Salt of the Earth
Making the difference - with a difference

When it comes to giving to a charitable cause, one of the questions that most concerns people is - How much of this is going to reach those that really need it?

It's afflicted even the most high profile charities in their ongoing efforts raising money for the plethora of needs and deserving causes. The appetite of administrational and other demands have made many wonder whether their gifts ever really make a difference.

Salt of the Earth sets a trend for the sort of gifting that not only epitomises selfless service but sees to it that 100% of its donations go right to the heart of the need. This really does make the difference.

Murray Franklin, founder and trustee of SOE in the UK explains:
" Everyone involved in the charity gives their services free of charge. The expenses are kept to a minimum and are paid for from the proceeds of stalls selling goods made at SCAD and elsewhere in India. This means that every penny received goes direct to SCAD (Social Change and Development) without any deductions."

Salt of the Earth - beginnings:
The charity was founded as a result of Murray Frankland visiting southern India in 1988. He was recommended to visit a project called Social Change and Development (SCAD) and was deeply impressed with the quality of the work that SCAD carried out and the need of the poor low caste rural people with whom they worked. Since then the charity has provided core funding for SCAD to carry out its powerful work.

They have developed a very close relationship with SCAD over the years. Nine of the Trustees have visited SCAD with Murray Frankland and his partner Janet Elisita going every year. Everyone goes at his or her own expense. Cletus Babu, the Director of SCAD, comes to the UK every other year and has met many of our supporters over the years.

S.C.A.D. - The reality and the vision:
SCAD operates an integrated rural development programme in the villages where it is involved. It works with the whole village to agree what needs to be done and then supports the people to achieve their goals. Handouts are avoided and the village is encouraged to work towards becoming independent of SCAD in the future.

100 full timers and 350 part timers are employed to help and empower the rural poor in 350 villages with a population of over 200,000 people. A local person in each village is recruited and trained to work as a part time SCAD representative. Full time professional field and administrative staff back them up. Life in a village rapidly improves after it is adopted by SCAD. Educational and health standards quickly rise and the villagers gain energy towards helping themselves. Most of all the people start to believe in themselves both individually and collectively and are able to have hope and confidence in the future...read more

SOE raises its money mainly from covenants and donations from the 500 plus supporters in Leicester and around the country. Over £500,000 has been raised in this way. They encourage fund raising activities and its supporters are very creative in organising fun events, which raise money for SCAD.
Everyone involved in the charity gives their services free of charge. The expenses are kept to a minimum and are paid for from the proceeds of stalls selling goods made at SCAD and elsewhere in India. This means that every penny received goes direct to SCAD without any deductions. Money goes a very long way in south India as operational costs are low and the dedicated SCAD staff are prepared to work for much lower salaries than the Government would pay. A full time professional field worker is paid a salary of only £300 a year and the Director of SCAD and his wife draw no salary at all.

Breaking News!
US donors get IRS tax relief - click here

Sponsor a Child - and help each one to opportunities beyond their dreams.

For just £12 per month you can now sponsor a child in one of the poor rural villages that SCAD, our partner organisation works in. 100% of your money will be sent to SCAD and will be spent on much needed initiatives which will benefit your sponsored child.

Sponsors receive two letters a year from their child, an annual update from SCAD and the twice-yearly charity newsletter "Saltseller". They can write to their child at any time.

Without the help that we can give them children born into these villages face a life of grinding poverty, debt and ill health. By supporting this scheme you can give a child hope and a chance to realise his or hers potential.

Details of the scheme are on the child sponsorship page.

Yoga-ez -- brings you ways to practice selfless service

Salt of the Earth Making the difference - with a difference

Salt of the Earth
Making the difference - with a difference