Report in progressDirect Transfers e.V.
Direct and unconditional support for people living in extreme poverty.
About us
Direct Transfers e.V.
Direct Transfers e.V. was founded in February 2024 by eight founding members. The association's goal is to fight extreme poverty in East Africa. To do so, we travel to the poorest regions of Africa and hand over unconditional cash transfers to families affected by extreme poverty.
How we help
- Trips to the poorest areas of Africa
- Direct contact with people living in extreme poverty
- One-off or regular cash transfers on site
- Direct and unconditional support
- Often a full year's income or more
- Women are given priority
- Transparent trip and annual reports
Where we work
Our promise
100% of your donation arrives
We keep costs and donations strictly separate. That sets us apart from many other organisations.
- 1
Voluntary and lean
No salaries, no expense allowances, no unnecessary spending.
- 2
Members cover the costs
Our members pay for insurance, the website, fuel and accommodation themselves.
- 3
Donations arrive one to one
This way, every donation reaches the families on the ground in full.
Membership fees
cover all costs
Your donation
100% to the families
Insights into our projects
Photos, figures and reports from our projects in Uganda and Mozambique.
Our method
Cash transfers
Contrary to the common stereotype that you "can't simply give poor people money", research paints a different picture:
Support through unconditional cash transfers is one of the most effective ways of fighting poverty.
People mostly invest the money wisely and sustainably and use it to build their own livelihood and to improve their living conditions in the long term.
Our approach in the field
How we carry out the cash transfers
Step 0
We raise donations in Germany and worldwide
At street festivals, on door-to-door visits and at information events in companies and organisations, we win committed people and donations.
Step 1
We travel to the poorest regions of Africa
After preparing in town, we usually ride motorbikes into rural regions that, according to statistics and experts, are most affected by poverty.
Step 2
We find people living in extreme poverty
We specifically look for dilapidated mud or straw huts, broken roofs and very small plots of land. Above all, we approach women.
Step 3
We conduct interviews and check our criteria
In conversation, we check whether the family meets the international criteria for extreme poverty, such as an income below US$2.15 a day.
Step 4
We hand over the cash transfer, unconditionally
After the contract and the data protection declaration have been signed, we pay out the money in cash or via mobile money, with nothing required in return.
Step 5
We return and document the impact
After one month and after one year, we visit the families again and evaluate the results with universities.
The problem
The reality in East Africa
World Bank data reveal a grim reality: over 70% of people in Malawi and as many as 74% of people in Mozambique live on less than US$2.15 a day.
People in rural areas in particular suffer from undernutrition and malnutrition and have no access to healthcare, electricity, the internet or jobs.
74%
Mozambique
70%
Malawi
44%
Uganda
Join in
Get involved
All members, regular supporters and donors receive our annual trip and project reports by email. All donations are tax-deductible in Germany.
Monthly support
Become a regular supporter
Support our projects with a monthly donation. Send the completed supporter form to our email address: spenden@direct-transfers.org
Supporter form (German)Direct help
One-off donation
Donate the amount of your choice by bank transfer to our association's account or via PayPal.
Donate with PayPalActive involvement
Become a member
Bring your expertise and commitment to the association. Simply send an informal email to info@direct-transfers.org
Articles of association (German)
Our bank account for donations
Sparkasse Verden
Direct Transfers e.V.
IBAN:
DE24 2915 2670 0020 8179 20BIC:
BRLADE21VEREmail for donations
spenden@direct-transfers.orgFor donations of €300 or more per year, you will receive an annual donation receipt from us (for German tax purposes).
The team
Board
Our volunteer team is passionately committed to fighting extreme poverty.
Lukas Neuwirth
Chair
Psychologist and social scientist with a deep connection to East Africa through his professional work in the region. Organises direct cash transfers on the ground and manages the association's affairs.
Girens-Mario Canda
Vice-chair
Master craftsman in electrical machine engineering with a cultural connection to the East Africa region. Many years of experience with major aid organisations. Organises direct cash transfers on the ground and manages the association's affairs.
Elke Keller-Olgun
Treasurer
Business economist from the savings bank sector with many years of experience in banking and finance. Responsible for the association's finances and promotes a culture of compliance and good donor care.
Learn more
More information
Would you like to know more about our work, the projects, the scientific background and our results? Get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you.
Information events
We are happy to present our work to you, in person or online. Just ask us.
Request an information event