As part of our commitment to financial accountability, the Foodgrains Bank periodically engages professional accountants who help us conduct financial reviews of partner agencies in over 30 countries around the world. These reviews ensure donated funds are accounted for and help partner agencies strengthen their accounting systems and reporting.
Rachel Niessen is a Chartered Professional Accountant-Chartered Accountant (CPA•CA) who grew up on Artel Farms in Niverville, Manitoba and has recently returned to the family farm as chief financial officer. The Foodgrains Bank has a long history of support from Rachel’s family and the farm. Her uncle was involved in the conception of the Foodgrains Bank, her father spent decades farming for the Foodgrains Bank, and through Artel Farms, her brother farms a field designated for Grow Hope Manitoba.
“Helping and feeding those less fortunate was my dad’s passion, and giving was a discussion around our family table. When he was alive, he would fill a rail car with grain for the Foodgrains Bank regardless of how good a year it was, even during the droughts in the 80’s. The Foodgrains Bank was near and dear to my dad’s heart and we’re still committed to farming for Foodgrains Bank today.”
In April 2024, Rachel traveled to Kenya to review the financial administration of a program implemented by Church World Service (CWS), funded by The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund and the Foodgrains Bank. From hearing her father first speak about the Foodgrains Bank to now serving as a volunteer financial reviewer, meeting with the partner staff in Nairobi and engaging with program participants in the field, she felt like the journey had come full circle.
While visiting CWS in Kenya, Rachel had the opportunity to travel with staff to Marsabit County, where CWS is providing humanitarian assistance for pastoralist communities experiencing drought. (Photo: Supplied)
“My family has been donating to the Foodgrains Bank for so many years and I felt so fortunate to be able to see the full cycle from farm to table. It was a wonderful experience meeting the staff in Kenya who administer the program and incredible to meet the grateful people who have been directly helped by the Foodgrains Bank.”
While not an official audit, the financial review trip is an opportunity to meet with partners, to review their financial processes and have open dialogue about where improvements can be made, says Rachel.
“I was impressed by CWS in Kenya. They understand the needs of the communities they serve and the complexity of the region they are delivering food and education to. They’re doing their due diligence. I have shared with many people since my experience: “If you ever wonder if your donation dollars make an impact in saving and improving lives, they do.” It was encouraging, gratifying, and emotional to have the privilege to see the inner workings of it all.”
To read more on our financial accountability, visit foodgrainsbank.ca/accountability.
A version of this story was originally published in the 2024 Summer edition of Breaking Bread.
