We identify the following as a few of the possible causes of poverty: racism, greed, lack of available resources, an unjust economic system, lack of power, perversion of the Christian "message," failure of society to define its boundaries to include persons at the margin, classism, lack of nurture in the basic fabric of community.

Proposals should reflect how the project will foster the development of human and financial resources in communities that have been systematically denied opportunities available to the community at large. They must reflect the vision and planning of those being served by the project.

The following are examples of projects that address root causes of poverty by building power and community among the poor:

• Cooperative enterprises such as worker-owned businesses, land trusts and credit unions;
• Incentives to economic development, such as loan guarantee funds and small business incubators;
• Community organizing and leadership training;
• Affordable housing development, including home ownership counseling and lease/purchase programs;
• Incentives to achieving a higher level of education;
• Advocacy of laws and/or social policies that serve and enrich the common good;
• Voter registration and education;
• Self-help programs in which people develop and implement their own solutions to community problems;
• Cultural activities that facilitate leadership development

This means that those who plan and make policy (e.g. the board of directors) must consist of members of the community being served by the project. For projects which do not presently meet this criterion, applicants should document the following in the letter of intent:

• Why members of the poverty group do not have a significant role in planning and policy making at the time of application;
• How members of the poverty group were involved in determining their need for the project;
• What time schedule is planned for representatives of the poverty group to have a significant role in governing the project.

*The Commission requires a letter of support from the Presbyterian Church ( U.S.A. ) or Presbyterian members involved with your project.

Projects or programs should provide an opportunity for individual Presbyterians (clergy and/or lay leaders), to have face-to-face, hands-on involvement, where genuine relationships can be formed, through such means as:

• Direct personal participation in the activities of the program.
• Membership on the board or involvement as a partner in decision making.
• Public advocacy in solidarity with the community of need served by the project or program.


Of lesser significance would be:


• Financial support by the congregation.
• Sharing of resources, such as the church building.

Priority will be given to those projects or programs in which the local congregation itself feels a sense of partnership with the program or project.

Priority will further be given to those projects or programs which provide an opportunity for those Presbyterians involved to reflect upon the nature of the church and society, in such a way that genuine transformation may begin to occur within the life of the congregation in regard to its mission, identity, theology or priorities.

Projects which do not currently have Presbyterian involvement must demonstrate in their proposal in what way Presbyterian involvement will be invited in the future. Projects where, because of the structure of the program itself, there is no genuine opportunity for Presbyterian involvement, will not be considered for funding.