Community Grants Programs

WCDP's first projects were to build schools. These were being done through grants to the communities themselves. While the money provided to the communties of Kasolwe and Bulaga in Uganda were well used, it was difficult to raise. Further, as described above, we felt it was best that the communities not recieve grants in order to gain greater ownership of the projects. That being said, we continue to provide grants for projects at the community level provided the communities provide certain assurances and support.

WCDP requires that communities provide a minimum of 10% of the costs of building the project. They may raise this money through local fundraisers, donations from local businesses, or even from a community level micro loan. The can also meet that goal by providing materials (bricks, mortar, timber) in lieu of their 10%. They must also be actively involved in the planning and construction process.

In addition to capital and labor support, the communities must develop sustainability plans for their projects. They must demonstrate that the project will be self sustaining such that it will not fall into disuse after the grant money and support disappears.

When communities are able to demonstrate that they are able to achieve these demands, WCDP gladly supports their efforts with grants. We will conduct fundraisers in order to raise the money and deliver it to them to purchase goods and services needed to complete the project.