The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) is a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), born out of the denomination’s response to calls for economic justice and systemic change in 1970. It was inspired in part by the Black Manifesto, which demanded reparations from white churches, and by concerns voiced by Hispanic communities. Since its inception, SDOP has been mandated to support and empower economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged communities by funding projects that promote self-determination and structural transformation.
SDOP awards grants to community groups that are owned and controlled by the poor and oppressed, and that directly benefit from the funded projects. These initiatives must be designed to bring about long-term improvement in the economic and social conditions of community members. Applicants must demonstrate full control over the project, active participation by members, and a structure that facilitates equitable empowerment and shared decision-making.
Funded activities typically focus on developing leadership, achieving social justice goals, enhancing community collaboration, expanding educational and economic opportunities, and improving quality of life in broad areas like health, housing, food security, and safety. Projects must not be controlled by external individuals or organizations and must serve to uplift the group submitting the proposal. Funding is generally limited to one award per group, although repeat or multi-year support may be considered based on merit.
Applicants must submit a full grant application and are encouraged to align their proposals with SDOP’s core measures of success, including leadership development, justice achievements, skills-building, and economic improvements. Applications are accepted year-round, and SDOP works closely with presbyteries and synods, which are certified biennially to administer regional Self-Development committees. These regional bodies must also adhere to SDOP's eligibility and evaluation standards.
Contact for more information includes Alonzo Johnson, Coordinator for Self-Development of People, reachable at 502-569-5780 or via Alonzo.Johnson@pcusa.org. Funding for SDOP is primarily sourced from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, supplemented by investment income.
The program accepts proposals from grassroots community groups nationwide, provided they meet SDOP’s criteria. While there is no fixed annual deadline, the program operates on an ongoing basis, with funding decisions made as suitable proposals are reviewed and approved.
Projects must be initiated, owned, and controlled by the beneficiaries; long-term change and justice focus required.
