2024-2025 Funded Grants

Bolivia

Reducing Environmental Pollution in Coffee Processing 2024-100
Bolivia - Union Pro-Agro
Funded by: Astanor

Reducing environmental pollution during pre-processing of organic & fair trade Cafe Femenino coffee. To ensure that each of the 102 Cafe Femenino organic coffee producer has properly built infiltration pits for honey water on their plots and utilies concentrated hone water as a natural herbicide.

Colombia

Replacing Unhealthy Kitchens 2024-01
Columbia - Cauca, central and southern region
Funded by: Coffee Holding & OPTCO

For the women of Colombia, the family meals are prepared in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Food is being prepared over open fires that cause respiratory illnesses for the women and small children. This grant will repair or replace kitchens to improve health for nine families. The kitchens will include stoves that vent to the outside, water plumbed to the inside, and work surfaces providing better sanitary conditions. They will be built with sustainable materials and the project will also serve as a sustainable construction training program for young people. All labor will be provided by the family as well as a portion of the investment in material costs.

Guatemala

Promoting Soil Restoration 2024-200
Guatemala - Solala, San Marcos and Quetzaltenango
Funded by: Astanor

Promote soil restoration through agroecological practices, productive diversification with agroforestry systems by implementing forest and coffee nurseries with varieties adapted to climate change and the adoption of bio-inputs to improve productivity and reduce environmental impact. Beneficiaries: 173 female producers organized into various cooperatives and associations. This project will strengthen their capabilities in organic certification and agroecological production, ensuring compliance with regulations through an agricultural promoter who will provide technical assistance and continuous training.

Peru

Early Education Centers 2023-32c
Communities: Nueva York, El Ron, Roblepampa, San Antonio
Funded by: Shuswap, Alpen Sierra

Early Education Center Project in Northern Peru reaches 250 children in the regions of Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas in Fifteen (15) Communities: General Information: The children in rural Peru are severely malnourished, this grant provides funds needed to educate the teachers, parents and students on food nutritional value and how to incorporate the foods into their daily diet with the goal of reducing malnutrition in the rural coffee producing communities in Peru.

The Cafe Femenino Foundation has supported the implementation of this project since 2013. Each year the impact is measured by a visiting nurse taking and recording, the height and weight of the students ages 3-5 three times per year. In total, 230 students, 140 parents and 15 teachers in 15 rural early education centers will participate in this program.

The curriculum for the early education center students also includes personal hygiene and dental care. Funds will cover the cost of the traveling nurse, as well as educational, grooming and hygiene, supplies for Covid prevention materials as well as basic food supplies and first aid kits needed for each early education centers. The centers will receive needed supplies such as facemasks, hand sanitizers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, wash clothes, crayons, books, paper, glue, mats for the floor where the children sit and play, as well as jackets and polo shirts depending on the climate. Desired Results of this Program: To contribute to the improvement of the nutritional status of the pre-school children in the 15 communities while providing the children and parents with information that increases their knowledge of proper nutrition, dietary resources available in their community and set them on a path of improved future health. Pandemic Impact on Early Education Centers:

After two years of virtual classes and a year, like the present, where the children still no not return to classes in their entirety because the infrastructure of the schools is deteriorated by abandonment of two year and by the effects of rain have taken a toll on some school structures. These two years of the pandemic, no yet overcome, has meant a delay in training of the children because parents are not prepared for virtual classes nor are they able to teach their children. The children ages 3-5 require trained, skilled teachers. With this pandemic, although the rural communities have been the least affected by incidents of Covid-19, it has been the most affected in access to basic services and technology that allows children to continue their capacity building.

Improve Wet Mill Benefio Infrastructure 2024-27
Amazonas - Communities of Huamboya, Nueva York, Roblepampa
Funded by: Grounds For Change

In years past the coffee producers in this area have been hit by adverse weather and coffee rust, but they are making extraordinary efforts to renovate their coffee farms in order to maintain the income to support their families need to substantially improve the quality of their coffee and balance their income by achieving a better market price. In order to do so they need to improve their wet mill beneficio infrastructure. They have a good-quality coffee plants due to the quality of the soils and the microclimates that exist in the region. Unfortunately, the quality decreases every step of the way during the harvesting process due to not having the wet mill infrastructure needed to process the coffee crop properly.

This project seeks to support coffee producers with the implementation of the wet mill beneficio infrastructure consisting of two ceramic lined fermentation tanks, four cement drying patios and six pulpers. Results will be measure by recording the quality of the coffee delivered by the producers; the quality of the coffee in the cup; prices obtained for the coffee; participation in coffee quality competitions and the income received from the sale of their coffee.

PROGRESS REPORT May, 2026

Wet Mill Beneficio Communities: Huamboya, Nueva York and Roblepampa

General Information:
Substantially improving coffee quality requires upgrading the wet-processing infrastructure. We possess coffee of inherently high quality at the plant level—thanks to the richness of our soils and the unique microclimates found in our regions—yet, regrettably, this quality diminishes at every step of the harvest and post-harvest stages. This decline is primarily due to inadequate wet-processing infrastructure and the prevailing climatic conditions during the harvest period.

Quality is defined as the aggregate of characteristics (both physical and organoleptic) that enable a buyer to determine the purchase price of a product. Grain quality (encompassing aroma, flavor, acidity, and body) and consistency are two critical factors that make the difference—factors capable of generating higher income for the producers and, consequently, enhancing their overall profitability and competitiveness.

The wet-processing of coffee comprises the following stages: harvesting of ripe cherries; pulping on the very day of harvest; removal of the mucilage; and washing and drying until dry parchment coffee is obtained. Typically, the harvested cherries are floated in water to remove empty beans, leaves, and other impurities. The wet processing of ripe coffee cherries—specifically the condition of the equipment (such as pulpers) and the conditions under which fermentation and drying take place—is what enables the production of the highest quality coffee.

As stated in the original request, this project aims to support coffee producers by facilitating the implementation of wet-processing infrastructure. This infrastructure consists of ceramic-tiled fermentation tanks, concrete drying patios, solar drying tents, and drying trays—all designed to help maintain coffee quality and enable producers to sustain their position within the niche market for certified specialty coffees.

Activities To Date:

Meetings with beneficiaries:

• A discussion session regarding the importance of improving wet-processing infrastructure—not only to enhance coffee quality but also to reduce the physical labor burden on producers—thereby contributing to increased income for the beneficiaries.
• An explanation of the selection criteria used to determine the number of beneficiary families, taking into account the project budget, each family's level of engagement in strengthening the organization, and the commitments they have undertaken.
• Collection of specific material requests from each beneficiary.
  • Distribution of requested materials.
  • Verification of the proper utilization of the requested materials.
  • Assistance was provided to 23 families in the form of corrugated roofing sheets, cement, ceramic tiles, tile adhesive, piping, and plastic sheeting for solar dryers.

Project Completion Date: July, 2026

Early Education Centers 2024-39a
Communities: Machucara, Cruz de Mayo, La Cria Huanama, San Jos Huanama, Villarumi, Pampa Hermosa, Murujaga, Tallapampa, Huacapampa
Funded by: Silver Bridge Coffee Company

Early Education Center Project in Northern Peru reaches 230 children in the regions of Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas in Fifteen (15) Communities: General Information: The children in rural Peru are severely malnourished, this grant provides funds needed to educate the teachers, parents and students on food nutritional value and how to incorporate the foods into their daily diet with the goal of reducing malnutrition in the rural coffee producing communities in Peru.

The Cafe Femenino Foundation has supported the implementation of this project since 2013. Each year the impact is measured by a visiting nurse taking and recording, the height and weight of the students ages 3-5 three times per year. In total, 230 students, 140 parents and 15 teachers in 15 rural early education centers will participate in this program.

The curriculum for the early education center students also includes personal hygiene and dental care. Funds will cover the cost of the traveling nurse, as well as educational, grooming and hygiene, supplies for Covid prevention materials as well as basic food supplies and first aid kits needed for each early education centers. The centers will receive needed supplies such as facemasks, hand sanitizers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, wash clothes, crayons, books, paper, glue, mats for the floor where the children sit and play, as well as jackets and polo shirts depending on the climate. Desired Results of this Program: To contribute to the improvement of the nutritional status of the pre-school children in the 15 communities while providing the children and parents with information that increases their knowledge of proper nutrition, dietary resources available in their community and set them on a path of improved future health. Pandemic Impact on Early Education Centers:

After two years of virtual classes and a year, like the present, where the children still no not return to classes in their entirety because the infrastructure of the schools is deteriorated by abandonment of two year and by the effects of rain have taken a toll on some school structures. These two years of the pandemic, no yet overcome, has meant a delay in training of the children because parents are not prepared for virtual classes nor are they able to teach their children. The children ages 3-5 require trained, skilled teachers. With this pandemic, although the rural communities have been the least affected by incidents of Covid-19, it has been the most affected in access to basic services and technology that allows children to continue their capacity building.

During the past two year the rural population has taken refuge on their farms with their focus on tending to their coffee and other crops and not providing the necessary daily well-balanced meals for their children leaving the children to eat food available that are high in carbohydrates.
The Weight & Height Data Report Summary:
* Normal Nutritional Status: 2022 - 81% of the children were within the Normal Range; compared to 84% in 2021;
* Malnutrition Status: 2022 - 2% of the children were malnourished; compared to 1% in 2021
* Overweight/Obesity: 2022 -17% of the participating children were overweight; compared to only 15% in 2021
Some of the assumptions: parents having to go to work and leaving children with siblings or others; consumption of processed products and sweets; food support of the school program has continued but in many cases foods have been used for the whole family

This year we will again be able to put more emphasis on the educational workshops with parents and the teachers focusing on how the types of foods consumed impact the overall health and development of their young children. Workshops will raise awareness among parents about the importance of feeding their children, motivate the teacher to continue raising awareness among parents about nutritional value of food and hygiene habits.

Early Education Centers 2024-39b
Communities: Aqua Azul, Pampa de Sequez
Adopted by: Silver Bridge Coffee Company

Early Education Center Project in Northern Peru reaches 250 children in the regions of Lambayeque, Cajamarca, Amazonas in Fifteen (15) Communities: General Information: The children in rural Peru are severely malnourished, this grant provides funds needed to educate the teachers, parents and students on food nutritional value and how to incorporate the foods into their daily diet with the goal of reducing malnutrition in the rural coffee producing communities in Peru.

The Cafe Femenino Foundation has supported the implementation of this project since 2013. Each year the impact is measured by a visiting nurse taking and recording, the height and weight of the students ages 3-5 three times per year. In total, 230 students, 140 parents and 15 teachers in 15 rural early education centers will participate in this program.

The curriculum for the early education center students also includes personal hygiene and dental care. Funds will cover the cost of the traveling nurse, as well as educational, grooming and hygiene, supplies for Covid prevention materials as well as basic food supplies and first aid kits needed for each early education centers. The centers will receive needed supplies such as facemasks, hand sanitizers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, wash clothes, crayons, books, paper, glue, mats for the floor where the children sit and play, as well as jackets and polo shirts depending on the climate. Desired Results of this Program: To contribute to the improvement of the nutritional status of the pre-school children in the 15 communities while providing the children and parents with information that increases their knowledge of proper nutrition, dietary resources available in their community and set them on a path of improved future health. Pandemic Impact on Early Education Centers:

After two years of virtual classes and a year, like the present, where the children still no not return to classes in their entirety because the infrastructure of the schools is deteriorated by abandonment of two year and by the effects of rain have taken a toll on some school structures. These two years of the pandemic, no yet overcome, has meant a delay in training of the children because parents are not prepared for virtual classes nor are they able to teach their children. The children ages 3-5 require trained, skilled teachers. With this pandemic, although the rural communities have been the least affected by incidents of Covid-19, it has been the most affected in access to basic services and technology that allows children to continue their capacity building.

During the past two year the rural population has taken refuge on their farms with their focus on tending to their coffee and other crops and not providing the necessary daily well-balanced meals for their children leaving the children to eat food available that are high in carbohydrates.
The Weight & Height Data Report Summary:
* Normal Nutritional Status: 2022 - 81% of the children were within the Normal Range; compared to 84% in 2021;
* Malnutrition Status: 2022 - 2% of the children were malnourished; compared to 1% in 2021
* Overweight/Obesity: 2022 -17% of the participating children were overweight; compared to only 15% in 2021
Some of the assumptions: parents having to go to work and leaving children with siblings or others; consumption of processed products and sweets; food support of the school program has continued but in many cases foods have been used for the whole family

This year we will again be able to put more emphasis on the educational workshops with parents and the teachers focusing on how the types of foods consumed impact the overall health and development of their young children. Workshops will raise awareness among parents about the importance of feeding their children, motivate the teacher to continue raising awareness among parents about nutritional value of food and hygiene habits.

Construction and décor of the second-level of secondary school classroom 2024-42
Lambayeque, Community of Tallapampa, District of Salas
Funded by: Sally Sears

Rural education in Peru continues to deteriorate. The lack of infrastructure, basic services such as drinking water and electricity, and the lack of teaching materials are leading to a reduction in the number of teaching staff. All of this exacerbates the negative impact on the quality of education.

Few children are attending school due to the strong migration of young people to the cities. This is causing the State to reduce its budget for infrastructure maintenance. There is a reduction in maintenance and teaching staff, and children from different educational levels are concentrated under the responsibility of a few teachers. In many communities, children have to walk many hours to reach a secondary school. This is the case in the communities of Araumajada, Tallapampa, Caracha, and Pampa Colorada, where children have to walk three to four hours to reach the secondary school in Murojaga.

The risk is greater for girls when it rains, mudflats, and active ravines cause parents to decide not to send them to secondary school. For this reason, community leaders have made arrangements with the Ministry of Education and have obtained authorization through Directorial Resolution No. 002657-2025-GR-LAM/GRED/UGEL, LAMB 515720180-14, dated March 1, 2025, for the first year of secondary education. Parents and the community must first certify the institutional facility with available classrooms, sufficient student population, furniture, and equipment to serve this level of education.

The parents and community of Tallapampa built the first classroom, which will be operational in 2025 with 17 students. They are now seeking authorization for the second year of secondary school, and the UGEL is requesting authorization for the classroom where it will operate.

With this project, we seek to improve access to quality education, reducing the rural infrastructure gap, and contributing to local educational development.

Expansion Improve Wet Mill Benefio Infrastructure 2023-15b
Communities of Sector Vista Hermosa – Luya
Funded by: Caffe Ibis

In years past the coffee producers in this area have been hit by coffee rust, but they are making extraordinary efforts to renovate their coffee farms in order to maintain the income to support their families need to substantially improve the quality of their coffee and balance their income by achieving a better market price. In order to do so they need to improve their wet mill beneficio infrastructure. They have a good-quality coffee plants due to the quality of the soils and the microclimates that exist in the region. Unfortunately, the quality decreases every step of the way during the harvesting process due to not having the wet mill infrastructure needed to process the coffee crop properly.

This project seeks to support coffee producers with the implementation of the wet mill beneficio infrastructure consisting of two ceramic lined fermentation tanks, six cement drying patios and four solar dryers. Results will be measure by recording the quality of the coffee delivered by the producers; the quality of the coffee in the cup; prices obtained for the coffee; participation in coffee quality competitions and the income received from the sale of their coffee.
Additional funds requested because of the larger number of members requesting and qualify for the improvements than originally anticipated.

Granting HOPE Together Bee Project 2024-21
Communities of Penachi, Vista Hermosa & Nueva York
Funded by: Granting HOPE Together Supporters

Coffee is the main income generating product in Northern Peru, however the market price volatility makes it difficult for producers’ when prices are low. The beekeeping project consists of purchasing materials to build ten (30) bee boxes, bees, harvest equipment and workshops on all aspects of beekeeping. Workshops planned will address: Bee-Honey Production; Care of Bees; Honey Harvest, Royal Jelly, Pollen; Processing and Packaging of Honey; Uses of Honey in Food; Packaging and Labels. A successful bee project will not only provide a second income, it will improve the coffee production by pollinating the coffee flower. The pollination will contribute to improving the quality of the coffee and other grains grown in the region. Honey will be produced from This project will provide additional income for thirty (30) families in the Nueva York, Penachi and Vista Hermosa, Peru.

A Coffee Child's Christmas 2024-50
Community of Pampa de Seques
Funded by: Cafe Femenino Foundation Supporters

Annual La Chocolatada delivered to the remote coffee communities in Northern Peru. The custom of delivering hot chocolate and panettone bread to children to enjoy before the holiday is not often shared with the children in the remote coffee communities because the organizations in the larger cities such as Chiclayo only reach out to the communities close by. To find out more about our A Coffee Child's Christmas also known as La Chocolatada in Peru.

Sumatra

Flood and Landslide Emergency Relief Fund 2024-77
Sumatra- Kokowagayo
Funded by: Cafe Femenino Foundation Supporters

Per Kokowagayu, on November 26th Sumatra experienced floods and landslides in almost every village. We are isolated due to many bridges and roads being washed away, and landslides that have cut off the distribution of food supplies. Food supplies can only be delivered by air, many farmers and their families are without food and other basic necessities. While roads are being re-opened, they are still muddy and difficult to navigate. Funds collected will be sent to them around mid January, 2026 to be used for food and necessary emergency relief supplies.

This request is not to solve all their problems, but to provide basic food supplies and support so that the families will not feel they are alone and to provide a level of confidence and strength that will help them to stay strong and move forward.