Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People Awards $647,215 in Grants to 57 Self-Help Projects

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) recently disbursed nearly $650,000 in grants to 57 self-help projects. The funds, sourced from the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, support initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized and disadvantaged communities through self-sufficiency. The SDOP, which operates nationally and includes partnerships with both members and non-members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), approved the grants during a virtual meeting.

SDOP national committee chair Julia Hill expressed admiration for the year’s work, noting partnerships with groups in New York, Hawaii, South Carolina, and Panama. She emphasized the committee’s commitment to continuing its mission of fostering collaboration and solidarity with communities in need. The SDOP’s efforts align with the broader goals of the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) initiative, which seeks to address poverty and promote justice through collective action.

In Hawaii, SDOP, along with the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), jointly funded four local projects. A total of $30,000 was allocated to these groups, contributing to a combined total of $180,000 in support for the four Hawaii projects. This collaborative approach underscores the interconnectedness of various church ministries in addressing local and global challenges.

Panama, a key focus country for SDOP, received funding for several projects. Additionally, SDOP provided financial support to CEDEPCA and CIEETS, intermediary partners in Guatemala and Nicaragua, each receiving $32,500. These intermediaries then distributed grants to local organizations that meet SDOP’s criteria for impactful, community-driven initiatives.

Rev. Dr. Carolyne Grice, SDOP national committee vice chair, highlighted the urgency of addressing poverty as part of the church’s mission. Her statement, “poverty has no place in the economy of God,” reflects the theological foundation of SDOP’s work, which seeks to eradicate poverty through partnerships and solidarity with affected communities.

Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson, SDOP manager, affirmed the importance of these partnerships, stating that the efforts of supported organizations embody Jesus’ call to bring hope and possibility to those struggling with poverty and oppression. SDOP’s engagement with diverse local and global groups exemplifies a commitment to justice and compassion, rooted in the belief that all people are created in God’s image.

The SDOP continues to seek innovative ways to engage communities economically and socially, reflecting a dedication to the principles of justice, mercy, and care for the marginalized. Through its grants and partnerships, SDOP remains a vital instrument in the church’s mission to promote self-development and alleviate suffering.

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