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
Rarámuri People Revive Their Culture
Since 2021, two Rarámuri language teachers have been documenting their work and life in Choréachi and the Sierra Tarahumara…
Gratitude Can Help Us See Jesus
I displayed a copy of Henri Nouwen’s journal Gracias! at home during the month of November, a season of Thanksgiving in the U.S. I was just about to put it back in its place on the bookshelf, when, while casually thumbing through its pages, my eyes landed on his entry for October 31st.
God Knows Me by Name
Millicent Opundo discovered she was HIV/AIDS positive when she fell ill after the death of her husband in 2011. HIV/AIDS was at its peak in 2011, with many people in the Kenya and the community of Rabour losing loved ones to the disease, and antiretroviral medication expensive beyond reach.
Brotherly Love
Michael had noticed that some of his fellow NELA students did not have gloves or hats on at recess. It was going to be cold soon, and he worried about other kids not being warm.
Why Do We Celebrate Thanksgiving?
Today, Thanksgiving is largely celebrated as a day to be with family and friends, to share feasts of great food, watch football games; this year we will also offer thanks for everyone who has lived through the COVID-19 pandemic…
Led by Love
Have you ever experienced something tragic unfolding before your eyes and were unsure of how to respond? The abrupt shock initially terrifying and difficult to comprehend and yet instilling a sense of urgency to take action to help?
Gender Equity and Social Inclusion in Bangladesh
Within Cox’s Bazaar, World Vision is working with men and women religious leaders to link gender-based violence materials with the Quran, creating a new gender awareness within a relevant religious framework.
Epiphany Over Pan Dulce
Martin Martinez and JJ McPeak took Tierra Vida youth on a field trip to Vinny’s Bakery in downtown Pasco. As part of our art studio program, they wanted youth to explore the murals, art, and stories of people in our broader Pasco community.
Introducing Leann Juarez-Griffin
We are pleased to welcome Leann Juarez-Griffin as our new Servant Leadership Managing Director. We are pleased to welcome Leann Juarez-Griffin as our new Servant Leadership Managing Director. In this position, she oversees our Servant Leadership Development program, RISE Scholars, and Nueva Esperanza Leadership Academy.
Behold… I Stand at the Door and Knock
This fall, Broetje Family Trust employees are reading Brian McClaren’s book “We Make the Road by Walking.” Chapter 4 is entitled “Plotting Goodness.” We believe that philanthropic organizations are founded to plot goodness and to finance love.