Heifer International is a global nonprofit organization that works to combat poverty and hunger by promoting sustainable development and empowering communities to achieve self-reliance. The organization was founded in 1944 by Dan West, a farmer and Church of the Brethren member, who believed in providing long-term solutions to poverty rather than temporary aid. Heifer International is best known for its unique model of providing livestock and agricultural training to families in need, enabling them to improve their livelihoods and become self-sufficient.
Key Facts About Heifer International
Mission
Heifer International’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. The organization focuses on providing resources and education to help families build sustainable sources of income and food.
How Heifer International Works
- Livestock Donations: Heifer provides families with animals such as cows, goats, chickens, bees, and other livestock. These animals serve as a source of food (milk, eggs, honey) and income (selling surplus products).
- Agricultural Training: The organization offers training in sustainable farming practices, animal care, and resource management to ensure that recipients can maximize the benefits of their livestock.
- “Passing on the Gift” Model: A cornerstone of Heifer’s approach is the requirement that recipients “pass on the gift” by giving the first female offspring of their livestock to another family in need. This creates a ripple effect, spreading the benefits throughout the community.
- Holistic Community Development: Beyond livestock, Heifer also supports initiatives like education, clean water access, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
Global Reach
Heifer International operates in more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Eastern Europe. Its programs are tailored to the specific needs of each region, focusing on local resources and cultural practices.
Impact
- Heifer International reports that it has helped over 42 million families since its founding.
- The organization emphasizes long-term solutions by working with communities to create sustainable systems of food security and income generation.
- Empowering women is a key focus, as they often play a central role in agriculture and family well-being.
Funding and Transparency
- Heifer International is funded by donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. It is also known for its popular gift catalog, where donors can “gift” livestock to families in need on behalf of someone else.
- Like other nonprofits, Heifer International files IRS Form 990 to disclose its financials. Charity rating organizations like Charity Navigator and GuideStar provide insights into its transparency, efficiency, and use of funds.
Criticism and Controversy
While Heifer International has been widely praised for its innovative approach, it has faced some criticism:
- Effectiveness of Livestock Donations: Critics argue that livestock donations may not always be the most sustainable or environmentally friendly solution, particularly in regions where water and grazing resources are scarce.
- Administrative Costs: Some donors have raised concerns about the organization’s administrative expenses and whether enough funds go directly to programs.
- Overhead Transparency: Like many nonprofits, Heifer works to balance transparency about its operational costs with the need to attract and retain donors.
Notable Campaigns
- “The Most Important Gift Catalog in the World”: This campaign allows donors to purchase symbolic gifts, such as a goat or a flock of chicks, which represent real livestock provided to families in need.
- Empowering Women Farmers: Heifer has launched several initiatives focused on empowering women, who make up a significant portion of the world’s agricultural labor force.
Who is the Current CEO of Heifer International?
Surita Sandosham is the current President and CEO of Heifer International, having been appointed to the role in September 2022. She brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience.
Key Information About Surita Sandosham
Name: Surita Sandosham
- Role: President and CEO of Heifer International
- Background:
- Born and raised in Singapore.
- Over 20 years of senior leadership experience in global nonprofit organizations.
- Former Executive Director of Heartland Alliance International, a Chicago-based humanitarian and human rights organization.
- Former Vice President of Programs at Synergos, a global nonprofit in New York, where she focused on empowering smallholder farmers and vulnerable populations.
- Education:
- Degrees from City University London and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
- Qualified lawyer in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and New York.
- Expertise:
- International development practitioner and human rights advocate.
- Focused on agricultural growth, maternal and child nutrition, education retention, and inclusive economic development for vulnerable communities.
- Organizations She Has Worked With:
- Amnesty International
- Equality Now
- Lambda Legal Defense Fund
- Rockefeller Foundation
- Synergos
- Heartland Alliance International
Heifer International CEO Salary
According to recent publicly available data, the CEO of Heifer International, Surita Sandosham, earned a total compensation of approximately $457,634
in 2024, according to the organization’s IRS Form 990. This figure includes salary, bonuses, and other benefits.
CEO Compensation:
- 2024 (Surita Sandosham, President & CEO):
- Salary: $457,634
- Other Compensation: $32,582
- 2023 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $550,548
- Other Compensation: $45,791
- 2022 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $501,842
- Other Compensation: $28,786
- 2021 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $466,731
- Other Compensation: $30,155
- 2020 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $459,810
- Other Compensation: $30,520
- 2019 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $443,745
- Other Compensation: $29,553
- 2018 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $429,483
- Other Compensation: $29,083
- 2017 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $407,573
- Other Compensation: $28,954
- 2016 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $366,194
- Other Compensation: $34,008
- 2015 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $330,339
- Other Compensation: $35,836
- 2014 (Pierre Ferrari, Chief Executive Officer):
- Salary: $313,008
- Other Compensation: $33,429
Source: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/351019477
Heifer International is a well-known nonprofit organization that has made a significant impact on poverty alleviation and food security worldwide. Its innovative “passing on the gift” model and focus on sustainable development have helped millions of families achieve self-reliance. While it has faced some criticism, Heifer remains a respected organization in the nonprofit sector, with a strong focus on empowering communities and fostering long-term solutions to global challenges.
Interested in learning more about nonprofit executive compensation? Check out our insights on Feeding America CEO salary and Habitat for Humanity CEO compensation to see how they compare.