FAQ | Project Ploughshares

(Frequently Asked Questions)

What is Project Ploughshares?
Project Ploughshares is a non-governmental organization that works with churches, governments and civil society, in Canada and abroad, to advance policies and actions to prevent war and armed violence and build peace.

Where does the name Project Ploughshares come from?
Project Ploughshares takes its name and its vision from the ancient biblical vision in the Book of Isaiah in which the material and human wealth consumed by military preparations are transformed into resources for human development, thereby removing the roots of war itself.

“God shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4)

Is Project Ploughshares strictly a religious organization?
No. The goal of a secure world without war, a just world at peace, is one that transcends religious affiliation. Project Ploughshares is sponsored by nine national churches and is an agency of The Canadian Council of Churches, an ecumenical body representing 23 churches of Anglican, Evangelical, Free Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Protestant and Roman Catholic traditions. The work of Project Ploughshares is rooted in the ethics of Christianity – namely: peace, reconciliation and justice – but Project Ploughshares grounds its research in careful analyses of facts and presents its findings in reasoned, public policy language. Staff and supporters of Project Ploughshares come from different faiths, races and backgrounds.

Does Project Ploughshares restrict itself to working with only Christians and Christian organizations?
No. Project Ploughshares recognizes all people as constituents of a common humanity. As such, we believe that Canada, a prosperous and secure nation, is both able and has a responsibility to come to the aid of the world’s most vulnerable people, regardless of their faith, race or gender.

Policy work and program implementation are often carried out in collaboration with other NGOs, in Canada and internationally. Project Ploughshares is a member of the Canadian Council for International Co-operation, Peacebuild, the Canadian Network to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, the Steering Board of the Control Arms Coalition, the International Action Network on Small Arms, as well as other working groups. Project Ploughshares is affiliated with the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies of Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo.

What types of campaigns does Project Ploughshares undertake to achieve its objectives?
Project Ploughshares works to advance policies and actions that prevent war and armed violence and build peace. We do this primarily through research and analysis that carefully considers differing points of view. On occasion, we support broader campaigns that further our primary goals. For example, in 2003, Project Ploughshares provided leadership to Canadian churches in their response to the U.S. plans for war on Iraq. Prepare for Peace in Iraq, the January 2003 joint statement of The Canadian Council of Churches, Kairos and Project Ploughshares, was endorsed by 40,000 individuals and groups and was instrumental in helping to keep Canada out of the U.S.-led war. Some other examples of events or campaigns we have helped co-ordinate are: the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence; Disarming Domestic Violence campaign; and 100 Days of Action on the Arms Trade, which included the Million-Faces Petition, a global online effort to demonstrate public support for a global arms trade treaty.

Does Project Ploughshares believe Canada should have no military forces at all?
Our sponsoring churches bring diverse views and approaches to questions of defence and security. In Project Ploughshares they come together in support of policies that reduce reliance on military force in a broad approach to security aimed at enhancing human security. In circumstances where the resort to force is deemed necessary, the military contribution to peace operations must be deployed to support the political settlement of conflict and not as an alternative to this process. This comprehensive approach to security requires attention to the 5Ds of security: development, democracy, disarmament, diplomacy and defence.

How is Project Ploughshares funded?
Project Ploughshares relies on the annual financial support of thousands of individuals, as well as contributions from national churches, religious orders, local congregations and organizations across Canada. Our annual income in 2010 was approximately $1.4-million. The source of funds breaks down as follows: donations 45 per cent; grants 53.5 per cent; other 1.5 per cent.

Does Project Ploughshares use professional fundraisers?
We use external marketing companies as a cost-effective way of mailing out our fundraising materials. They have resources and expertise we do not have in-house. The companies work on a fee-for-service basis, not for commission.

What percentage of its budget does Project Ploughshares spend on fundraising?
In 2010, we spent 10 per cent on fundraising and 10 per cent on administration. We aim to keep the percentage we spend on programs to as close to 80 per cent of our budget as possible. These percentages can vary year to year depending on the sources of our income. The mailings we send to our donors (see previous question), in addition to asking for support, are also important opportunities to provide information about peace and security issues and what we are doing to address these issues, and to build a network of Canadians committed to working for a more peaceful world.

How can I donate to Project Ploughshares?
You can become a supporter by:

completing the online donation form
printing out our donation form and faxing or mailing it to our office
calling us at 1-888-90-PEACE (73223) to make your donation by credit card

Can I support Project Ploughshares even if I cannot offer money?
Yes. Ploughshares.ca is a repository of information, including our annual Armed Conflict Reports, which offer detailed reports on specific conflicts worldwide, and many reports, briefings, working papers, articles and links to partner organizations. Learn about the work we do by perusing our site, signing up for our e-newsletter, joining one of our listservs or contacting us at plough@ploughshares.ca. You can help immeasurably by promoting Project Ploughshares among your own network of family, friends and colleagues or classmates and within your faith group.

Can someone from Project Ploughshares speak at my event?
We do our best to accommodate speaking requests. Please contact Tasneem Jamal, Communications and Fundraising Officer, either by email or at +1 519 888-6541 ext. 7706 with details of your event. Please note that except for speaking requests in our local area, we require reimbursement for our travel costs.