Partnerships

WDRC works in partnership with Overseas Methodist Conferences, Church Authorities, local groups and Aid Agencies. Such partnerships are vital to effective and efficient use of donors' money in the area of relief and development projects.

WDRC, nor the Methodist Church in Ireland, has the right to dictate the strategies or approaches suitable to a particular problem in another area of the world, indeed another culture. Therefore partnership with local groups and, sometimes, partner churches is essential.

WDRC is a relatively small body and therefore it is often more effective and efficient to work alongside other Church Authorities and Aid Agencies at times. We strive to attain the highest possible professional standards in all we do and again partnership can help achieve this.

Local groups

WDRC works with many local organisations which we refer to as partners. It is these grass root bodies which research, implement, organise, seek funding for and evaluate projects. They are in an ideal position to do this as they are part of the communities in which they work and understand the culture, local infrastructures and 'ways of doing things'.

Overseas Methodist Conferences and Church Authorities

It is sometimes Methodist Churches in other countries who approach WDRC for funding of specific projects or perhaps local groups within an Overseas Conference apply. Partnership with the conference or church authority may be advantageous in such situations.

Aid Agencies

WDRC has close relationships with two main aid agencies -

The Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) is an independent charity rooted in the Methodist Church in Britain. It aims to support the poorest of the poor through long-term development, humanitarian aid and development education. WDRC is presently co-funding three projects with MRDF. To learn more about MRDF, visit their website at www.mrdf.org.uk. WDRC are currently funding three projects with MRDF.

Christian Aid is the official relief and development agency of 39 church denominations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, including The Methodist Church in Ireland. They have 60 years of experience in relief, development and advocacy. WDRC are presently funding two projects through Christian Aid. Emergency funds are also often channelled through Christian Aid. As a large agency, Christian Aid offer a wealth of information and resources for worship, education and campaigning. Visit their website at www.christian-aid.org.

Other Organisations

FairTrade - find out more about FairTrade products, suppliers and how you can get involved.