Finally, of course, there is the problem of valuing services. There is simply no way to do this without crossing over into rank speculation. Having reached that conclusion, there is reason to pause, however. There is, of course, much debate about the effectiveness of government foreign aid. A dollop of similar skepticism is also in order for the implications of this level of private aid.
Regulations can mislead.
For example, for a U.S. non-profit to register with and receive funding from the United States government for foreign aid efforts, it must demonstrate that at least 20 percent of its funds are raised privately. Regulations include formulas. Formulas for placing a monetary value on goods use weight as the unit of measurement. The wise non-profit, seeking to reach the regulated funding level, will welcome Uncle Dave's old work boots rather than Aunt Tillie's summer frocks. Or, old textbooks.