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
Young Advocates
At NELA, we encourage our students to be leaders who serve and love others—to speak out for what is right and against inequity.
Salt of the Earth
Sojourners impacts local communities across the country including here in Tri-Cities. Like our partner, we seek ways to be salt and light in this world to support the development of healthy and vibrant communities and bear fruit that will last (John 15:16).
Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award Ceremony
On May 4th, friends, family, and co-workers gathered in the Leo Center auditorium amidst flags and flowers, and a playlist of Joe’s favorite music for the announcement of the second annual Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award.
Investing as Earthly Justice
Ever since our Board committed to aligning our financial investments with the values of the Trust, we have learned many things. On Earth Day this year we are thrilled to have tangible examples of how our investments are benefitting Creation.
A Place to Belong
David had a dream to work at a well-known and loved local drive-thru coffee shop with a friend. A community, a place to belong, this was something he felt he was missing…
Why Not Here? Why Not Me?
Our hope is for community members to feel empowered to oversee the development of an activity or program themselves, from beginning to end. Laura Vargas responds to that call.
A Castle of Servant Leaders
When Yvette was 5 years old in the Philippines, she noticed her parents change. Her shy mom became more outspoken, and her stern dad became more open. Once a kid observing and learning from the adults around her, she now finds herself in the reversed role.
Peace at the Root
Through village peace committees in 23 villages, Malto and Santhal tribes work together to heal historic wounds and address such challenges as poverty and deforestation.
I Have Changed My Story
In 2016, Vista Hermosa Foundation started funding the Ugandan organization Watye Ki Gen in hopes to reconcile and restore relationships for children born in captivity during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgence.
Joyful Service
On Saturday, March 12th, the RISE scholars gathered to hear the needs of their community along with a few other members of Broetje Family Trust, including interns. I showed up not knowing what to expect, and what was meant to be weekend work turned into a day filled with love and joy.