At times, what an artisan or farmer group needs the most is a small amount of seed money for new equipment or new space, or relief funds to help them recover from a major disaster.  As part of our ongoing work, we provide small grants and loans to our partners to help them meet their most pressing needs. These grants provide a building block for groups to help them grow. 

Spotlight on our Grants and Loans Work

Community Crafts Association of the Philippines
– Emergency Storm Relief Aid

Tropical storms producing strong winds and flooding resulted in losses for Philippine artisans late in 2006.  Our partner Community Crafts Association of the Philippines (CCAP) reported that 10% of the artisans had lost their houses and 90% of the other houses sustained damage.  CCAP reported, “Almost all the warehouses where materials and finished goods are stored were completely destroyed by the typhoons.”  SERRV responded in early 2007 with a grant for CCAP to help artisans replace lost products, raw materials, and tools to help them get back on their feet.

Wupperthal Rooibos Tea Association - South Africa
– Business Development

The Wupperthal Rooibos Tea Association is made up of the farmers who grow and package the Rooibos tea that SERRV is proud to sell. The tea growers are working toward becoming increasingly independent and sustainable.  A crucial step in their development is to have a staffed office to communicate with customers and take care of administrative tasks.  A grant in February of 2007 helped get the office up and running with a computer, printer, phone, fax and online connection.  SERRV is also supporting the new office by providing 50% of the first year salary of their staff person.