The mission of The Salvation Army has always gone beyond meeting immediate needs. It is about restoring dignity, building resilience, and empowering individuals and communities to stand on their own feet. Developing Financial Independence (DFI) is one of the ways we are intentionally strengthening this mission for today — and for generations to come.
DFI is about using what we already have, and what we can develop, to create sustainable income streams that support ministry, reduce dependency, and expand our impact. It invites us to think differently about assets, skills, and opportunities — seeing them not just as resources, but as tools for long-term transformation.
What is DFI?
Developing Financial Independence focuses on:
· Upgrading existing assets to make them productive
· Acquiring new income-generating assets aligned with local needs
· Building financial skills and accountability among leaders and teams
· Ensuring sustainability so mission work is not limited by funding cycles.
Rather than replacing faith or compassion, DFI strengthens them — by ensuring that ministry can continue consistently, responsibly, and with greater reach.
From Assets to Impact
Across our territory, DFI initiatives are already demonstrating what is possible when vision meets action.
Early Childhood Development (ECD): Investing in the Next Generation
One successful DFI initiative has been the upgrade of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre. By utilising available space and trained caregivers, the centre provides affordable, quality early education to the community while generating income to support ongoing ministry activities.
This initiative achieves multiple outcomes at once:
· Children receive a strong educational foundation
· Parents gain access to safe childcare
· Local employment opportunities are created
· Income supports mission sustainability.
It is a powerful example of social impact and financial responsibility working together.
Car Rental Initiative: Making Assets Work
Another example is the car rental initiative, where a simple vehicle was transformed into an income-generating asset. Instead of being a liability, the vehicle now contributes financially through structured rentals, helping to cover operational costs and support ministry programmes.
This model demonstrates a key DFI principle: small, well-managed assets can make a big difference when used intentionally.
Internet Café & Piggery Farming: Building for the Future
Currently two exciting initiatives are in progress:
· An Internet Café, designed to provide affordable digital access, printing, and basic computer services — particularly valuable in communities where connectivity remains limited. This project supports education, job-seeking, and digital inclusion while creating a steady income stream.
· A Piggery Farming project, aimed at supporting food security, skills development, and income generation. With proper management, this initiative has the potential to scale, create employment, and contribute to long-term financial stability.
Both projects reflect thoughtful alignment between community needs, available resources, and sustainable income models.
Why DFI Matters for the Mission
DFI is not about profit for its own sake. It is about freedom to serve more effectively. Financial independence allows corps, centres, and ministries to:
· Respond faster to community needs
· Maintain and grow facilities
· Reduce over-reliance on external funding
· Plan confidently for the future.
Most importantly, it enables The Salvation Army to remain present, relevant, and resilient in a rapidly changing world.
A Call to Think Differently
DFI invites every leader, soldier, and stakeholder to ask a simple but powerful question: What do we already have — and how can it serve the mission better?
By upgrading assets, developing new initiatives, and stewarding resources wisely, we are not moving away from our calling — we are strengthening it.
Together, through Developing Financial Independence, we are building a mission that is not only compassionate, but sustainable.