Self-Development of People (SDOP) is a mission program created in 1970 by the Presbyterian Church, USA to help alleviate poverty and oppression. The program seeks to provide grants and aid to organizations sponsoring projects and activities designed to eliminate the effects of injustice and powerlessness.
Self-Development of People of Central Virginia is a certified affiliate of the PC(USA) program and is supported by the collective churches of Presbytery of the James.
The program is rooted in the belief that the poor, oppressed and disadvantaged possess firsthand knowledge of the type of conditions poverty and powerlessness spawn, and a legitimate sense of what is needed to bring about effective change. Self-Development seeks to partner with organizations whose actions and achievements support these beliefs.
Through the years, community organizing has proven itself to be a successful strategy for empowering the disadvantaged and for that reason Self-Development of People focuses its grants on support for organizations. It is particularly concerned about self-development within communities of poor and oppressed peoples.
Members
Lamar Lockhart, moderator
Peggy Fox
Curtis Kearns
Renita Page
Shaunta'h Powell
Lori Purcell
Lauren Ramseur
Sharron Saunders
SDOP Grants
SDOP of Central Virginia Grants
Each year SDOP of Presbytery of the James awards up to $10,000 in grants to community organizations operating within the presbytery. The annual application deadline is November 1.
National SDOP Program Grants
Augmented funding is also available, in a separate application process, by applying to the National SDOP Program which offers grants of varying amounts up to $15,000. For more information on exploring the possibility of applying at the National SDOP Program, email Margaret.mwale@pcusa.org. Potential applicant groups are welcome to complete the optional one-page pre application, available through the link for “Applying for a National SDOP grant” and submitting it. Once received, the group will be contacted to discuss the feasibility of the proposed project.
Past SDOP of Central Virginia Grant Recipients and Projects
2024 - United to Empower - Parents Empowering Young People Program
2023 - United to Empower - Empowering Young Leaders Program
2022 - Joining Hands to Support Those in Need
2021 - Community Empowerment for Energy Wellness and Conservation
2019 - VA League for Safer Streets
2018 - Embrace Richmond - Brookland Park Young Leaders Project
Elevated Imagination Life Center
Stafford Junction - Helping Us Grow Strong (HUGS) kindergarten readiness program
Daily Planet - quality health services regardless of financial, housing or insurance status
Friends Association for Children - leadership and career advancement program
FIRST Contractors, Inc - picnic table project
How You Can Help
Self-Development of People is funded through the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering and by individual donations from friends and supporters of the program.
