ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Support for the community , by the community.
The UDA Assistance Program provides direct support to individuals, practitioners, and organizations preserving African and diaspora spiritual traditions — because authentic teaching and community should never depend on where you live or what you can afford.
WHY THIS PROGRAM EXISTS
Closing the Gap Between Knowledge and Access
UDA is a home for African and African Diaspora spiritual traditions, philosophies, and history — built to educate, connect, and support communities reconnecting with ancestral knowledge. The Assistance Program turns that mission into action for those held back by:
- Geography — distance from teachers, temples, or community
- Finances — the cost of initiation, study, and travel
- Not knowing where to start — lack of guidance or trusted contacts
WHAT WE OFFER
Types of Support
Four ways we meet practitioners, individuals, and organizations exactly where they are.
- Education
Financial support toward classes, initiation costs, workshops, or study materials.
- Connection
Referrals to vetted elders, educators, and practitioners within our directories.
- Community
Access to translated texts, study guides, and practical guidance for those new to a tradition.
- Support
Assistance for grassroots organizations preserving cultural and spiritual practices in their communities.
ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Apply
This program is open to practitioners, grassroots organizations, and individuals encountering real barriers to access.
- Practitioners seeking guidance, mentorship, or connection to teachers
- Organizations preserving cultural or spiritual practices with limited resources
- Individuals facing financial, geographic, or informational barriers
PROCESS
How It Works
A simple, human process — reviewed by people, not algorithms.
Rolling Review
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by our team, with attention to need, intent, and fit with UDA's mission.
Matched to Resources
Approved applicants are matched with the appropriate resource — funding, a referral, or educational materials.
- Reviewed on a rolling basis — apply anytime, no fixed deadline.