Global Brigades Supplemental Programming – Small Contributions; HUGE Impact!
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The “supplementary programs” strengthen sustainability and deepen community impact
between brigades. Each Program Lead is responsible for working with community members, local technicians, and committees of campus chair people (student leaders) to develop these programs. At the end of the year, Global Brigades distributes any remaining funds to implement them. As a social enterprise, remaining funds are directly tied to number of volunteers, but this year we are offering donors the opportunity to contribute directly into these programs to ensure that they continue regardless of volunteer volume.
100% of your donation will go directly to implement these programs without a single dollar spent on administrative costs, which are already covered through brigade operations. This is an opportunity to provide direct contributions into the community we serve, creating huge impact for families that live on just a few dollars a day.
Below is a description of the supplementary program for Microfinance Brigades. To see the other programs, click on the program name here: Architecture, Business, Dental, Environment, Law, Medical, Public Health, Water.
Microfinance Brigades – Grain Storage
Currently, crop prices fluctuate rather drastically with supply- at harvest time, the price is lowest, while a few months after, prices have risen sharply. By storing crops using a large dry grain silo and treating it to preserve the stored crop, the Community Bank can resell them later on for a substantial profit for reinvestment into the community. Because of the profit per load, the Community Bank is able to offer community members an above market price on the loads they purchase! In this sense, the Community Bank takes the place of the intermediary, but with the very different purpose of reinvesting those profits into the community.
Cost Breakdown of 1 Grain Storage Unit
Project Goal
To make this project a reality, our goal is to have $25,000 at the end of the year to invest in grain storage units for four target communities, providing 498 loads of grain and generating $7,905.20 of total profit for reinvestment.
Benefits
•Of all the solutions, this brings the highest level of economic control back to the community
•Provides the Community Bank with an established structure, giving them pride and legitimacy in the community
•Practical (This has already generated a 45% profit within one season for one of our communities)
•Sustainable (profits are reinvested into the community bank, which create loans and further reinvestement)
•Scalable (The number of community members able to participate directly depends on the Chairperson contribution)
