It’s not our wish to give someone a fish. It’s not even to teach them how to fish, but it is to help them own the pond.”
— Rev. Dr. Cecil L. Murray
Religious organizations are called to meet the spiritual AND tangible needs of their members.
Further, the financial health of individuals and congregations support the flourishing of communities. When people “own the pond,” as Rev. Murray taught us, they can empower others. Families, congregations and communities grow economically sustainable together.
Our vision is for congregations and faith organizations to become hubs of Economic Empowerment, offering supportive services, financial literacy, job training, small business incubation, housing and more.
How can you help people in your community achieve their life goals?
The Program
CRCC hosts annual Economic Empowerment series in partnership with First Citizens Bank.
You can watch past programs and explore the resources below.
We encourage you to sign up for our newsletter to learn about future program dates.
Upcoming Events
CRCC has equipped faith leaders to empower their communities through financial literacy and economic development for more than a decade. Hear about our approach and impact.
How to Build a Wealth-Building Ministry
In disadvantaged communities, economic instability makes it difficult for many to access important financial knowledge. Without this information, people cannot lift themselves up and grow their wealth. And if the people are poor, the church will be poor.
For this reason, a wealth-building ministry is extremely important in the development of a strong church. Creating or expanding this service allows faith leaders to build up their church community.
CRCC’s experts guide you through finding the right people, setting goals and tracking results of a wealth-building ministry.
Wealth-Building Resources
Find financial advice and resources that can help both leaders and their community members — students, parents, business owners, seniors — work on their financial health and build their wealth.
Resources address budgeting and personal finances, homeownership, investing, entrepreneurship, finance for seniors, fraud, banking options and more.
Watch & Learn
Watch past Economic Empowerment workshops. We encourage you to share events with your teams and discuss how you can implement the learnings in your organization and community.
Elevate Your Financial Future
George B. Thompson Faithful Central Bible ChurchOn Growth: Sustainable Funding
Emery Younis First Citizens BankProtect Your Finances: How to Avoid Fraud and Predatory Practices
Join us!
Become part of an effort to transform communities. We hope to see you at our future Economic Empowerment Series.
Subscribe to CRCC’s newsletter to learn more
Our Sponsors
First Citizen Bank’s Denise Ovalle and Emery Younis present at an Economic Empowerment Forum.
Community Resources
Attendees connect with community partners at Economic Empowerment Forum.
Models that Work
Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin presents on affordable housing.
Expertise
Rev. Frank Jackson, Jr., Rev. Najuma Smith of CRCC, and and Rev. Steve Johnson and Anita Jackson have long worked to support economic empowerment in Los Angeles.
Learning from Experience
King Jermaine Jones speaks about entrepreneurship.
Questions Answered
A participant in an Economic Empowerment forum asks a question.
