Nurturing the roots of holistic wellbeing
Rather than focus on project-based outputs or services, we seek to invest in the holistic wellbeing of people living in vulnerable communities around the world.
Through our grantmaking, we prioritize community-led initiatives that seek to heal people’s connections to God, self, others, and creation. As communities embrace new mindsets about their own identity and purpose, and learn to steward resources in more innovative ways, new paths unfold.
We believe if you heal the spirit of a people, they will lead themselves
We believe that it is not simply lack of access to such things as education, healthcare and job creation that keeps communities from flourishing, but a much deeper brokenness of spirit evidenced by lack of voice, purpose, meaningful relationships, agency and connection. (See Theory of Change)
Choosing our Grant Partners
When exploring new partnerships, we use the following criteria in our evaluation process.
We focus on 4 geographic areas – Mexico, Haiti, Northern India, and East Africa – prioritizing community-based organizations in specific regions of each country that can be connected and learn from each other.
Our support goes beyond funding. We seek to be mutual partners, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration across regions.
We seek partners who share our values and approach to living and working in community.
We are place-based, prioritizing rural communities; we are faith-inspired, responding to God's call to service and justice; and we are healing-centered, prioritizing grassroots initiatives that promote healing and reconciliation.
At this time, funding applications are available by invitation only.
Our Partners
Our current grantees work in one or more of the following areas of community development.
Stories
Changing Mindsets and Livelihoods in India
Inderpaul is a cotton farmer in the Vidarbha region of India. Due to poor weather conditions, he fell into heavy…
Combatting Gender-Based Violence in Latin America
In 2018, VHF hosted our first international grant partner retreat in Mexico City. Forty people from 15 organizations attended. Following…
We For Others: Mindset Change in India
When I (Joseph) joined Vista Hermosa Foundation as a Program Officer to steward relationships with partners in East Africa and…
Changing Mindsets and Livelihoods in India
Combatting Gender-Based Violence in Latin America
We For Others: Mindset Change in India
A Bluegrass Ministry
On July 23rd, we hosted Joe Troop, who is part of a band called Che Apalache. This bluegrass band incorporates Latin American styles into their music, as well as themes of social justice.
Healing through Amaranth
Qachuu Aloom (‘Mother Earth’) works in Guatemala and was recently featured in an article in the Guardian on the resurgence of amaranth and how transformative it can be.
Holistic Learning at NELA
The 2020-21 school year was one of intentional change, as we devoted more time to social emotional learning and saw tremendous academic growth.
Spirit of Servant Leadership
We’ve been thinking lately, “how do we rouse the spirit when it is dormant, hiding, afraid?” The need for emotional healing is urgent now.
Servant Leadership Gathering
The Community of Servant Leaders (CSL) is a cohort of practitioners who have completed servant leadership courses with the Center for Sharing.
Our Building’s New Name
A name says a lot about the vision, mission, and purpose of an organization, not to mention the ambience of the actual building!
Nurturing the Younger Generation
Tierra Nativa works across generations to revive and preserve traditional Tarahumara language and practices.
Leading the Change
During our last meeting, one of our scholars shared their excitement about getting mental health help. We sat down with them to learn more about their journey.
India COVID Response
At a recent meeting, our Board approved over $500,000 in relief for our partners in India. These funds, although a drop in the proverbial bucket, will go to GRAVIS, Headfirst Development, NOMI Network, Opportunity International, and World Vision.
“People Used to Avoid Me”
Through MenCare groups, farmers like Tulsidas and Thakrey build new connections and support one another to see a more hopeful future, breaking the cycle of addiction and self-harm.