Passing on the Gift (Sharing resources)
Sharing resources is an essential part of Heifer’s philosophy. Every family or group that receives Heifer’s cooperation commits to sharing with another family or group the equivalent of what it has received, plus one additional item. That recipient, in turn, will share with another in a pass-on chain.

Accountability
The group must define its own needs, set goals and determine the appropriate strategy. Heifer provides a guide for planning the project, including the pass-on process, evaluation of recipients of animals, and monitoring of the group’s progress.

Sharing and Caring
Heifer believes that global problems can be solved if everyone commits to sharing what they have and caring for others. Although it is not easy to measure, this spiritual aspect of our work is one of the most important cornerstones.

Sustainability and Self-reliance
Heifer finances projects for a limited time. They must include the design and implementation of strategies for sustainability and become self-supporting, especially in their productive activities, once the project period ends.

Improved Animal Management
Heifer works to ensure that animal production is carried out in an integral manner, using species that are appropriate to the environment and culture of the participating families. The animals must not create an extra burden for families or affect the resources of their environment.

Nutrition and Income
The animals contribute directly to human nutrition by providing high-quality protein and indirectly by improving agricultural production. Production of animals and derivatives should improve the families’ income, contributing to economic and food security.

Gender and Family Focus
Gender refers to the definition of the roles of men and women in each culture. Heifer encourages women and men to share in both the decisions and the benefits of projects and gives priority to projects involving the entire family (parents and children).

Genuine Need and Justice
Heifer seeks to work with the people who most need an opportunity to improve their quality of life and who can benefit from a modest model of assistance. Families are selected regardless of creed or ethnic origin.

Improving the Environment
Heifer’s introduction of livestock must contribute to enhancement of the environment, with a positive impact on one or more of the following: soil erosion and fertility, forestation, pollution, wildlife, and local watershed conditions.

Full Participation
Heifer works with organized grassroots groups or intermediate organizations that represent them. A true organized group will have strong leadership and involve all of its members in decision making. The members of the group are the owners of the project and have control over decisions related to it.

Training and Education
The family makes decisions about its own training needs, and local people are involved as trainers. Training includes theory as well as field visits and practical demonstrations. Topics for training are not limited exclusively to animal production and the environment.

Spirituality
Spirituality is common to all people and families, regardless of whether or not they hold religious beliefs. It is expressed in their values and vision of the future. This creates strong bonds among participating families and gives them hope and a sense of responsibility as they work together for a better future.