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 reconcilation.
If your organization meets all of our partner requirements and would be interested in future funding, please fill out our inquiry form.
Our Global 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
Eliminating Violence
November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It is also the beginning of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Celebrating Thanksgiving
Jean Vanier says that “celebration is first and foremost a song of gratitude, a thanksgiving. We are not alone. We are all part of the same body and there is no longer any rivalry or competition. We are together in unity and love.”1 His words reflect our aspirations for the communities we serve. There are…
Learning Together
In the short time that I have worked here at Vista Hermosa, I have been inspired by the resiliency of our partners to show up and be present to one another.
Welcome Ivone Guillen
The next step in this journey to listen to and accompany immigrants is the creation of a new position at the trust, Immigration Outreach Manager. Ivone Guillen joined the team this month in that role.
You Matter, Tu Vales
By celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15 – Oct 15) we are honoring our Latinx neighbors who share a rich and beautiful heritage. Our community benefits from this heritage and its special gifts of family, community, faith, honor, and service.
Stillness as Radiance
During the winter of 2020, NELA was a busy hive buzzing with activity, purpose, and plans. School was school, as it had always been in our small community, and no one could have imagined what was coming. From one day to the next, everything changed.
It’s Not Just a Cookie…
Some people’s health is greatly affected by foods and they live with dietary restrictions, such as not being able to tolerate gluten or dairy products. Serving in a way that shows those folks they are seen, heard, and loved has become a special passion for Cristy and she developed a gluten free cookie and is now trying out other recipes.
Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way
This pandemic reminds me of tough times when I was young. As seasonal employees, work was not always easy to find for my family – much as it is right now for many farm workers in the area. Sometimes lack of work left us with little money for food. Chile and frijoles (beans) rolled up…
Living God’s Call in Unexpected Ways
We felt cut off from our family and our ministry, but God opened our eyes to new ways to live out His call in our lives.
Welcoming New Members to Our Team!
We are thrilled to announce two additions to our grants team at Vista Hermosa Foundation — Jennifer Porter (left) and Jesenia Hernandez (right). Jennifer is our new Program Officer and will focus on stewarding relationships with existing and future grant partners. Jesenia is our new Program Assistant and will focus on all things grants administration. Both bring…