contact us
Darfur Stove Project
P.O. Box 190242
San Francisco, CA
94119-0242
Please read our FAQs before sending an email. The FAQs are an important way we reduce costs by reducing the amount of time we spend on answering emails so please take the time to check our FAQs before emailing us. We regret that if your email was answered in the FAQs, we will not be able to personally reply to it.
frequently asked questions
What is The Darfur Stoves Project?
The Darfur Stoves Project works to create sustainable solutions to humanitarian problems in Darfur by utilizing technology that is respectful of the culture and environment. We provide technical assistance and training with a focus on multi-faceted and practical solutions. The Berkeley-Darfur Stove®, improves personal safety and food security while addressing environmental impact issues and providing jobs within Darfur. We work in partnership with a number of diverse non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to ensure our goals become reality. We are the flagship project under the umbrella non-profit Technology Innovation for Sustainable Societies (TISS).Are there other projects?
The Darfur Stoves Project is the first project for TISS. We are committed to The Darfur Stoves Project as our sole project for at least the next 24 months. Once this project is fully mature, TISS plans to develop new technology based humanitarian projects in different parts of the world.
Can
you work with my NGO?
If you are an NGO working in Darfur or in neighboring regions, please contact us. If your NGO is located in other parts of Africa or other regions in the world, it is unlikely that we can expand our scope at this time. We are committed to the projects we undertake and part of that commitment is ensuring we do not get spread too thin. TISS is unlikely to consider new projects until mid 2009.
Is The Darfur Stoves Project only in Darfur?
We know that the problems of Darfur are not confined to Darfur. We do have plans to get stoves to refugees in neighboring countries, particularly Chad. If you are an NGO working in Chad or other neighboring regions and would like to partner with us to get the stoves to refugees there please contact us.
What is TISS and what is its mission?
The Darfur Stoves Project is a project of the non profit Technology Innovation for Sustainable Societies (TISS). The mission of TISS is to research, develop, and encourage the use of new appropriate technologies to benefit the health, environment, and well-being of communities in need around the world. TISS develops different technology solution-based projects in different regions similar to The Darfur Stoves Project. TISS identifies and collaborates with partners on-the-ground in implementing and perfecting technology-based innovative solutions to local problems.
What principles does the Darfur Stoves Project operate under?
TISS and its projects believe in equitable and sustainable development. What that means is that any TISS project is developed to ensure that it creates positive and sustainable change in the community in which it works. As part of that, we only develop technology that is appropriate for the region, the culture and the resources available. Additionally, we work with subject matter experts in the community. In the case of the Darfur Stoves Project, the experts were the women who were cooking meals and collecting fuel wood. We consider them co-designers since many of their comments and requests were directly incorporated into the stove design. TISS projects also must incorporate an economic sustainability component so that the project can eventually be owned and run by the community. We do not believe in hand outs but in helping hands. Through these principles, TISS can help a community stand on its own, with dignity and confidence.
Does TISS or the Darfur Stoves Project have any religious or political affiliation?
TISS and the Darfur Stoves Project do not have any religious or political affiliation.
Where are the Darfur Stoves Project offices located?
TISS and the Darfur Stoves Project are headquartered in Berkeley, California but our staff and board members are located on both coasts including in Atlanta, Washington DC and Portland, Oregon.
How does the Darfur Stoves Project's spending on administrative costs compare with that of other groups?
TISS and the Darfur Stoves Project are committed to fiscal responsibility and therefore are well within the recommended administrative costs allocation. We are primarily a volunteer organization and do 100% of our marketing online to save printing, mailing costs, etc. We work hard to establish pro-bono partnerships to allow us to further lower our administrative costs.
What makes The Berkeley-Darfur Stove® so special?
The Berkeley-Darfur Stove® is 75% more fuel efficient than the traditional 3-stone fires commonly used in Darfur. It is over 50% more fuel efficient than the clay stoves – and is much more durable. In fact we have designed the stoves to last a minimum of five years whereas a clay stove’s life span can be as short as four months. But what makes The Berkeley-Darfur Stove® most unique is that it is a solution that Darfuris helped to create. We field tested The Berkeley-Darfur Stove® with women in Darfur refugee camps and incorporated their comments into the design of the stove. It is so valuable that many women who have already received The Berkeley-Darfur Stove®, move it each night to their bedside to protect it as their most prized possession.
Why not use a clay or solar stove?
We extensively tested many types of stoves before deciding on the metal stove. We chose not to develop a clay stove because extensive lab and field testing showed that a clay stove was not the most fuel efficient choice. Given the scarcity of firewood in Darfur, it does not make sense to produce a less fuel efficient stove when a more fuel efficient and cost-effective solution exists. A less fuel efficient stove will not make a woman safer or help her save fuel. While solar stoves are a great technology, they are not appropriate for the climate of Darfur or for the foods cooked in Darfur which require a hotter temperature, and higher thermal power input than current solar stoves can produce.
Can I buy a Berkeley Darfur Stove® for myself?
Because of the intense crisis in Darfur, we are solely focused at this time on refugee camps in Darfur. We may at some point look at other areas of the world where such as stove would be a good fit. However it is unlikely we would expand into State-side sales. Because the cost and logistics of producing the stove here in the United States would be prohibitive we do not have any plans to mass produce the stoves as a consumer good in the United States. Furthermore The Berkeley-Darfur Stove® has been specifically designed for Darfur – taking into account the type of fuel wood available, the winds, the shapes of the traditional pots, the cooking temperatures for the local traditional foods, etc. If you are looking to purchase a stove for a family in Darfur, you can do so by making a donation.
How much does The Berkeley-Darfur Stove® cost to make?
The Berkeley-Darfur Stove® is very reasonable to make and design/production enhancements continue to drive the cost down further. Each stove currently costs about $30 to make. We expect that number to continue to decrease as production of the stove becomes more efficient.
How come you aren’t making stoves for $1 like I’ve heard in the press?
We have not found it realistic to make such a high quality fuel efficient stove for anywhere close to $1. With the scarcity of fire wood in Darfur, it does not make sense to produce a less fuel efficient stove when a more fuel efficient solution exists – a less fuel efficient stove will not make a woman safer or help her save firewood.
Why are you selling The Berkeley-Darfur Stove® instead of giving it away?
The Darfur Stoves Project and its parent nonprofit, TISS, believe in making recipients of aid a part of the solution. We believe that people who are asked to pay at least a nominal amount for the stove will hold The Darfur Stoves Project (and its local partner) accountable if their stove does not perform as expected. We want our stove owners to have a stake and be involved in the solution. To that end, we have set up production facilities in Darfur and hire local Darfuris to produce the stoves. The nominal amount our partners charge for the stove is set slightly above the local scrap-metal value of the stove. The majority of the cost of each stove is underwritten by donations. For families that simply cannot afford the cost of the stove, we have established a special fund to ensure that every family that needs a stove gets one.
Is the paper stove kit an exact replica of the Berkeley-Darfur Stove®?
No, the paper stove was created in response to the many requests for stoves for fundraising and educational opportunities. Because we cannot provide stoves for most requests, we provide a downloadable paper stove to help with fundraising and education. It is not to scale and for ease of assembly, does not have the exact same components but is an accurate representation of the stove and can assist in both fundraising and education.
Is the Berkeley Darfur Stove® made in Darfur?
The stove kits are mass produced in India, shipped to Sudan and assembled in assembly facilities in Darfur that are staffed with Darfuris, which allows the local community to create a viable and sustainable economic model centered around stove assembly.
What is so special about the flat-pack design?
If you've every been to Ikea you know the answer to this. A flat-pack design allows for cheaper and more efficient transportation of stoves. Additionally, the way the flat-pack is designed, it allows for the stove parts to be kept together so that pieces are not lost during transport or assembly. The flat-pack design also improves efficiency. Prior to the flat-pack design, our pilot facility was able to produce 100 stoves a week. With the flat-pack design that number increases to 100 stove a day!
Why
am I donating through Engineers Without Borders?
Engineers Without Borders has kindly offered to temporarily collect our donations while our non-profit status is being finalized. This ensures that all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. When your donation is processed through Engineers Without Borders, your donation is forwarded to The Darfur Stoves Project.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, Engineers Without Borders is an operational 501(c)3 and therefore all money donated through them is tax-deductible.
Is my online order secure?
Yes, your donation is processed through PayPal. PayPal protects your financial information with industry-leading security and fraud prevention systems. When you use PayPal, your financial information is not shared with either Engineers Without Borders or The Darfur Stoves Project. Once your payment is complete, PayPal will email you a receipt for this transaction. The information practices of PayPal, Inc. have been reviewed and meet the standards of the Better Business Bureau's BBBOnline Privacy Program.
Can I donate my professional services?
The Darfur Stoves Project welcomes donated professional services. We are always looking for design professionals, public relations professionals and others. If you would like to donate your services please contact us.
Where can I mail in my donation?
If you prefer to mail a donation rather than make one online, please download our donation form and mail your check with the form to:
The Darfur Stoves Project
P.O. Box 190242
San Francisco, CA
94119-0242 Box
I'd like to make a donation in memory of a loved one. How can I do that?
We would be honored to be the recipient of a donation made in honor of your loved one. You can make the donation online or via the mail. Please be sure to let us know your loved one's name so we can make note of your generous gift.
I'd like to include the Darfur Stoves Project as part of my wedding registry, bar mitzvah or other special event. Can you help me?
Yes! Many people are looking for alternatives to traditional registries and gift. We will be happy to work with you. Please contact us and select the "special events registries" tab from the drop down menu.
My company offers corporate matching. How can I take advantage of that when I make a donation?
Corporate matching gifts are a great way to increase the impact of a personal contribution to the Darfur Stoves Project. By taking advantage of a company's matching gift program, a donor can generate an additional gift that may automatically double or triple his or her own contribution. To make a matching gift:
- Check with your company's human resources department to find out about its matching-gift policy and any rules that may apply.
- If your company requires a special form, be sure to fill it out completely and send to us with your donation.
- We will verify your gift and return the form your company, which will then issue a matching gift contribution to the Darfur Stoves Project.
I'd like to make a monthly donation. Is that possible?
Yes, on our donations page you will find a section for monthly giving. If the amount you'd like to give does not appear as one of the preset options, please select other and enter in the amount you'd like to give. We regret that setting up a monthly giving plan must be made online. We do not have the capabilities to set them up via the mail.
I'd like to donate airline miles. Does the Darfur Stoves Project accept them?
The cost of travel is a large expense for the Darfur Stoves Project and we happily accept donated frequent flyer miles to offset the costs of travel meet with partners and implement new partner programs and monitor existing ones in Darfur. However, each airline has specific rules regarding donation of frequent flyer miles. Please check with your airline to see what their donation policy is. You can get additional information at SmarterTravel.com.
How can I help fund raise?
We rely on donations to make our stoves. Fundraising is critical to us and we welcome anyone who would like to help. The Darfur Stoves Project has information about fundraising, ideas and a kit in our Making a Difference section. For large and/or corporate fundraisers please feel free to contact us for more information and assistance.
Do you have suggestions for fundraising?
Yes, if you look in our fundraising section we have an ever growing library of fundraising resources and ideas. If you have a great idea for fundraising, let us know and we'll add it to our resources.
I'd like to plan a fundraising event. Can I get your help?
We are so grateful that we have so many people committed to helping the Darfur Stoves Project through fundraising. Unfortunately, because of our small volunteer staff, we are only able to provide direct assistance with large fundraising events (more than 100 people or more than $10,000 in projected donations). However, we have created an extensive fundraising library online with suggestions, downloadable posters, etc. to help you with your fundraising efforts. If you are planning a large fundraising, please contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
Can you loan me a stove for a fundraising event?
Because we are focused on getting the stoves to the people who need them in Darfur, we actually have very few stoves here in the United States. For that reason, we regret we are unable to provide stoves to fundraising or educational events.
Can I get someone to speak at my fundraiser?
We love to talk about the Darfur Stoves Project and the Berkeley-Darfur Stove®. Unfortunately we receive far more speaking invitations than we are able to accept so we have been forced to limit our speaking engagements to events with 100 or more people in expected attendance.
We are organizing a fundraiser for the Darfur Stoves Project. Can you send us some materials?
In an effort to save money we do not print any marketing materials. We do, however, have an extensive library of fundraising materials that you can download from our site. Please visit our make a difference section for more information.
How can I get my high school students involved in the Darfur Stoves Project?
The Darfur Stoves Project is a favorite for Model UN and other civic/service centered high school groups. We provide some ideas in our make a difference section.
Is there something that younger children can do?
Yes! While what's happening in Darfur is a very adult issue there are ways for little children to be involved. We have a thank you note program for our smallest supporters. You provide the cards and envelopes, they color them, we send them out to our supporters and donors. It's a personal way for children to feel like they are good global citizens. For more information see our make a difference section.
Does the Darfur Stoves Project share my information?
No, we never share your information in any manner. We do not rent or share our mailing list and will never provide your information to another entity.
I would prefer not to receive any information from the Darfur Stoves Project. How do I ensure I do not?
While we would love to stay in contact with you, we respect your privacy preferences. Please just send us an email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line and we will remove you from our mailing list. If you change your mind, just let us know and we'll happily add you back.
How do I contact you?
You can reach The Darfur Stoves Project via the contact us form. We are currently a 100% volunteer organization so please be patient if we do not respond immediately.
Can I volunteer?
If you live in the Northern California area, we will occasionally have a need for volunteers for events and projects. Please contact us if you want to be included on the volunteer call list. We do also have occasional need of volunteer professional services that do not require you to be on-site. If you would like to volunteer your professional services (desktop design skills, Flash skills, public relations and fundraising skills, etc.) please let us know.
I have an idea that I think will make the stoves better. How do I tell you about it?
We're always happy to hear from people excited enough about the Darfur Stoves Project to share their ideas. The stove was developed through extensive research both in Darfur and at State-side labs by highly skilled volunteer engineers and other scientists. Any change we make to the stove requires extensive testing as well as estimates on how it will impact the cost of the stove and/or transportation and whether it will impact the training of the assembly workers in Darfur. For that reason, we weigh every change we make very carefully. We are a small, private organization so we do not have the capabilities to test every idea we get (and we get lots) so please do not think that if we are unable to test your idea that we do not appreciate your efforts. We do! We just have limited ability to test the multitude of ideas we get every week.
question not answered?
Please contact us and we will do our best to answer any questions that you might have regarding the Darfur Stoves Project.
We are a primarily volunteer organization so please be patient with us if we do not answer your question immediately.
