It is of the utmost importance to us to explain in as much detail as possible what happens to your money when you purchase a TAPP USA hand-made product.

We first buy the beads from the TAPP Artisans at high local market value. We survey the market and decide how high we can go without disrupting steady market growth. Local market value for the beads is usually 3-5 US dollars.

We purchase beads upfront to honor the producers. Each Artisan has urgent needs that are not being met in their families and taking their beads with no timeline for the return of sales would put immense strain on their lives and the project as whole.

We encourage sales into the local market when available, while knowing that the reason that we were needed was the lack of market space in Uganda. By being their vehicle into a larger steadier market, they know that every piece of beaded artwork they make will be sold. This assurance alone has given the bead makers much confidence and ability to plan ahead knowing what income they can expect from their work.

The bead market value in the USA is 5-15 US dollars. The bead revenue we receive goes to sustain many things:

1. Sustaining TAPP in the USA. TAPP USA is a direct resource for the rest of the TAPP organization in Uganda; therefore in order to sustain its use, we keep a portion of our revenue from the sold beads to cover business operating costs and expenses. This is by far the smallest portion of the bead breakdown. We are constantly examining how much of the bead revenues we need with a desire to be minimalists and live simply. Ultimately, our goal would be to become completely sustainable on the generosity of committed givers in order to maximize the effectiveness of the TAPP USA resource.
2. The Buying Cycle.
3. Community Development. The unique thing about an organization like TAPP is that it works to wipe away the gap between rich and poor by providing a sustainable income for workers and putting the profit back into the community as a whole (instead of the few minority powers in charge).The remaining funds are directed, with the guidance of our TAPP leadership in Uganda, into holistic community development projects such as:
   • Small Projects - Each branch can enter into a community business project. When a branch has an idea of starting income-generating activity they first write a proposal. After submitting that proposal to TAPP Uganda leadership a decision is made to accept or encourage changes in the proposal. Once the proposal is accepted, the appropriate amounts are given as a grant to our members for start up costs. Diligent follow up by TAPP leadership encourages a mindset of saving and planning well for the future.
   • Transportation – TAPP leadership have many responsibilities that require them to travel. These funds will make it possible for them to visit homes and projects more frequently.
   • TAPP trainings – This is a very important part of the TAPP process. 6 day intensive training sessions prepare community leaders to do the work of tapp in their home places. Having to transport, house, and feed 30-40 men and women for 6 days creates many expenses.
   • TAPP Uganda - When possible we will contribute to the expenses needed to sustain and improve TAPP operations in Uganda as our last available option. This can manifest as salaries, building projects, art supplies, and necessary communication equipment for offices.

We do recognize that untainted business integrity cannot be done on our own, and accountability is an integral part of our practice.

If you have any more interest on the detail of our finances, please call us at our TAPP USA Central Office.

We are also currently looking into becoming members of groups that provide strict accountability to keep the business practices of nonprofit, faith-based, and humanitarian organizations honest and trustworthy.

Please follow up with us on this very important aspect of our community!