We are committed to having a real impact and making a real difference with those we work with. The way we do that is different from other development organizations. We combine trade and training. We work with small-scale artisans and farmers to develop their skills and we buy and sell what they create. They learn, they work and they earn: all of the elements needed to become self-sufficient in the long term.

Our capacity building work focuses on the following areas:

Skills Training

We listen to each organization about their goals for the future and how we can work with them to strengthen their endeavors. From this dialogue, we establish long-term written agreements to ensure that they obtain the training, technical assistance, and organizational skills they must cultivate to grow their enterprises and compete in the global marketplace.

Grants and Loans

A small sum can have huge ripple effects when it enables an artisan or farmer group to grow or strengthen its work. Our grants and loans are part of our integrated approach to building capacity by providing seed money to our partners for things like new equipment or infrastructure or to carry out trainings.

Market Development

When they are ready, we develop systems and connections to help our partners access other markets for their products. Having a broad customer base lessens their reliance on us and empowers them to become independent.

Relationship Building

Strong relationships are at the core of making our work people-centered. Close communication with our partners and regular visits keep us aware of their successes, their most pressing needs and how we can best support their efforts. 

Impact Assessment

How does SERRV/A Greater Gift benefit artisans and farmers? This is a question that we hear often and answering it is a core part of making sure we are effectively fulfilling our mission. We continually gather information from our partners to assess the impact our work has on artisans and farmers around the world. 

Some of our 2008 Development Acheivements

• Visits to 40 of our artisan and farmer partners in 19 countries to work on development agreements, product development, and other training
• 4 major overseas trainings in product development, order production and market trends
• 9 Equipment Grants for tools and raw materials, computer equipment and internet connection, generators, sewing machines, looms, digital camera, dyeing equipment, storage racks, rolling mill, and silkscreen equipment
• Training and travel grants that included: sponsoring an overseas marketing volunteer, mailing of CD catalog, travel to regional IFAT conferences, marketing trips to U.S., local trainings in business skills and basket making
• Grants for emergency relief for flooding in India, hurricane relief in Haiti, and a wind storm in India
• Hosting visits to SERRV by four partner groups from India and Nepal
• Worldwide distribution of 2 Trend Reports to all of our producer partners
• Facilitation of donations of reading glasses, emergency relief and school supplies to producer partners