RUF connects nonprofits, donors, and volunteers from all over the world. We help local nonprofits in Romania and diaspora organizations access the funding, tools, training, and support they need to become more effective.
We make dream projects possible. In our first three campaigns, we reached millions of people* and we invested over $1,000,000** in the most efficient nonprofits making an impact in the lives of Romanians today. Read more about our 100% Model.
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PROMISE #1
WE ALWAYS
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PROMISE #2
WE TRACK
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100% of your donation goes directly to our projects. How do we do it? Our operating costs are covered by a small group of donors committed to providing the foundation for our work. Read more about our 100% Model.
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We verify, track, and report all expenses related to our investments. We carefully research and we only select the most trustworthy and the most efficient and effective nonprofit organizations to invest your dollars.
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Romanian United Fund is dedicated to five areas of focus, amplifying our collective strength to solve the problems that Romania and Romanians are struggling with today.
WE IDENTIFYthe most promising, transparent, and efficient nonprofit organizations in Romania and in the Romanian diaspora. We select projects with a significant track record, and we verify them, making sure their standards of governance are the highest in the industry. |
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WE FUNDselected projects by fundraising in the largest Romanian diaspora urban centers around the world. 100% of donations made through RUF go directly to your selected project. |
WE PROMOTEour partners around the world, raising awareness about their existence, introducing them to the Romanian diaspora through our network, and to other significant organizations in their specific business domain. |
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WE PARTNER WITHselected organizations by identifying key experts in their field to facilitate knowledge transfer as well as well-intended volunteers from the Romanian diaspora and our own network. |
RUF is an International Charity Grantmaking Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization registered with the IRS in the state of Illinois.
A Strong and Connected Romanian Diaspora, self-sustaining, and contributing to the development and progress of a democratic Romania.
Integrity
We do the right thing even when no one is watching |
Transparency
You can see every dollar that is being raised and spent |
Kindness
Rise by lifting others |
Respect
Listen. Serve. Be thankful |
Excellence
Do every little thing extraordinarily well |
We find, fund, and partner with more the most effective and impactful Romanian nonprofit organizations. Our grant decisions seek to maximize impact, much like a financial manager selects investments to maximize profit.
Our nonprofit Community Partners were selected by Romanian United Fund within the strategic planning for 2020-2025, according to the selection criteria established by our Board of Directors, following recommendations and support from the Board of Advisors.
Read more about our carefully implemented selection process, designed to be fair and transparent.
“Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”
Yes, we are shooting for the moon. We want to be the Tesla or the Apple of the Romanian Diaspora: ground-breaking, cutting edge, avant-garde! A 21st-century, technology-backed umbrella organization, rooted in strong partnerships, personal friendships, and trust.
But the you know what? The most important thing about Apple and Tesla is that people who love them never leave. We want to be that special to you. Have we convinced you yet?
The business case for supporting RUF. A message from our President
"Time is my most precious resource. I've made my choice, to invest my time, my money, and my brainpower in RUF because I believe some things are more important than anything else."
"I come from a business background and I am personally relatively frugal: I don't like spending money. I like to invest it instead. I think long term and I like getting my money back with an interest. I had been supporting various nonprofits (mostly in Romania) for quite a while until one day I figured out there is a way to get a 3x or 5x return on my investment. For every dollar invested directly in RUF, we can raise $3, $5, or even $10 in donations. And 100% of that goes directly to our Partners, the smartest and most efficient nonprofits making an impact in the lives of Romanians today.
If you've ever thought "I wish I could do something to make this world better", this is a great place you can start. Whether children suffering from cancer or not having access to the latest treatments strikes a chord with you, or if you are passionate about saving Romania's depleting forests, about the country's heritage, or about helping Romanian students access a great education, there's something you can help with here, with us. Become part of the RUF community, and let's make the future look brighter for our children and grandchildren. If you want to make a difference, support RUF."
- Mihai Lehene, President and Founding Member, Romanian United Fund
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Ask tough questions, ask any questions. Tell us how we can improve. We're here for you, and we'll promptly reply. Thank you!
