A unique aspect of Seed Effect’s program is our partnership with Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs), local men and women who are active members of Seed Effect savings groups and who help multiply impact by forming, training, and supporting additional groups in their communities. CBFs are essential to Seed Effect’s sustainable growth and embody our commitment to empowering local leaders who are trusted, rooted, and invested in the long-term well-being of their neighbors.

Who Are CBFs?

CBFs begin as members of Seed Effect Savings & Loan Groups. After participating for at least six months and demonstrating strong leadership, integrity, and a solid understanding of the curriculum, they may be nominated to serve as CBFs.

CBFs are volunteers selected jointly by Seed Effect and local church leadership to help expand the savings program and empower more people in their communities. They typically:

• Have a deep grasp of the Savings & Loan curriculum
• Possess basic math and literacy skills
• Demonstrate strong communication, leadership, and motivation
• Are recognized as spiritual leaders within their communities
• Show empathy, honesty, reliability, and respect for others

Because the CBF role is central to sustainable growth, Seed Effect is intentional about identifying and equipping the right leaders. Local church pastors recommend potential candidates, who are then assessed by a Senior Program Officer and confirmed by the Program Coordinator.

“When we look for a Community-Based Facilitator, we seek someone deeply rooted in their community and in Christ. Someone who inspires trust, commitment, and confidence. A strong CBF is not just a messenger of the program; they are the bridge between our vision and the people we serve. Their local knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and passion for change make them vital to transforming ideas into sustainable impact.”

— Manyok Gabriel Deng, Program Officer, Adjumani Field Office

                                                                                                                    Adjumani, Uganda

What Does a CBF Do?

Once recommended, vetted, and fully trained, a CBF assumes responsibility for forming and supporting new savings groups in their area. Each CBF is expected to:

• Form up to six new savings groups per year (15–30 members each)
• Train groups through their first year using the Savings & Loan curriculum
• Teach proper savings and loan meeting procedures
• Integrate Bible study into regular group rhythms
• Conduct regular group field surveys, including capturing quarterly data to track savings and loan activities
• Mobilize Savings & Loan activities within their community
• Network with churches, community leaders, and key stakeholders
• Supervise savings activities of formed groups
• Identify and help resolve challenges, conflicts, or disputes
• Report weekly and monthly to the Program Officer
• Facilitate spiritual mentorship and provide ongoing leadership support
• Connect Savings & Loan groups to local churches

These responsibilities make CBFs the backbone of Seed Effect’s locally led expansion; multiplying groups, modeling Christ-like leadership, and strengthening financial resilience across entire communities. 

How Are CBFs Compensated?

While CBFs are not full-time Seed Effect staff, their service is highly valued. They are trusted local leaders who represent Seed Effect in their communities and advance our mission.

To honor and support their work, Seed Effect provides:

• An annual stipend of up to $700, a meaningful amount in contexts where members often begin saving with as little as $7
• A bicycle to help them travel long distances between groups

CBFs also receive ongoing mentorship and encouragement. Program Officers—full-time Seed Effect staff who oversee groups and manage all aspects of the program—meet monthly with their CBF teams to provide spiritual support, answer questions, and strengthen leadership capacity.

A Pathway for Growth

Serving as a CBF strengthens communities and opens doors to personal and professional growth. Many CBFs go on to lead additional groups, expand their community influence, and, in some cases, pursue employment opportunities with Seed Effect. Several current staff members were first identified as faithful leaders through their service as CBFs.

                                                                                                              Rhino Camp, Uganda

Spotlight: John Ajang Wuor, Community-Based Facilitator

John Ajang Wuor is a 52-year-old father and respected community leader living in Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement. He first joined a Seed Effect savings group in 2018, with no prior experience in saving and limited ability to plan for his family’s future. Through Seed Effect’s training, John learned financial discipline, leadership, and the power of collective saving, which transformed both his household and his outlook.

Recognized for his integrity and commitment, John was nominated by his pastor to serve as a Community-Based Facilitator. In this role, he has formed and supported multiple savings groups, helping families build resilience through saving, responsible borrowing, and faith-centered community. Today, John leads savings groups across Nyumanzi, mentors group leaders, and continues to model unity and discipline in both word and action.

Serving as a CBF has also added value to John’s own life. Through access to savings, loans, and a modest stipend, he has invested in livestock, started a small business, improved his home, and supported his children’s education. Spiritually, the integrated Bible studies have deepened his faith and strengthened his service as a church leader. John reflects, 

“When we save together, we rise together. Unity and discipline in saving are key to building hope and a better future.”

Why This Model Matters

Partnering with Community-Based Facilitators allows Seed Effect to grow with integrity, sustainability, and dignity. This model: 

• Keeps program costs low
• Ensures training is culturally grounded and locally owned
• Expands the reach of the Gospel
• Creates leadership opportunities for men and women who might otherwise be overlooked
• Multiplies impact far beyond what staff alone could accomplish

CBFs are more than facilitators. They are disciple-makers, community leaders, and catalysts for lasting transformation.