What is the PHINEO ‘Wirkt!’ seal?
The PHINEO “Wirkt!” seal is a free quality seal awarded to particularly effective charitable organisations. It confirms that our work has a demonstrable impact and that we are a high-performing and transparent organisation. As a donor or partner, you can therefore be confident that your contribution will be put to effective use by us.
To receive it, we were assessed and analysed by independent experts over a period of six months as part of a four-stage process. Out of a total of 101 applications, only 14 organisations passed the process and were awarded the seal.
Through its project ‘Turning Climate Change Around – Protecting Old-Growth Forest to the Square Metre as a Climate Saviour’, the Wilderness International Foundation is making a valuable contribution to climate protection by purchasing endangered forest areas in Canada and Peru. Noteworthy aspects at project level include the systematic and thoughtful analysis of the problem and its solution, scientifically grounded, quantified objectives, the involvement of relevant stakeholders, and a comprehensive impact report.”
The PHINEO assessment criteria
The most important criterion in the PHINEO analysis is a project’s effectiveness. To this end, the analysis examines whether a project takes a needs-based approach, is tailored to its target group and pursues clear impact objectives for that group.*
In addition, the analysis examines whether a coherent concept, qualified staff and (where necessary) partnerships are in place to achieve these impact objectives. According to PHINEO, a focus on results and learning is also particularly important. “For only projects that continuously assess their progress through monitoring and evaluation can demonstrate their impact and gear their activities towards achieving even greater impact.”*
Put through its paces: the analysis process
- Phase 1: To begin with, we submitted our application via an online questionnaire, in which we had to present our project – the protection of endangered old-growth forests – in as much detail as possible. PHINEO then assessed, using specific analysis criteria, whether our project had the potential to be awarded the ‘Wirkt’ seal of approval. We made a convincing case and progressed to the second round.
- Phase 2: Next, our entire organisation was put through its paces. Various documents, such as our articles of association, annual accounts and auditor’s report, were examined before the first face-to-face meeting took place. During this introductory meeting, PHINEO clarified specific queries and we were able to present our work in even greater detail. Once again, we made a convincing case, and our project was submitted to an independent recommendation committee.
- Phase 3: Independent experts on the recommendation committee made a final decision as to which organisation would receive the ‘Wirkt’ seal. They discussed the findings of the PHINEO analysts and jointly drew up the final project assessment.
- Phase 4: In the final step, the selected projects – including ours – were published on the PHINEO website, and we were awarded the PHINEO “Wirkt!” seal at the award ceremony. For us, this was a real honour!
The [project’s] approach is presented in a way that is easy to understand, including the practical steps involved, and is also critically contextualised within the reforestation debate. The concept addresses the areas of afforestation, as well as biodiversity and the involvement of local communities, which not only creates jobs but also enhances the project’s credibility and acceptance at a local level. Another positive aspect was that the geographical coordinates give donors a very tangible connection to the project.