Kathmandu-The Barbara Foundation has issued a stern clarification regarding misleading reports circulating on social media and various news outlets about alleged Barbara Foundation financial support to an organization called ‘Hami Nepal’. The foundation released an official statement on Sunday, categorically denying any financial relationship with the organization.

Foundation Calls Claims “Misleading and Baseless”

In their official press release, the Barbara Foundation described the circulating reports as “misleading and baseless propaganda.” The foundation expressed serious concern over how their name was being dragged into false narratives during the country’s sensitive political climate.

“We are gravely concerned about the baseless propaganda that has been spread by taking advantage of the country’s recent sensitive and volatile situation, including our name in misleading news,” the foundation stated in their press release.

No Financial Relationship Despite Past Collaboration

The Barbara Foundation clarified that while they had collaborated with ‘Hami Nepal’ during the COVID-19 pandemic period, this cooperation was purely operational. The foundation emphasized that Barbara Foundation financial support was never provided to the organization or any of its office bearers.

COVID-19 Collaboration Was Non-Financial

During the pandemic, the Barbara Foundation worked with ‘Hami Nepal’ because it was a widespread youth network across the country. However, this collaboration did not involve any monetary transactions or Barbara Foundation financial support to the organization.

Foundation’s Background and Transparency

Established from Personal Wealth of Barbara Adams

The Barbara Foundation is a non-profit social organization established from the personal wealth of American citizen Barbara Adams. Adams, who made Nepal her field of work and died as a Nepali citizen, had wished for the foundation to serve Nepali citizens according to her final wishes.

Complete Financial Transparency Revealed

In an unprecedented move toward transparency, the foundation disclosed its complete financial details:

Financial Overview:

• From Barbara Adams’ estate: NPR 2.88 crores (approximately $216,000 USD)
• From Nepali donors and interest income: Additional funds
• Total received: NPR 7.82 crores (approximately $587,000 USD)
• Total expenditure: NPR 3.64 crores on various programs and administrative work
• Current bank balance: NPR 3.95 crores

This level of financial transparency demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to accountability, especially when addressing claims about Barbara Foundation financial support to external organizations.

Foundation’s Core Mission and Activities

Primary Objectives and Programs

The Barbara Foundation focuses on several key areas:

1. Investigative Journalism Awards: Supporting quality journalism in Nepal
2. Environmental Conservation: Providing fellowships for environmental projects
3. Cultural and Heritage Preservation: Supporting cultural conservation initiatives
4. Talk Series: Organizing educational discussions and seminars

These programs represent the genuine areas where Barbara Foundation financial support is actually provided, contrary to the false claims being circulated.

Commitment to Investigative Journalism

One of the foundation’s flagship programs is the investigative journalism awards, which aims to promote quality reporting and transparency in Nepal’s media landscape. This commitment to truth and transparency makes the recent false claims about the foundation particularly ironic.

Impact of Misinformation on Civil Society

Damage to Reputation and Trust

The Barbara Foundation’s statement highlights a broader issue affecting Nepal’s civil society organizations. False claims about Barbara Foundation financial support and similar misinformation can severely damage the reputation of legitimate non-profit organizations working for social good.

Request to Stop Character Assassination

The foundation specifically requested that people refrain from character assassination attempts during the country’s difficult circumstances. They emphasized that such actions divert public attention from real issues that matter to ordinary citizens.

Lessons for Media Literacy

Importance of Fact-Checking

This incident serves as an important reminder about the need for proper fact-checking before sharing information on social media. Claims about Barbara Foundation financial support or any other organizational relationships should be verified through official sources.

Social Media Responsibility

The rapid spread of misinformation through social media platforms demonstrates the need for greater digital literacy among Nepali internet users. Before sharing news about organizations like the Barbara Foundation, users should verify the authenticity of such claims.

Moving Forward: Foundation’s Continued Work

Unaffected by False Claims

Despite the recent controversy over false Barbara Foundation financial support claims, the organization remains committed to its core mission. The foundation continues to work on its established programs without letting misinformation derail their social service objectives.

Strengthened Transparency Measures

The incident has prompted the foundation to be even more transparent about its operations and financial dealings. This proactive approach helps prevent future misunderstandings about Barbara Foundation financial support and similar matters.

Truth Prevails Over Misinformation

The Barbara Foundation’s swift and transparent response to false claims about their alleged Barbara Foundation financial support to Hami Nepal demonstrates the importance of organizational accountability. Their detailed financial disclosure and clear denial of any monetary relationship with the organization sets a positive example for other non-profit organizations in Nepal.

As Nepal continues to navigate challenging times, it becomes increasingly important to distinguish between factual reporting and misleading propaganda. The Barbara Foundation’s case serves as a reminder that truth and transparency remain the best defenses against misinformation.

Organizations working for social good should not have to defend themselves against baseless accusations. Instead, they deserve support and recognition for their genuine contributions to society. The Barbara Foundation’s work in journalism, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation continues to benefit Nepal, regardless of attempts to tarnish their reputation through false claims.

For more information about the Barbara Foundation’s activities and transparency reports, interested parties can contact the organization directly through official channels. The foundation remains committed to serving Nepal while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.