's Monrovia coordinating office.
If you need more information or would like to contribute to Measuagoon's activities, please contact the coordinating office at 86 Broad Street, Monrovia, Tel: (231) 22 63 54 or by accessing the web site:
http://www.measuagoon.freeserve.co.uk.
Financial contributions can be chanelled through Transglobal Express, New York, or by transfer to Measuagoon's account: #003275832204 (the routing Number for the account is: 541580102) at Bank Of America, Atlanta, Georgia.
In keeping with its commitment to transparency and accountability, Measuagoon's financial statements as at 31 December 1999, published in "The News" edition of 17 July is shown below:
MEASUAGOON INC.
STATEMENT OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE
For Year Ended December 31, 1999
INCOME
(Amounts in Liberian Dollar)
| Cash Donations | 541,320 |
| Donated Materials | 980625 |
| Total Income | 1,521,945 |
BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999
(Amounts in Liberia dollar)
ASSETS:
CURRENT ASSET
| Contribution Receiveable | 22,000 |
| Other Amounts Receiveable | 3,575 |
| Inventories | 43,315 |
| Total Current Assets | 68,890 |
MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
| Machinery and Equipment at Cost | 335,500 |
| Less: Accumulated Depreciation | 170,454 |
| Machinery and Equipment, net | 165,046 |
| Total Assets | 233,936 |
CURRENT LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE:
Current Liabilities
| Accounts Payable | 1,625 |
| Total Current Liabilities | 1,625 |
Fund Balance
| Balance at January 1, 1999 | 268,328 |
| Less: Excess expenditure over income | -36,017 |
| Balance at December 31, 1999 | 232,311 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE | 233,936 |
MEASUAGOON, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
1.0 MEASUAGOON Mission and Funding Sources
1.1 Measuagoon Inc. was incorporated in 1997 under the laws of the Republic of Liberia as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to assisting inhabitants of rural communities to improve their quality of life. Measuagoon achieves this by mobilizing resources from Liberians and other interested parties through their Adopt-A-Village program, matching these resources with self-help initiatives undertaken by program beneficiaries. The proceeds from the sale of agriculture are for the benefit of the program participants. Measuagoon does not receive any part of these proceeds. A cardinal operating principle of Measuagoon Inc is that its programs do not discriminate against individuals on account of their gender, political views, religious orientation or ethic background. Measuagoon receives support from well meaning individual Liberians including its founder who believes in building the capacities of their fellow compatriots by assisting them to engage in productive ventures. In the first year of operation, Measuagoon received a small measure of support in the form of food for work from a prime international non-governmental organization. During the period under review, the organization did not enjoy any support in any manner, shape or form from any aid/relief agencies for its operation. On March 10, 2000, Measuagoon, was granted 501©(3) status under the U.S. tax laws.
2.0 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
2.1 Basis of Accounting
Measuagoon operates on the modified cash basis of accounts. On
this basis, income is recognized only when received, while expense
is recognized as soon as a transaction is completed, whether or
not cash is paid. This means that pledges, except written ones
are not recognized as income until the pledged item is received.
When written pledges are received, they are recognized as receivable
and carried on the books for two years, after which time they
are written off if the pledged items are not received.
2.2 Foreign Currency Transition
Measuagoon transacts business in Liberian dollars and foreign currencies, but reports in Liberian dollars. Assets and liabilities held in foreign currencies are translated into Liberian dollars at the parallel market exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date, which amounted to LD$40 = US$1 at December 3, 1999. Income and expenditure items are translated at the parallel market rate prevailing at the time of the transaction.
2.3 Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower cost of market value.
2.4 Machinery and Equipment
Machinery and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful asset lives of 3 to 10 years.
2.4 Donated Materials
Donated materials are valued at cost, if known, or at the estimated
market value.
MEASUAGOON INC
PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN IN 1999
Measuagoon supported ten (10) projects in different political subdivisions of the country. The organization, on the one hand, provides these projects with farming tools, seeds and seedings and food for work to encourage farmers. Measuagoon supported ten projects in various parts of Liberia. Through its projects, it provided farming tools, seeds and food for work to farmers, and distributed books and clothing to schools throughout the country. For the period under review, Measuagoon support came only from sponsors shown in this report.
On the other hand, Measuagoon also helps uplift the general living condition of the people through the provision of essential facilities like the construction of health facilities, etc. The proceeds from these agricultural efforts/assistance are for the entire village/community concerned and Measuagoon does not participate in the proceeds.
The following projects were sponsored by Measuagoon in 1999
|
Village |
Population |
Support |
Sponsors |
|
Kormah (paternal village of founder) |
902: 291 men: 266 women, 175 girls; 150 boys Workforce: 150 women, men and boys worked a 25 arce swamp. Work done: Planted 25 acres with swamp rice, okra, pepper, cabbage, collard greens, bitter balls. The harvest of vegetables was very good and participants shared on a half basis. Proceeds from the farm will be used for next planting season's seeds and tools. |
L$16,488 |
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Maryann Cooper Melton |
|
Botota (Bong County) |
4420: 1085 men, 2289 women, 420 boys, 626 girls: The workforce is estimated at 150 persons. |
L$64,000 | Harry Greaves, Jr. Mary Broh Etc. |
|
Charlie Johnson Project (Grand Bassa County) |
3,270 people Work done: 5 acres were cleared for cassava. Heavy rains delayed the start of this project. The amount was used to purchase tools, seeds and work for food. This project was forced to close due to dishonesty of the coordinator and the lack of interest shown by the villagers. |
L$7,355 | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |
|
Tenegah (Suehn - Bopolu Mission, Montserrado County) |
500 people: 124 men, 176 women,
200 children Workforce: 150 persons. Work done: Twenty-two acres of land divided into plots for growing cassava, okra, pepper, cucumbers and watermelon. 2 acres prepared for swamp rice. Measuagoon's most successful project for this year with 20 acres planted in cassava and 2 acres planted in vegetables. Sponsors provided tools and seeds. |
L$28,461 | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |
|
Gwenda Montserrado County |
380 people: 89 men, 111 women, 180
children. Workforce: 50 women and men. Work done: 12 acres of land were cleared. 5 acres were planted in cassava while another 5 were used to plant okra, pepper, corn, cucumbers and collard greens. 2 acres of swamp will be used for growing rice. Sponsor purchased tools and seeds. |
12,143 | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |
|
Senewen Grand Gedeh County |
510 people: 175 men; 150 women;
180 children Work done: 10 acres were cleared and planted in cassava. Harvest was good and used by participants. Sponsor purchased tools and seeds. |
L$15,440 | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |
|
Sackie Gbomah Town (Margibi County) |
3,270 people Work done: 10 acres were cleared and planted in cassava. An additional five acres were earmarked for swamp rice, but this project had to be discontinued due to serious dispute over land ownership between the villagers and their heirs of the village. Sponsor provided tools, seeds and cassava sticks. |
L$4,950 | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |
|
Sembehoun (Cape Mount County) |
810 people: 225 men; 360 women,
100 boys; 125 girls Work done: Cassava, cabbage, cucumbers, okra, pepper, upland rice, and watermelon were planted. Sponsor purchased tools and seeds |
L$7,260 |
Dr. Eugine Shannon Wokie David |
|
Tosor (Cape Mount County) |
185 people: 47 men, 60 women, 35
boys, 43 girls Work done: Cassava, upland rice, okra, cabbage, cucumber, watermelon were planted. |
L$7,260 |
Dr. Eugene Shannon Wokie David |
|
Jualijuah (Bong County) |
672 people: 137 men; 213 women,
140 boys; 182 girls Workforce: 50 Work Done: The villagers were supported by a limited supply of tools and seeds and earmarked 5 acres of land for planting vegetables. Because of the absence of swamps near the village, the people have opted for planting cassava and vegetables this first planting season. One acre was planted in vegetables (okra, pepper, collard greens). The $12,260 was use to construct a 40 ft. well and to purchase a pump. The next project will be the expansion of the school as well as support in the form of books and teaching materials and the construction of a 38-foot deep well with hand pump. |
L$12,260 |
Dr. Estrada Bernard, Jr. Mr. Robert Sirleaf Mr. & Mrs. Raja Kaul |
|
Lorplay (Nimba County) |
8,662 people: 3,145 women,
1,435 men; 4,100 children Work Done: purchase of materials and commencement of the construction of a maternity hut. The construction will be completed in the next fiscal year. |
L$29,000 | Mr. & Mrs. Rodney Wilson |
| Relief | Measuagoon also gave "in kind" support. Books and clothing were distributed to various educational institutions (including the University of Liberia, Baptish Seminary, Dogoletti College of Medecine), rural villages and other individuals throughout the country. | L$826,400 |
Maryann Melton Melissa McCauley |
CONCLUSION
Generally, these projects, although encouraging, were faced with
some problems in the course of implementation. This is a clear
manifestation of the level of attention the various projects need,
on the one hand, if they are to improve and on the other hand,
the limitations of the financial resources of our donors. The
projects were faced with problems ranging from late arrival of
farming materials including seeds to inadequate food assistance
to workers.