One of the best parts of my job is when I get to email grant partners and let them know that the Spirit in Action Board of Directors has approved their requests for funds. I work closely with each grassroots organization to understand, prepare, and refine their proposal, so it’s always a joy to tell them that they have SIA’s support to implement their community programs!
In the beginning of December, the Board approved four new Community Grants and I received four very enthusiastic and grateful responses to the good news. It felt only right to share their joy, so that we can all celebrate and pray for this good work!
1. Community Mobilization Against Poverty – Kitale, Kenya
Sustainable agriculture training. Model bio-intensive, organic farm. Seeds. For 200 farmers. ($3,000)
From Moses Mukongo, CMAP director:
On behalf of CMAP I want to thank you and the SIA Board for taking the time to review our grant proposal for the farmer training and education support in sustainable agriculture. We will be helping small farm-holder communities grow plentiful and nutritious food, without depleting natural resources and with sophisticated yet low-technology approaches to farming and marketing.
2. Progressive Volunteers – Nairobi, Kenya
Sewing machines and instructors for a dressmaking and tailoring training center for women living in Ruaraka slum. ($3,731)
Boyd, Tanya, and the PV team meet to discuss the potential of local volunteers to improve Nairobi’s schools and environment. (July 2014)
From Jeremiah Mzee, PV director:
Wish you could be around to see how happy our team feel after the grant’s award. Receive a word of thank you from my team and volunteers.
On behalf of everyone at Progressive Volunteers I would like to offer my sincerest thanks for the grant from Spirit in Action. Progressive Volunteers is only a small community based organization but it does know its local communities well. In much of the work we do, it is clear that often what local people need most are the skills and economic opportunities to better support themselves. We very much hope that the dressmaking and tailoring training centre funded with the grant goes some way to offering those opportunities for local people.
3. Pastoralist Child Foundation – Samburu, Kenya
Girls Empowerment Workshop for 60 girls. With an alternative rite of passage. Campaign to end female genital mutilation. Education = Empowerment = Equality. ($3,506)
From Sayydah Garrett, PCF Founder and President:
We are so pleased with this exciting news from Spirit in Action! On behalf of the staff, board, mentors, volunteers, and especially the communities we serve, a most heartfelt thank you! God bless you! We will certainly fill out all the required information in a timely manner and return everything to you. May we take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season.
4. Samro School and Samro Polytechnic School – Eldoret, Kenya
Tuition for 10 elementary students (including boarding for 4 students). Tuition and boarding for 6 tailoring students.($5,660)
One of the Samro Polytechnic students in the tailoring classroom. With clothing made by students hanging on the wall.
From Samuel and Rhoda Teimuge, Samro Founders:
WAW!!!!!! This is indeed great, great news. Praise God indeed. God bless and keep you.
Merry Christmas! The SIA blog is taking a break next week.
**For a list of past Community Grants, visit our Grants List.
