Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here, we have brought together some common questions about Diakonia. If you can't find the answer to your question, please send us an e-mail.

What is Diakonia, and who do you serve?

Diakonia is a faith-based Swedish development organization working for justice, equality and sustainability. We partner with local civil society organizations in different regions aiming to support people affected by poverty, exclusion and oppression—regardless of religion, ethnicity or background.

Is Diakonia political or religiously affiliated?

Diakonia is faith-based (Christian) but does not require religious belief by those we serve. All people are served regardless of religion. Diakonia does not align with any political party but works with decision makers / policymakers to advocate for policies that reduce poverty, injustice, and violence based on evidence and human rights.

What portion of Diakonia’s funding comes from which sources, and how is it used?

Diakonia’s main sources of funding are institutional donors (e.g., government agencies), foundations, and private individuals. We aim for diversified funding so that no single donor provides more than 50% of our income. A full breakdown is available in our annual report.

We use funding to support partner-led projects (programmes), capacity development, advocacy, and monitoring & evaluation. The majority of funds go directly to programme work, while a smaller portion supports administration, oversight, and operations.

How does Diakonia ensure that the funds reach those most in need

We work through local partner organizations that understand local needs.
All projects include planning, monitoring, evaluation, and auditing.
We commit to long-term partnerships, which helps build trust and effectiveness.
External audits and adherence to international standards such as the Core Humanitarian Standard help ensure accountability.

How can I donate?

At present, we do not have a mechanism to receive individual donations from outside Sweden. However, private individuals or organisations interested in supporting our work can contact us directly via email: diakonia@diakonia.se.

For our fundraising among private donors in Sweden, read more here. If you would like to make a donation in Sweden, please click here (in Swedish only)

How do I apply / become a partner organization? What are your criteria?

To become a partner, we look for organizations that share our values (rights-based, inclusive, transparent), have sufficient organisational capacity (governance, financial management etc.), and are embedded in or close to affected communities. There’s usually a dialogue, due diligence, and a formal agreement. Read more about partnership with Diakonia.

How is Diakonia accountable?

We hold certification with CHS (Core Humanitarian Standard).
We publish annual reports, audited accounts, & financial statements.
We operate complaints & feedback mechanisms accessible to communities we work with.
We are supervised in fundraising in Sweden under Swedish Fundraising Control.