A U.S.-based nonprofit raising awareness and funds for the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation — transforming inter-ethnic conflict into peaceful co-existence across East Africa since 2009.
Shalom-SCCRR · Nairobi, Kenya
SCOA maintains a U.S.-based endowment to generate investment income that funds operations and provides a sustainable, long-term funding pipeline to SCCRR — ensuring the work continues far into the future, not just year to year.
The Shalom Centre of Africa (SCOA) is a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit established to raise awareness and funds exclusively for the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation (SCCRR) — a Nairobi-based organization working across the tribal lands of Eastern Africa.
SCCRR carries out all programmatic work on the ground: training community leaders, building inter-ethnic schools, mediating conflicts, and empowering women and youth with skills to prevent violence and build sustainable peace.
SCOA manages U.S. fundraising, donor compliance, and a long-term endowment — administered pro bono by the Royal Bank of Canada — ensuring SCCRR has the financial stability to continue its work for generations.
"To work for a society free of physical violence and unjust social structures in Africa, building peaceful and reconciled communities."
SCCRR Mission StatementRecognized Internationally. SCCRR holds UN accreditation and collaborates with Harvard University, Queen's University Belfast, the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, and IGAD representing 8 East African nations.
Tax-deductible donations are received by SCOA in the United States, fully compliant with IRS 501(c)(3) regulations. Funds are stewarded in an RBC-managed endowment generating returns for long-term impact.
SCOA's Board reviews formal funding applications from SCCRR, approves projects, and transfers grants — ensuring rigorous oversight and full IRS compliance for international grantmaking.
95 cents of every dollar reaching SCCRR flows directly into peace training, school construction, and community development across Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Tanzania.
In 2025, 70 projects across 50 institutions benefited 26,770 pupils and students. Since 2009, over 168,000 learners have been engaged in conflict resolution through the Shalom Peace Education Program.
802 projects in 452 institutions since 2009 — classrooms built, solar lighting installed, water systems delivered, desks and books provided, and sanitary facilities constructed in East Africa's most conflict-affected areas.
Of 249,333 total student beneficiaries, 49.3% are girls. The Shalom Empowerment Center addresses violence against women and children, while sanitary programs keep girls in school across Kenya's most remote border communities.
From classrooms in the Ilemi Triangle to water tanks in Elgeyo Marakwet, these images show what your support makes possible — safe, dignified learning environments in communities that have known decades of conflict.
Visit shalomconflictcenter.org/gallery for more photos and videos from the field.
Executive International Chairman & Founder, SCCRR
Rev. Dr. Patrick Devine is the founder and International Chairman of the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation. A member of the Society of African Missions (SMA), his work in Africa began in 1988 when he was ordained and sent to Kenya. He served as Regional Superior for Kenya and Tanzania (1995–2007) and as Chairman and CEO of the Religious Superiors Conference of Kenya, comprising 75 religious orders and over 6,000 personnel across Eastern Africa.
He holds a Doctorate in Political Science and Public Administration, a Master's Degree in Peace Studies and International Relations, and is certified in Corporate Governance. He is an adjunct faculty member and Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute at Maynooth University, and has been connected to Tangaza University College in Kenya for over three decades — lecturing for 13 years, serving on the board for 12 years, and currently serving as Vice-Chairman of the University Council and Chair of Corporate Affairs.
Fr. Devine founded SCCRR in 2009 to address the deep-rooted inter-ethnic conflicts he witnessed firsthand over nearly four decades of leadership across Eastern Africa. He is recognized as one of the foremost authoritative voices on conflict resolution on the continent and has published widely, including Persistent Conflict Between the Pokot and Turkana: Causes and Policy Implications.
All programmatic work is carried out by SCCRR, a registered charity based in Nairobi, Kenya with active operations across Eastern Africa.
The Shalom Centre of Africa was incorporated in 2013 to serve as the U.S. fundraising and endowment vehicle for SCCRR. Since inception, SCOA has transferred millions of dollars to SCCRR through a rigorous, board-approved grant process, while growing a long-term endowment that generates investment income for sustained impact.
501(c)(3) Certified — EIN 46-1491594. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
99 cents of every dollar raised is earmarked for Africa — held in a board-governed endowment to generate returns before transfer to SCCRR.
Transparent governance — CPA-reviewed financial statements for 2019–2023. Annual Form 990 filed with the IRS.
SCOA is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for reviewing and approving all grant applications from SCCRR and ensuring full compliance with IRS regulations governing international grantmaking.
Joseph J. Pollaci serves as Chairman of the Board. SCOA's Board of Advisors includes Patrick Grace, Maurice Regan, Dave McWilliams, Michael Clune, Greg Mauro, John Caruso, Patrick Heneghan, Lorenzo Vascotto, Sarah Jordan, Steve Callahan, Dr. Richard Stock, John Fitzpatrick, Paul O'Dwyer, and Joseph G. Genovesi.
Registered Address:
117 West 28th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10001
www.scoausa.org
www.shalomconflictcenter.org
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Shalom Centre of Africa files an annual Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service. These filings are public record and reflect our commitment to full transparency in governance and financial stewardship.
Our Form 990 filings for the following tax years are available for download:
Filings are also available for public inspection through the IRS or via Candid (GuideStar). For questions, contact us at JPollaci@NCC.net or +1 212-736-4442.
Whether you are a donor, a potential partner, or a journalist, we welcome your inquiries about The Shalom Centre of Africa and the work of SCCRR in East Africa.
Your contribution funds peace training, school construction, and conflict prevention programs across East Africa. Checks may be made payable to "Shalom Center of Africa" and mailed to our New York address, or donate online via the SCCRR website.
Donate Online →The Shalom Centre of Africa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 46-1491594. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. No goods or services are provided in exchange for your donation.