PHILOSOPHY
WCMA does not believe that “hand outs” per se is the best approach to helping able individuals rid themselves of poverty. Hand outs merely prolong misery and does not facilitate a path out of poverty. Therefore, WCMA in general does not disperse funds for direct daily expenses, crisis situations or church building projects (at any phase).
The scriptures teach that if a man does not work he should not eat. Finding work can prove to be more of a problem than just being poor. Thus the “seed grant” program is designed to help create a new “seed grant” project that will produce both work and renewable products, services and revenues over time. Initial revenue cycles are reinvested in the coop (not spent) until the coop has generated enough revenue (400% of the original “seed grant”) to donate the original “seed grant” amount back to WCMA so WCMA can expand its ability to sponsor additional “seed grant” projects elsewhere.
The coop by design will donate a percentage of its goods and services to coop members. The sweat equity (volunteer work) of coop members is tracked and eventually equitable goods and services are donated back to members that reasonably offset said sweat equity. Volunteer sweat equity is the backbone of the coop and is a member’s investment in the coop. However, a solid, well operated coop will provide more than ample long term production and services for its members. It will positively alter the health and welfare of coop families, even an entire community.
Finally, coops provide an opportunity for recipients to prove that they can be good stewards and business managers by starting with a very small endeavor that will eventually lead to much larger endeavors. They should be administered by reputable church members who are trustworthy and have the interest of the church family at heart (pastors, deacons, apostles, prophets, etc. should not administer the coop). A percentage (10%) of profits must also be donated to the local WCMA Affiliated ministry that applied for the “seed grant” on an ongoing basis.
POTENTIAL COOPS
There are many coop possibilities, but the WCMA encourages simple, inexpensive startups that can blossom into stable, profitable and successful coops. Below is a list of acceptable startups.
· Agricultural (poultry, goats, sheep, pigs, beef, fruit, vegetables)
· Manufacturing (clothes, rugs, furniture, pottery, pots/pans, utensils)
· Services (shops: repair, barber, tailoring, food products, house wares)
QUALIFICATIONS
The minimum qualifications to apply for “seed grants” are as follows:
1. Active WCMA Affiliate member for a minimum of one year.
2. Must be actively teaching/preaching Apostolic Pentecostal doctrines as delineated in Disciples of Christ Volumes.
3. Complete an application and if awarded a “seed grant” agree to comply with and actually comply with terms and conditions of the “seed grant” program.
APPLICATION
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