Though misunderstood at first, Doctors Without Borders’ bold decision to stop accepting tsunami-relief donation could help revive public trust in nonprofits.

By Paul Barbagallo

Financing relief
In calendar year 2004, MSF received $9.4 million from foundations and corporations, a vastly improved revenue stream from that of 2000, when the organization pulled in close to $1.8 million combined — the first year it had raised such funds.

An ongoing challenge for Patricia A. Surak, MSW, director of foundations and corporate relations, is to find new support from credible firms and grant-making institutions that meet the criteria of the organization’s strict gift-acceptance policy.