FAQs
What's in the name "E3 Initiative"?
Why did EngageHIV Foundation and Entrust Foundation become E3 Initiative?
How does E3 work with its partners?
How does E3 choose its partners?
Does E3 only benefit Christians?
How does the 100% action guarantee work?
How are donations distributed and used?
How can I get more information?
What is E3 Initiative?
E3 Initiative is a Christian charity group, which was set up in 2010, through a merger of EngageHIV Foundation (founded in 2002) and Entrust Foundation (founded in 1994). E3's vision is to see the gospel message transforming communities through the mission of the local church. E3 is focussed on empowering grassroots congregations to share the love of Christ, in word and deed. We do this by working with local partner organisations in our areas of strength – training grassroots pastors and responding to the HIV and AIDS crisis. While most of our partners are in sub-Saharan Africa, we also support projects in other parts of the two-thirds world.
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What's in the name “E3 Initiative”?
The name "E3 Initiative" is inspired by Ephesians 3, which explains how the local church is central in God’s mission to bring the gospel of peace to a broken and alienated world: "His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known..." (Eph 3:10).
But E3 also stands for 'entrust, engage and empower', because while E3 has two programmes – Entrust pastor training and EngageHIV – our purpose is to empower churches in mission.
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Why did EngageHIV Foundation and Entrust Foundation become E3 Initiative?
E3 initiative was created through the merging of two separate but related charities – EngageHIV Foundation and Entrust Foundation. The history of those charities inspires and explains E3's current work.
Entrust's involvement 'in equipping pastors in the Majority World' led to a realisation that such training must develop leaders who lead churches in mission through word and deed. That emphasis led to collaboration with EngageHIV, drawing on its experience of working with local partners in responding to HIV and AIDS.
At the same time EngageHIV's implementation of its own vision – 'to bring hope to those affected by HIV and AIDS' – led it to work increasingly with organisations that were serving churches on the frontline of the HIV pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. That led to a concern for the wider health of those churches and reinforced the relationship with Entrust.
In 2010, the two charities took this relationship a step further and merged to form a single charity. E3's programmes – EngageHIV and Entrust pastor training – work in their distinct areas, but do so together in order to empower local churches as they seek to share the love of Christ.
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Where does E3 operate?
While most of our partners are based in sub-Saharan Africa, we also support projects in other parts of the majority world, including India, the Philippines and Brazil.
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Who controls and manages E3?
Andrew Davisson is the Executive Director and manages E3 on a day-to-day basis, together with our Executive Committee. Dr Liz Ling is EngageHIV Director and Jem Hovil is Entrust Director. Our Executive Committee decides how partner support is allocated and reports to the Trustees. We have Trustees in the UK and Boards for our Foundation in the US and our Trust in South Africa. More about the team
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Who supports E3?
E3 relies on the continuing generosity of many supporters, including individuals, corporate partners, churches and charitable trusts, without whom we could not continue our work.
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How does E3 work with its partners?
E3 does not run projects of its own. Instead, we partner with existing churches, colleges, training networks and community-based organisations. For us, empowerment means coming alongside churches and building their capacity through leadership development and supporting them in their mission. For some this means spiritual renewal, for others help with strategic planning and the mobilisation of local resources. We provide prayer and financial support, and also offer expertise and training as and when necessary. Our Programme Directors, board members and others are in regular contact with all of our partners on the ground through visits and written reports.
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How does E3 choose its partners?
The EngageHIV and Entrust Directors identify new opportunities for partnerships and then there is an application process. The Executive Committee analyses and discusses all applications.
The work and approach of all of our partners are consistent with E3's core values. Our partners are also committed to best practice in terms of the management of their project and the practical work they do. Organisations who are looking for partnership opportunities can contact us.
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Does E3 only benefit Christians?
No. Although the motivation for E3's work comes from our Christian beliefs, our partners serve all people and we carefully assess our public benefit.
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How does the 100% action guarantee work?
All of your donation will go directly towards the work of E3 Initiative. The trustees cover all the operational costs of the UK, US and South African charities. More about supporting E3.
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How are donations distributed and used?
All donations received are passed on to our partner projects in the majority world. Some are focused on training grassroots pastors, others are serving churches in responding to HIV and AIDS, and some work in both areas. Partners are required to have transparent bookkeeping systems in place prior to funding and once a partnership is established, regular reporting mechanisms and site visits ensure that the money continues to be well used.
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How can I support E3?
There are many ways that you can get involved, including through prayer and financial support. Visit the Giving and Get Involved sections for more information. And remember, 100% of your donation helps empower grassroots churches to transform their communities.
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How can I get more information?
This website contains information on our organisation and work and ways that you can take action. Sign up to our quarterly e-newsletter [link] for regular updates and stories about how E3 brings hope and changes lives. You can use our contact us form to get in touch.