SE_AnnualReport_2025

2025 SEED EFFECT ANNUAL REPORT

Hope starts with a simple green box.

“I never had a proper way of saving...

I used to keep money in the house or dig a hole outside to put it in. But Seed Effect has given me the knowledge on how to properly save."

WILFRED, Seed Effect Member

Tookene Wilfred and Ajok Vicky, Seed Effect Members | Omoro District, Uganda

What's inside 4 Letter from the Executive Director 6 Global Refugee Crisis 8 Shattering the Myth

O U R I M PACT

10 Strengthening the Foundation 12 Why Invest in Refugee Autonomy 14 Stronger Together: Partnerships 16 Turning Training into Action 18 Asset Preservation

Seed Effect is committed to bringing Christ-centered economic empowerment to the hard places.

20 Member Spotlight: Betty Juan 22 Field Data & Evaluation 24 Third Party Validated 26 Lamwo Spotlight: Santa Angwech

H OW WE WO RK

28 Christ-Centered, Savings-Led Microfinance 30 Our 3-Year Model 32 Expansion of Seed Effect 34 Inside the Box 36 Locally Led 38 Spiritual Discipleship

W H O WE ARE

40 Our Vision 42 Our Generous Donor Community 44 Financials 46 Board of Directors & Leadership 3

LETTER FROM T HE EX EC U T I V E D I R EC TO R

Dear friend, When I think about what defined 2025 for Seed Effect, one phrase comes to mind: a strong foundation.

We also saw incredible results from our Plan for a Better Business training: 37% of members started a new business, 71% improved how they run an existing one, and 86% of those businesses are still

Over the past several years, God has allowed us to grow in ways

operating six months later. When practical training is paired with

we never imagined. We've expanded across eight districts in

savings, community, and faith, the transformation is real.

Northern Uganda and into South Sudan. We've served over 123,000 members. Our families have saved more than $14.6 million and

As I look ahead, I am filled with gratitude and expectation. In the

loaned over $10 million to one another, earning an average return

coming year, we are working to reach 130,000 members across all

of 30% on their savings. These numbers still stop me in my tracks.

sites. Over the next five years, we believe God is positioning us to

But in 2025, we made a deliberate choice to invest beneath

children. We are not trying to be the biggest organization. Rather,

the surface: strengthening the people, systems, and structures

we hope to be faithful by pioneering dignifying poverty alleviation

that ensure accountability and sustainability. We expanded

in the hardest places, led by the very communities we serve.

serve over 180,000 members and care for an estimated 1 million

our monitoring and evaluation capacity, added key staff roles, upgraded our financial and data systems, and invested deeply in

None of this would be possible without you. Your generosity, your

leadership development across our teams.

prayers, and your belief in what God is doing through Seed Effect are the reasons families across Northern Uganda and South Sudan

While these kinds of investments may not make for dramatic

are building futures they once thought impossible.

headlines, they ensure a family like Betty Juan's can move from survival to stability to multiplication. Betty fled South Sudan

Thank you for being part of this work.

with almost nothing. Through her savings group, she purchased a sewing machine, started a tailoring business, and is now

Gratefully,

training other young women with skills that lead to dignity and independence. Betty's story is one of thousands made possible because of a foundation that holds.

4

Missy Williams, Executive Director & Co-Founder

Our Lifetime Impact

123,630 ME MB E RS SE RV E D

14,651,559

$

SAV E D BY SE E D E FFE CT ME MB E RS

30%

AV E RAGE RE TU RN ON SAV INGS

10,247,492

$

LOANE D BY SE E D E FFE CT ME MB E RS

Faith Idakwe Seed Effect Savings Group | Omoro District, Uganda

5

GLOBAL REFU G EE C R I SI S

Over 117 million people have been forced to flee their homes The world is facing an unprecedented global refugee crisis.

Over 117 million people* around the world have been forced from their homes. Unfortunately, over 80% of refugee crises last 10 years or more. While aid and emergency support are needed at first, in the long-term, these solutions are unsustainable, creating dependency, and trapping families in a perpetual cycle of poverty.

AT SEED EF F EC T, W E BEL I EV E:

•

People living in poverty are capable.

With access to the right tools, they can provide for their families with dignity.

•

Restored relationships bring transformation.

Introducing people to Jesus and empowering them to restore broken relationships is essential for true transformation.

•

The hard places are worth investing in.

Conflict zones, fragile states, and refugee camps are often devoid of, and yet in desperate need of, empowerment.

•

How we help truly matters.

Empowerment promotes dignity versus dependency.

6

*https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/

m Refugees are capable.

They need an opportunity, not long-term handouts.

That’s why we’re committed to bringing economic empowerment and the hope of Jesus Christ to the hard places through a long-term solution that is both sustainable and dignifying for refugees working to rebuild their lives.

A N E W APPROACH

With evidence-backed impact in Uganda, Seed Effect is uniquely positioned to influence a broader shift in refugee response—from relief-driven aid to long-term economic empowerment.

Together, through our Christ-centered, savings-led microfinance program, we are empowering refugees and those living in material poverty to provide for their families with dignity.

See the impact for the members we serve on page 22 »

Seed Effect Member, Ogwang Tonny, and family | Omoro District, Uganda

7

SHATTERING T HE M YT H

Refugees can save, invest, and build resilient futures

“Now, my children are eating well."

SUSAN BAYOAA, South Sudanese Refugee & Seed Effect Member

A common myth persists in humanitarian work: that refugees are too unstable, too poor, too transient, or too dependent to save money, repay loans, or run businesses successfully.

But Seed Effect’s experience tells a very different story.

Across refugee settlements in Northern Uganda, refugees are saving, investing, and building livelihoods, even amid displacement and uncertainty.

When refugees join Seed Effect, they typically begin with almost nothing. On average, members report less than $7 in savings when they enter the program, and nearly half report having no savings at all.

8

Susan Bayoaa, South Sudanese Refugee & Seed Effect Member | Lamwo, Uganda

Yet when given access to a safe place to save, small

Madilana, a member of the God is Good Savings & Loan

loans, and a supportive community, something

Group, shared:

powerful happens. Savings grow. Businesses emerge.

Families begin planning for the future.

“Life had been really difficult. But now, in the Seed Effect group, things have become easier.

Refugees use loans to pay school fees, cover medical costs, and invest in income-generating activities. Over

As I save, I have access to loans.

time, reliance on emergency borrowing decreases as savings and income increase, signaling growing

Now, instead of going to people to beg when

stability and confidence.

I have problems, I come to the group and take a loan. This loan helps me pay school fees and

This is not about charity. It’s about unlocking potential

hospital bills, and buy medication and food.

and promoting opportunity.

I can definitely see that my life has been transformed.”

W HAT W E SEE I N RE F U G E E CO MM U N I TI E S

•

•

Instead of begging for help in moments of crisis, Seed

Refugees save consistently, even with a

Effect members turn to their savings group, a place of

limited income

dignity, ownership, and mutual support.

Small businesses are launched and strengthened across multiple cycles

When refugees are treated as capable economic actors rather than passive recipients of aid, the results are clear:

•

Reduced reliance on selling incomegenerating assets or emergency aid

•

resilience replaces dependency, and hope takes root where it was once thought impossible.

Strong social cohesion and accountability within savings groups

9

STREN GTHEN I N G T HE F OU N DAT I ON

Building capacity for greater impact In 2025, Seed Effect invested behind the scenes, strengthening the people, systems, and structures that make lasting impact possible.

As Seed Effect continues to grow, so does our responsibility to steward resources wisely and serve with excellence. After several years of rapid expansion, 2025 became a pivotal year to strengthen the foundation beneath our work, ensuring that growth is accountable, measurable, and built to last.

While these investments may not always be visible, they are essential. Strong systems, clear data, and equipped leaders allow us to better understand what’s working, respond to challenges quickly, and support our teams and members with integrity and care.

10

Seed Effect Group | Lamwo, Uganda

2025 : ST RO NGER FO UNDAT I O N

•

Improving data quality and reporting across field offices

•

Expanding Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) capacity

•

Adding key staff roles focused on systems, compliance, and operational excellence

•

Investing in leadership development and cross-country collaboration

•

Upgrading financial and technology systems to support responsible growth

2026: B UI LD I NG O N T HE FO UNDAT I O N

•

Expanding locally led growth through Community-Based Facilitators

•

Launching improved data systems for realtime learning and visibility

•

Digitizing field data collection to improve accuracy and efficiency

•

Deepening evaluation of key trainings, including business and agriculture

“These improvements have enhanced accountability, improved accuracy, and simplified data tracking.”

Together, these efforts will support our goal of reaching 130,000 members across all sites in Uganda and South Sudan.

These investments prepare Seed Effect to grow with clarity and care, so families in hard places can build stable livelihoods and

SIMON ARIBA, Program Coordinator

experience lasting restoration.

11

WHY INVEST I N R EF U G EE AU TON OM Y?

Restoration is our end goal Nearly two-thirds of the world’s refugees live in protracted displacement, often for decades.1 Displacement is rarely short-term. In a crisis, refuge and aid are immediate, necessary responses.

But when short-term solutions become permanent, families can be left dependent on systems never designed to restore dignity or long-term stability.

AT SEED EFF EC T, W E BEL I EV E

Refuge isn’t meant to be the end goal. Restoration is.

“As soon as we recognize the assumption that refugees will go home quickly is a fiction, then it becomes imperative to embrace a development-based approach as early in a refugee crisis as possible.” 2 As such, we must shift our focus from long-term aid towards sustainable solutions that include refugees in the local economy and promote their autonomy.

UNHCR 2Betts and Collier, Refuge: Rethinking Refugee Policy in a Changing World, 54.

1

12

Pascalina, South Sudanese Refugee & Seed Effect Graduate | Adjumani, Uganda

Impact of Empowerment The insights below illustrate the measured improvement of members before versus after Seed Effect’s 3-year program.

Seed Effect Reduces # of Members Reporting: 47%

72%

88%

75%

Unsteady income

Selling an asset to pay school fees Eating 1 meal per day Eating meat less than 1x per month

Seed Effect Improves # of Members Reporting: Solar lighting in homes

65%

Livestock owned

• Avg # owned per member

78%

Improved relationship with God, self, and others Ability to pay doctor with savings or income

99%

91%

13

STRON GER TOG ET HER : PA R T N ER SHI P S

How strategic partnerships multiply impact

“The biggest challenge I faced was paying school fees for my children but because of Seed Effect, I am able to pay for my daughter."

VICKY, Seed Effect Member

Lasting transformation in fragile contexts requires humility, expertise, and collaboration. Seed Effect partners with trusted organizations to deepen impact, strengthen communities, and steward resources wisely.

At Seed Effect, we believe no single organization brings everything needed to address the complex realities facing refugees and vulnerable communities. Poverty is not just economic. It is spiritual, emotional, relational, and systemic. That’s why partnership is not an accessory to our work; it’s essential to our model.family we serve.

14

Seed Effect Member, Ajok Vicky, and family | Omoro District, Uganda

Chalmers

OUR PARTN ER S

TM

The creators of When Helping Hurts

These partnerships allow Seed Effect to grow deeper, not just wider — ensuring our work is holistic, locally rooted, and built to last.

GLOB A L N ETWOR K & B EST PR ACTI CES

B USI N ESS T RA I N I N G & CURRI CULUM

Seed Effect is part of the HOPE

Seed Effect implements Plan for

Network, serving as an implementing

a Better Business, a curriculum

partner alongside like-minded

developed by the Chalmers Center,

organizations worldwide. Through

to equip members with practical,

while remaining locally led in Uganda

about the impact of this partnership

and South Sudan.

on page 16.

AG R I C U LT U RE & FO O D S ECURITY

COMMU N I TY I N FR ASTR U CTU R E

T RAUMA HEA L I N G & MEN TA L HEA LT H

this partnership, we benefit from

faith-integrated business skills. This

shared learning, peer accountability,

partnership ensures training is

and global best practices in Christ-

both theologically grounded and

centered economic development

economically relevant. Learn more

& CLEA N WATER

Through our partnership with EFI,

Economic empowerment alone is not

members gain access to practical

Seed Effect launches savings groups

enough for communities affected by

agricultural training that strengthens

at every well installed by Texans

war and displacement. In partnership

food security, improves yields, and

on Mission in Omoro, Uganda. This

with Tutapona, Seed Effect members

supports sustainable livelihoods,

integrated approach reduces illness,

receive trauma-informed support

especially for families whose income

frees time for productive work, and

that addresses emotional and

depends on the land.

strengthens the long-term health of

psychological wounds, strengthening

communities.

individuals, relationships, and group cohesion.

15

Key Impact

37%

STA RT E D A NE W B U SINE SS

TURN IN G TR A I N I N G I N TO AC T I ON

What we’re learning from Plan for a Better Business Plan for a Better Business (PBB) equips Seed Effect members with practical business training — including the tools

71%

I M PROV E D H OW THE Y RU N

A N E X I ST I N G B U SINE SS

67%

RE PORT E D I N CRE ASE D INCOME

to start, strengthen, and sustain small businesses that provide for their families.

Hurts and implemented by Seed Effect,

86%

PBB integrates Biblical principles with hands-

OPE RAT I N G AFTE R SIX MONTHS

Developed by the creators of When Helping

OF B U S I N E SSE S ARE STILL

on business skills, meeting members where they are while preparing them for long-term resilience.

58%

U S E D SAV I N G S GROU P LOANS

AS STA RT-U P CAPITAL

16

In 2025, Seed Effect evaluated PBB across eight districts in Uganda, gathering feedback on key impact from nearly 700 refugee and host community members.

The results confirmed what we’ve long believed: training works best when paired with access to savings and a supportive community.

TR A I N I N G B ECO M ES T RANSFO RM AT I O N

When practical business training is paired with savings, community, and faith.

Plan for a Better Business embodies Seed Effect’s holistic approach, bringing together faith, practical training, and financial tools to help families move beyond survival to build lasting stability.

Betty Poni, Seed Effect Member | Arua, Uganda

More on the impact of

Plan for a Better Business

at seedeffect.org/pbb

17

ASSET P RESERVAT I ON

Protecting a family's future In fragile contexts, a single emergency can force families to sell the very assets they depend on to survive. Seed Effect’s savings groups help families weather crises without sacrificing their future.

In places like Northern Uganda, families often face impossible choices. When an urgent need arises, whether school fees are due or a child falls ill, selling an income-generating asset like the ones listed below is often the only option.

•

Adult goats to breed.

•

A sewing machine to make clothes for sale.

•

A small piece of farmland.

These assets are not extras; they are livelihoods. Selling them may solve an immediate problem, but it often sets families back for years, stripping away the very tools they depend on to recover and move forward.

18

Regina Kide, Seed Effect Member | Adjumani, Uganda

At Seed Effect, one of the most powerful and often overlooked ways we measure impact is through asset preservation.

m ASSET P R ESERVATI O N I S :

74% 74%

Decrease in Decrease members in members forced to sell forced an asset to sell to an asset to pay school fees pay or school fees or healthcare expenses. healthcare expenses.

94% 94%

Increase in members Increase in who members who use savings use or income savingstoor income to pay for healthcare pay forexpenses healthcare expenses or school fees. or school fees.

Helping families respond to life’s challenges without selling the tools that sustain their income and future stability.

TH E DATA T ELLS T HE STO RY

•

74% reduction in members forced to sell an asset to pay school fees or healthcare expenses.

Through Christ-centered savings and loan groups, members gain access to savings, emergency funds, and small loans. Over time, they gain something even more important: the ability to face crises

•

94% increase in members using savings or income, rather than selling assets or taking loans, to pay for healthcare.

without unraveling the progress they’ve worked so hard to build.

These numbers represent more than financial transactions. They represent dignity, resilience,

Member Focus: Betty Juan Betty is a tailor whose sewing machine is more than a tool. It’s her livelihood. If she had to sell it to pay for school fees, medical costs, or unexpected expenses, everything she has built would unravel. Savings and the ability to protect her assets mean Betty can continue to provide for her family and shape their future. Meet Betty on page 20. >>

and the freedom to plan for the future.

Asset preservation allows a tailor, like Betty, to keep her sewing machine and continue earning income.

It allows a parent to retain livestock and pass on value to the next generation, and enables families to weather hardship without falling further into poverty.

In fragile contexts, where a single setback can mean years of recovery, preserving assets is preserving hope.

19

MEMBER SP OT L I G HT: BET T Y J UA N

From survival to multiplication When Betty Juan fled South Sudan and arrived in the refugee settlement in Yumbe, Uganda, survival was her daily concern. Food was scarce. Income was uncertain.

Supporting her family felt overwhelming.

Like many Seed Effect members, Betty began her journey with very little. When families are living on the edge, even small emergencies can unravel everything they are working toward. Without savings, people are often forced to sell what little they have just to get through the moment.

But this began to change when Betty joined Seed Effect.

“I train these girls... so that, in the future, they too can support their families and care for their children.”

Every week, her group gathers together to save, access small loans, contribute to an emergency fund, build Christian community, and study the Bible. Betty shared,

BETTY JUAN, Seed Effect Member

“After I joined the Seed Effect group, I learned many valuable lessons, one of the most important being how to manage my money.

When I started saving with Seed Effect, it helped me a lot.”

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Betty Juan, South Sudanese Refugee & Seed Effect Member | Yumbe, Uganda

As Betty’s small savings began to grow each week, so did

“I train these girls by sharing the knowledge I

her options. When challenges arose, she could borrow

have so that, in the future, they too can support

from her group rather than sell her belongings. As her

their families and care for their children.”

confidence grew, Betty started a small business making mandazi (fried bread). She said,

Betty now dreams of expanding her business and officially registering it as a tailoring training center so

“The business brought many benefits. I can now

she can equip even more young women with skills that

help myself, take care of my family, and pay for

lead to stability and dignity.

my children’s school fees.”

When Seed Effect members can protect their incomeBut then one decision changed the trajectory of her

generating assets, progress doesn’t unravel; it multiplies.

work. Using a loan from her savings group, Betty

Skills are shared. Income grows. Communities become

purchased a sewing machine.

stronger.

For Betty, the sewing machine was more than a tool. It

Today, Betty’s children are receiving quality education,

was an essential asset worth protecting. Instead of being

her family eats balanced meals, and they pray together.

sold in a moment of crisis, it became a source of stability

She has also acquired two additional sewing machines

and growth. With it, Betty started a tailoring business

and six chickens, creating new income streams and

and began earning a steady income for her family.

greater stability for her family.

It also became a platform for empowerment.

What began with one sewing machine has grown into an opportunity that reaches far beyond one household.

As Betty’s skills grew, women from her community began coming to her to learn how to sew.

Watch Betty's story

at seedeffect.org/betty

21

SECTO R FIELD DATA & EVA LUAT I ON

It's working The UN told our staff that organizations like Seed Effect have become their top priority in serving

Healthcare, Education, Food Security WHEN I NEED TO PAY THE DOCTOR I use savings or business income I borrow money I sell a household asset

WHEN I NEED TO PAY SCHOOL FEES I use savings or business income I borrow money I sell a household asset

refugees. The ability to build income, generate savings, and access small loans impacts all UN focus areas including: healthcare, shelter, education, food security, and livelihood. We survey our

32%

34%

57%

65% 22%

26%

members when they join Seed Effect and upon graduation from their savings and loan cycles to

41%

25%

track the impact.

46%

13%

10% BEGINNING

GRADUATION

30%

BEGINNING

GRADUATION

Since we believe true transformation cannot happen apart from the Gospel, we also ask our members about the spiritual growth they've experienced throughout the year through Bible study, group prayer, discipleship conferences, and the community of their group.

MEALS PER DAY

More than once in a week Once in a week At least once a month Less than once a month

Three Two One

In the charts included, you can see the data we’ve collected to measure the change across several common poverty indicator metrics.

37%

m

With access to better and more reliable their lives in every sector measured.

22

5%

4%

24%

31%

55%

BOTTOM LIN E, I T ’S WOR KI N G .

financial tools, our members are improving

FREQUENCY OF MEAT CONSUMPTION

55% 55%

61%

44% 8%

1%

BEGINNING

GRADUATION

16%

4%

BEGINNING

GRADUATION

SEC TOR

SECTO R

Livelihood

Spiritual

+80% 80% ++80%

40% 40% 40%

NUMBER NUMBER OF OF LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK OWNED NUMBER OF OWNED

LIVESTOCK OWNED

99% 99% 99%

PLACED PLACED THEIR THEIR FAITH FAITH IN JESUS INTHEIR JESUS PLACED

REPORT REPORT IMPROVED IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS REPORT IMPROVED

Of theOf45% the of 45% members of members who who didOf not did consider not consider themselves themselves the 45% of members who born again born again Christians Christians upon upon did not consider themselves joining joining Seed Seed EffectEffect

With With God, self, God,others self, others & & the rest the of rest creation of creation With God, self, others &

FAITH IN JESUS

RELATIONSHIPS

the rest of creation

born again Christians upon joining Seed Effect

HOWHOW STEADY STEADY IS IS YOUR YOUR INCOME? INCOME?

HOW STEADY IS Steady Steady YOUR INCOME? Somewhat Somewhat steady steady Somewhat Somewhat unsteady unsteady Unsteady Unsteady Steady Very unsteady Very unsteady Somewhat steady Somewhat unsteady Unsteady 6% 6% 7% 7% Very unsteady

7%

23%

23%

35%

35%

23%

35%

32%

31%

5%

5%

LIGHT SOURCE Electricity Electricity from power from grid power grid IN HOME Solar Solar Other Other No lightNo source light Electricity fromsource power grid Solar Other 1% 1% 1% 1% No light source 49%

1%

6% 32%

31%

32%

LIGHT LIGHT SOURCE SOURCE IN HOME IN HOME

43%

43%

43%

22%

49%

1%

83%

83%

22%

49% 18%

18%

1%

1%

BEGINNING BEGINNING GRADUATION GRADUATION

31% 18% 5%

1%

BEGINNING

GRADUATION

28%

28%

83% 7%

7%

9%

9%

"My Seed Effect group taught us to love one another, forgive one another, and live in peace with others." .

22%BEGINNING BEGINNING GRADUATION GRADUATION 28% BEGINNING

7% 9% GRADUATION

AGNES BAKO, Seed Effect Member 23

THIRD PARTY VA L I DAT ED

Impact Comparison Assessment In 2022, Dr. Steve DeLoach, Professor of Economics at Elon University, launched an independent study of Seed Effect's program in Lamwo, Uganda.

His team compared members who had joined savings groups with a similar group of people who had signed up but hadn't yet started. Both groups wanted to participate. The only difference was timing, which created a fair, rigorous comparison.

After one year, the researchers measured the difference.

"Having access to loans and interest-bearing savings significantly improved families' abilities to cope with uncertainty in a manner that preserved their assets."

– Dr. Steve DeLoach, Professor of Economics, Elon University

24

Seed Effect Member | Lamwo, Uganda

LAMWO ST U DY R ESU LTS

Seed Effect members compared to non-members

Seed Effect members compared to non-members after one savings cycle:

SAVI NG

•

41 percentage points more likely to have a safe place to save

•

Nearly 100% of members reported access to secure savings after one year, compared to roughly half of

The Lamwo study captures just the first year of a

non-members

three-year journey for Seed Effect members.

As members move into their second and third cycles, data from additional studies show we can expect even more: more businesses launched, assets growing, and

B O RROWI NG

•

65 percentage points more likely to borrow, giving most their first-ever

communities strengthened.

access to credit

As Dr. DeLoach and his team at Elon University continue to study the long-term impact of Seed Effect's program the focus will include business training outcomes, agricultural impact, and financial literacy.

EM ERGENCY EXPENSES

•

assets to pay for medical care

View Dr. DeLoach's full report at seedeffect.org/research-lamwo

22 percentage points less likely to sell

•

26 percentage points less likely to sell assets to pay school fees

THE LAMWO I N D EP EN D EN T ST U DY

This study included 213 program participants and 150 comparison group members across Lamwo District, Northern Uganda. The study was conducted 20222024 by Dr. Stephen B. DeLoach, Mackenzie Deming,

I NCO M E STAB I LI T Y

•

28 percentage points less likely to report unsteady income

and Ella Dixon of Elon University.

25

LAMWO SP OT L I G HT: SA N TA A N GW EC H

Finding comfort and strength in community Santa joined a Seed Effect Savings & Loan Group in 2022.

She didn't know much about saving money or running

“Life back then was not easy.

Getting money was hard.

But right now, I am very fine…

a business back then, but the group taught her both.

Her first loan helped her buy a house. For the first time, her children had a safe place to call home.

This was a big change for her family. They finally had a safe place to live, which made her very happy. The house was not just a building; it became a home filled with love, creating a warm environment for them to grow up in.

26

Santa Angwech, South Sudanese Refugee & Seed Effect Member | Lamwo, Uganda

With her second loan, Santa opened a small shop. She sells cassava, beans, charcoal, bread, and silverfish.

Business is steady. She is feeding her children, paying school fees, and customers who come back week after week know her by name.

But the group is more than a classroom on finances. It has become a place of prayer and fellowship, and Santa is the Spiritual Leader in the group. On hard days, she is reminded she is not walking alone.

Looking back at her life in South Sudan, Santa sees how much has changed. She used to struggle every day, but now she feels hopeful and happy. Her journey has

I never thought that I would ever be happy.

But I am really happy.

I am truly happy!”

shown her that with determination and support, life can get better. Santa is grateful for the opportunities she has now and the life she has built for her children.

Watch Santa's story at

seedeffect.org/santa-story

SANTA ANGWECH, Seed Effect Member & South Sudanese Refugee

27

CHRIST- CENT ER ED, SAVINGS-LE D M I C R OF I N A N C E

How it works Without access to banking services, refugees and those living in material poverty don’t have a safe place to save for lump sum expenses, like school fees, or a way to access affordable credit to support income generation.

Without access to insurance, paying for emergency expenses can be devastating.

Broken systems force many of these families to struggle to survive rather than thrive. As a result, they lack the opportunity to overcome poverty.

Seed Effect's savings-led microfinance program provides a safe place for materially poor households to both save and borrow money in order to generate income, as well as Christ-centered community and spiritual discipleship.

As a result of accessing these tools, our members see improvements in many areas of their lives. See more on page 22.

28

"God is Good" Seed Effect Group | Baratuku Refugee Settlement, Adjumani, Uganda | Photo by Esther Havens

Seed Effect Savings & Loan Cycle AV E R AG E L E N GTH : 1 Y E A R

•

Study God’s Word

•

Build Christ-centered community

•

Pool their savings

SA

Seed Effect trainer to:

After three cycles, groups are equipped to continue this process independently into the future.

SH

AR

AN

people meet weekly with a

V

E

LO

Self-selected groups of 15-30

As savings grow, group members provide interest-bearing loans to each other for: •

Investing in businesses

•

Paying school fees

•

Providing household necessities

The group's emergency fund serves as support in case of crisis.

E OUT

At the end of their cycle, savings and interest earned is distributed based upon the amount contributed.

On average, Seed Effect members report a 30% return on their savings!

29

OUR 3-Y EA R M OD EL

Fostering Sustainability Our 3-year model is designed to equip members to independently manage their group after graduating from their third year of saving together.

Each savings cycle lasts an average of one year and consists of weekly group meetings where members gather to study God’s Word, build Christ-centered community, pool their savings, and provide interest-bearing loans to each other.

At the end of each year, their savings and interest earned are distributed amongst group members based on the amount contributed.

30

"Ama-Alu" Seed Effect Group | Adjumani, Uganda

Our 3-Year Model 1. Save & Loan Plant new groups with a focus on training and equipping members to lead their weekly savings group meetings independently.

2. Entrepreneurship Provide entrepreneurship and agriculture training through Chalmers' Plan for a Better Business curriculum and Equipping Farmers International's Farming God's Way curriculum, promoting resilience and empowering our members to grow.

3. Independence Facilitate beneficial connections with community leaders, including churches and formal financial institutions. Ensure members are fully equipped to continue meeting independently upon graduation to continue growing.

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SOUTH SUDAN

YEI

KAJO KEJI

BidiBidi

MOYO

LAMWO

YUMBE

EX PANSION OF SEED EF F EC T

Opportunities for growth

ADJUMANI

ARUA RHINO CAMP

OMORO

There are over one million South Sudanese refugees working to rebuild

UGANDA

their lives in Northern Uganda alongside millions of Ugandans who are also living in extreme poverty.

KIRYANDONGO

The majority of these refugees reside in seven refugee settlements. Seed Effect set out to bring

MAP KEY

the hope of Jesus and critical financial tools to those who need it most.

Refugees reside in the districts highlighted on this map REFUGEE POPULATION DENSITY 0

5,000

100,000

Seed Effect Branch

175,000+ Partnership Branch

Kampala 32

Total Lifetime Impact* by Branch Location SOU T H SU DA N

Kajo Keji

U G A N DA

Adjumani

Arua

EST. 2024

E ST. 2 01 7

E ST. 2 019

GR O UP S : 3 1

G ROU PS : 8 8 4

GROU PS: 60 6

M EM BER S : 857

M E M B E RS : 24 ,1 27

ME MB E RS: 15,915

“Seed Effect is the greatest tool for community empowerment for regions in Uganda.”

MOSES LEMATIA, Seed Effect Uganda

Moyo

Rhino Camp

E ST. 2 01 7

E ST. 2 02 2

G ROU PS : 9 1 6

GROU PS: 436

M E M B E RS : 24 ,1 37

ME MB E RS: 11,799

Yumbe

Lamwo

E ST. 2 01 8

E ST. 2 02 2

G ROU PS : 1 ,0 07

GROU PS: 318

M E M B E RS : 27,027

ME MB E RS: 8,185

Kiryandongo

Omoro

E ST. 2 02 3

E ST. 2 024

G ROU PS : 2 9 9

GROU PS: 132

M E M B E RS : 7,775

ME MB E RS: 3,80 8

*Group totals per branch reflect lifetime totals, not active groups.

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GROUP MANUAL & BIBLE STUDY

CA

LOAN FUND BAG

INSIDE THE BOX

It starts with a simple green box.

BIBLE

The materials included in this secure metal box, combined with the longterm guidance of our indigenous team, promote holistic poverty alleviation.

Take an interactive look at how each tool is used: seedeffect.org/inside

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SOCIAL FUND BAG

S

ALCULATOR PASSBOOKS

MONEY COUNTING BOWL

RULER

PENS

IN

S TA M P

K

STAMP PAD

FINES BOWL

LOCKS

LEDGER

KEYS MONEY

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LOCALLY LE D

Seed Effect Africa Team Our indigenous team is comprised of South Sudanese refugees and Ugandans who are uniquely equipped to serve their people.

They have faced the same hardships as our members and know firsthand how critical Seed Effect’s program is to equip their neighbors with the tools they need to break the chains of systemic poverty.

Our team also knows that poverty is not only a financial problem, and so they remain dedicated to bringing the good news and hope of Jesus Christ to the most challenging situations in the hardest places.

In 2025, Seed Effect employed 115 staff across Northern Uganda and South Sudan.

Additionally, 213 South Sudanese refugees and Ugandans worked with Seed Effect as Community-Based Facilitators. These are Seed Effect members who have participated in a savings group and have been equipped to start and train new groups.

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Seed Effect Staff | Arua, Uganda

"As a leader, I am humbled by the work we are doing together.

Working with Seed Effect has shown me that transformation happens when people are empowered.

Community-led solutions are powerful, and small actions can spark big change.

It is seeing people connect, grow, and find meaning that motivates me most."

MONICA UNZIA Program Coordinator, Seed Effect Uganda

37

“After receiving teachings from Seed Effect, everything changed.

My children have given their lives to Christ, and my husband has too.

I have hope for many things."

BETTY PONI, Seed Effect Member

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Betty Poni, Seed Effect Member | Arua, Uganda

SP IRITUAL D I SC I P L ESHI P

Partnering with the local church

1. In the church

At Seed Effect, we believe that introducing our

m 29% of our groups meet at churches.

We partner with the local church by starting Seed Effect Savings & Loan groups at churches. Our program equips the church with financial and discipleship tools to empower its members.

members to Jesus and empowering them to repair broken relationships is essential if our desire is true transformation.

Brian Fikkert, author of When Helping Hurts, writes, “Poverty is rooted in broken relationships (God, self, others, and the rest of creation) so the solution to poverty is rooted in the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection to put all things in right relationship again.”

Since poverty is far more complex than just material or economic needs, the solution is too. There is no better way to facilitate

2. Local outreach Our program also serves as an outreach tool. We start groups in the areas surrounding these local churches to reach people who might not visit a church.

As we share the Gospel and disciple them, our goal is to connect Seed Effect members to a local church.

m 99% of our members report that this program has improved their relationships with God, self, others, and the rest of creation. m Of the 45% of Seed Effect members who are not

Christ-centered community than through

born again Christians at the beginning, 40% have

partnership with the local church.

come to know Jesus.

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OUR VISION

To see the world's most insecure and under-served communities stabilized through economic empowerment and the hope of Jesus Christ.

Through our experience and the success of our program, Seed Effect is uniquely positioned to act as a catalyst that shifts the response to refugee crises by bringing long-term solutions through Christ-centered, self-sustaining, and empowering tools executed by refugees themselves.

Our goal is not to be the biggest organization of our type, but rather the “special forces,” pioneering dignifying poverty alleviation in areas affected by conflict typically devoid of this type of empowerment.

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Pamela of " No Division: We are the Same" Seed Effect Group | Lamwo, Uganda

Over the next five years, our goal is to: m GROW O UR I M PACT

We're positioned to serve over 180,000 members, caring for an estimated 1 million children. This growth includes our current Uganda branches and growing our reach in South Sudan.

m CO LLECT VALUAB LE DATA

Milestone surveys and data tracking are built into our model to evaluate program effectiveness continually. This measurement and evaluation also provides credibility for our organization to help shift the world’s response to refugee crises and communities affected by conflict to include long-term, sustainable, and dignifying solutions.

m EXPAND O UR REACH

It’s working and it’s time to bring this program to other regions affected by conflict. We’re working to partner with like-minded organizations to bring Christ-centered economic empowerment to communities affected by conflict in East Africa and beyond.

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OUR GEN ER OU S D ON OR COM M U N I T Y

Give a box that changes lives "One of the things we love about Seed Effect is their ability to measure their impact. We decided that our family would partner with Seed Effect and pray for God's impact over Uganda and the families they work with.

I believe Seed Effect's three year program is designed to walk with people as they grow and ultimately, I think building all of this around the Kingdom is the most powerful tool of all."

THE HUTCHINSON FAMILY Lone Tree, CO

"Seed Effect is unique, in my opinion, in what they are bringing to the hard places and that drew me in to support them. Their ongoing lasting impact vs. just offering a one-time assistance or short-term help makes me proud to support Seed Effect and be involved with such a tremendous organization."

BEN MURRAY Fort Worth, TX

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Together, we're challenging the status quo. $90

$2,250

sends one person through our 3-year program.

funds an entire group of 25 new members.

Join The Greenhouse, our community of committed monthly donors.

SCAN TO GI VE m seedeffect.org/greenhouse

43

Financials Statement of Financial Position: As of June 30, 2025

Assets

2024–2025 FY

CURRENT ASSETS

Support by Category

Without donor restrictions

$1,357,947

With donor restrictions

$576,562

Total Current Assets

$1,934,509

31%

NONCURRENT ASSETS Without donor restrictions 58% 1%

With donor restrictions

$375,000

Less: Discount to Net Present Value

$(13,529)

Total Noncurrent Assets

$361,471

10%

Total Assets

Foundations

Individuals

Partnerships

Churches

$0

$2,295,980

Liabilities & Net Assets

Total Liabilities

$26,207

Total liabilities

$26,207

NET ASSETS Without donor restrictions

$1,318,211

With donor restrictions

$951,562

Total Net Assets

$2,269,773

Total Liabilities & Net Assets Total liabilities and net assets $

44

$ 2,295,980

Statement of Activities: For the Year ended June 30, 2025

REVENUE, SUPPORT, AND GAINS Contributions

2024–2025 FY $3,256,305

END NOT ES A certified public accounting firm has audited our 2024–2025 fiscal year

Interest Income

$29,235

financial statements. Seed Effect's fiscal

Special Events

$6,088

statements and the independent auditors'

Total Revenue, Support, and Gains

$3,291,628

year is July 1–June 30. Complete financial report are available upon request.

Seed Effect provides technical assistance and funding to enable Seed Effect

EXPENSES AND LOSSES

Uganda, an independent organization

Program Services

$1,592,760

General and Administration

$486,249

Fundraising

$191,557

Total Expenses

$2,270,566

in Uganda, and Seed Effect South Sudan, an independent organization in South Sudan, to provide access to savings, microloans, education, and spiritual discipleship. Seed Effect retains full discretion and control over the use of donated funds.

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS Net Assets – Beginning of Year, As Previously Stated Net Assets – Restatement Net Assets – Beginning of Year, Restated

$1,021,062 $1,248,711 — $1,248,711

Cover Photo: Seed Effect Member, Mary Tabu, and family | Lamwo, Uganda Featured Photography by Era92, Esther Havens and Wavemaker.

Box Photography by Mo Sadjadpour.

Layout Design by Starla Koehler,

NET ASSETS – END OF YEAR

$2,269,773

Designed for Good.

V I EW J U LY 2024 —J U N E 2 02 5 AU D I TE D F I N A N C I A L S m seedeffect.org/financials

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Board of Directors

Leadership

Jim Wilson | Chair of the Board Partner & CFO, NMS Capital

Seed Effect U.S.

Seed Effect Uganda

Missy Williams

Naaman Obetia

Executive Director & Co-Founder

Country Director

Jeremy Phillips

Walter Mwaka

Director of Programs

Head of Programs

Keaton Schaeffer

Kwoji Godfrey

Director of Operations

Head of Finance

Preston Eastwood

Kenneth Duku

Program Analyst

Head of Spiritual Integration

Justin Conner | Vice Chair General Counsel, HBK Capital Management Mike Perry | Treasurer President, Keel Point Advisors Jeff Richards | Secretary Founder & CEO, Mooala Brands, LLC Sharla Langston Operations Manager, BV Capital Kent McKeaigg Founder, Team GearFlow Lexi Reiff Senior Manager, Corporate Strategy & Innovation, Southwest Airlines Justin Schoellkopf Managing Partner, Four Rivers Capital

Scovia Angiro

Seed Effect South Sudan

Sharol Aol Bismarck Yengi

MEAL Manager

Country Director Fred Maziina Peter Lokang

Systems Administrator

Head of Operations Daniel Oguzu Poni Annet Dagama

Missy Williams* Executive Director & Co-Founder, Seed Effect

Head of Human Resources

Procurement & Logistics Officer

Accountant Comfort Munduru Accountant Poni Suzan Enoch Risk & Compliance Officer

*Non-Voting Member

46

O U R M I SS I O N

We bring Christ-centered economic empowerment to the hard places.

Mary Tabu, Seed Effect Member | Lamwo, Uganda

“My family has totally changed.

These days, I have total peace in my home.”

MARY TABU, Seed Effect Member

seedeffect.org/2025annualreport ©2026 Seed Effect. All Rights Reserved. • PO Box 141223, Dallas, TX 75214 • 888.505.3292