Global Communities

On September 1, 2021, Global Communities and Project Concern International (PCI) announced the completion of a merger between the organizations. As a result, Project Concern International is now known as Global Communities.

CharityWatch's current rating of Global Communities based on the fiscal year ended 09/30/2020 is for the organization formerly known as Project Concern International (PCI), prior to its merger with Global Communities.

According to the Global Communities press release published 09/01/2021, the merger is "based on shared missions and complementary areas of technical expertise and geographic reach. The unified organization, known as Global Communities, has deep roots in more than 35 countries and the ability to reach millions of people with sustainable, impactful programs that improve lives and livelihoods."

According to the Project Concern International (PCI) audit of September 30, 2020 (Note 1 re: Nature of operations):

"On April 6, 2020, Global Communities and PCI announced they have entered into a combination agreement to work with more communities around the world to achieve long-lasting, transformational change. PCI became a supporting organization (subsidiary) of Global Communities and will continue its separate corporate existence through the transition period. During the transition period of approximately 18 months, the two organizations will operate as Global Communities and PCI, a partner of Global Communities. Both organizations are committed to continuing to deliver excellent results with quantifiable impact in all ongoing projects. Following full integration, the combined equity will be known as Global Communities, with an international headquarters in Silver Spring. San Diego will be the West coast home of Global Communities and the base for expanding the impact of critical ongoing domestic health programs. PCI and Global Communities are planning to be fully integrated by October 1, 2021, and actively working on novating and reassigning PCI's federal and nonfederal awards to Global Communities."

According to the Project Concern International (PCI) tax filing for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2020, PCI received donations of in-kind goods on which it placed a value of $3,769,529 (IRS Form 990, Schedule M).

In addition, PCI reports receiving in-kind donated services and use of facilities in fiscal 2020 on which it placed a value of $169,668 (IRS Form 990, Schedule D, Part XI).

[Note: CharityWatch generally excludes the value of in-kind (non-cash) donations of goods and services from its calculations of Program % and Cost to Raise $100. More information on how grades are calculated and the treatment of in-kind donations can be found on the Our Process page.]

According to the Project Concern International (PCI) audit of September 30, 2020 (Note 2, Concentrations):  "...PCI received significant grants and contributions...recognized in revenue" during fiscal 2020 that included approximately $10.3 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

[The $10.3 million received from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation represents approximately 19% of PCI's reported total support and revenue in fiscal 2020.]

According to the Project Concern International (PCI) audit of September 30, 2020 (Note 5 re: Note Payable):

"PCI received $1,286,300 in funding from the United States Small Business Administration's (SBA) Payment Protection Program (PPP) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act on April 20, 2020. The loan is forgivable to the extent it is used for certain allowable costs incurred during the twenty-four weeks after funding. Allowable costs include payroll-related costs and payments for covered utilities. PCI submitted an application for forgiveness of the loan on February 12, 2021. To the extent that the loan does not qualify for forgiveness, the terms of the agreement specify that PCI must repay the principal balance of the loan plus interest at 1 percent in equal installment payments beginning ten months from the last day of the twenty-four week period after funding or as of the date the forgiveness is granted."

According to the Project Concern International (PCI) audit of September 30, 2020 (Note 8, Contingencies and Subsequent Event, COVID-19): 

"The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world has caused significant volatility in U.S. and international markets. PCI's country operations have had to develop and continually adjust contingency plans to respond to the challenges caused by COVID-19 to ensure the ongoing delivery of programs while protecting the health and safety of staff. Going forward, there is significant uncertainty around the breadth and duration of business disruptions related to COVID-19, as well as its impact on the U.S. and international economies and while there will certainly be an impact, PCI is unable to determine what the extent of the impact to its long-term operations will be."

According to the Project Concern International (PCI) audit of September 30, 2020 (Note 8, Contingencies and Subsequent Event, Customs fees):

"In 2002, 2003, 2007, 2008, and 2009, PCI imported commodities for its program in a South American country. These commodities were for both monetization (resale to generate program resources) and distribution to program participants...

"There is currently a bilateral agreement signed between the United States federal government and the local government that exempts commodity transactions from customs fees. Additional agreements exist between PCI and ministries of the local government exempting PCI from any customs fees. Additionally, a framework agreement exists between PCI and the government of this country, which may exempt such commodities from tax.

"PCI received notifications from the Customs Office in this country that the commodities it imports for monetization are subject to customs fees..."

It is reported that there is approximately $5.6 million in total assessed taxes, penalties and interest in connection with the various notices received by PCI:

– For approximately $1.9 million of the total (January 2009 initial notice dates), PCI reports receiving favorable judgments from the Supreme Court in October 2014 and November 2020.

– For approximately $1.6 million of the total (December 2010 initial notice date), the assessments "are continuing through the court process."

– For approximately $1.0 million of the total (December 2011 initial notice date), "...[a]lthough PCI has received favorable court rulings on this group of notices, new assessments were received by PCI in November 2018. No legal actions have been taken."

– For approximately $1.1 million of the total (July 2017 & December 2017 initial notice dates), no legal actions have been taken.

"Several other major United States-based organizations working in the same country on similar programs during that timeframe received similar notifications. ... PCI and legal counsel believe that a 2009 law change, with which PCI is in compliance, appears to have been incorrectly applied retroactively in this situation. PCI and legal counsel also believe that other agreements between PCI and the local government provide further support that there is no liability as asserted.

"PCI is currently pursuing resolution of this issue through both administrative and legal actions and will leverage the October 2014 and March 2016 Supreme Court decisions during this process. The Donors [the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) & U.S. Dept. of Agriculture] have also intervened with the local government. A liability resulting from this matter is not considered probable..."