Search Nonprofits

North West Democratic School (t/a Sligo Sudbury School) was founded in 2017 to address the growing need for an alternative to mainstream education for children and teenagers. We provide an environment for self-directed education for children aged 5-18 years, supported by a muti-discipliary staff team. We currently employ 9 part-time staff members. Standardised education and the curriculum taught in schools today do not adequately support diversity and inclusion. The emphasis on competition, the one size fits all approach, the drive for higher standards of achievement and performance effectively exclude a large portion of the population from the possibility to succeed, and discourage the qualities of collaboration, empathy and kindness that are so needed in our society. Our social mission is to address this issue by giving young people autonomy in a supportive learning environment and fostering the most volitional and high quality forms of motivation and engagement for activities, including enhanced performance, persistence, and creativity. We are a democratically run organisation which provides children with a real voice in their own education and the running of the school, fostering empowerment and a sense of personal responsibility. Students are not obliged to follow a set curriculum but are fully supported in designing their own learning experiences, enabling them to grow in confidence and take on challenges that are timely and at the right level for them. This model of education is particularly suited to children who do not fit the confining criteria and standards of mainstream and who are therefore disadvantaged by the system itself as their emotional, social, and learning needs cannot be adequately met within the mainstream model. Our mission is to provide a safe environment where young people can engage in self-directed learning and democracy, where children are free to choose their own learning goals and pursue them at their own pace, while participating in a community of self-governance and justice where each member's voice is equally valued and heard. We believe that there are many approaches to learning and that each child can be supported in their chosen path. We are committed to providing an alternative model of education where children have choice about their learning, freedom to go about their business, and time to explore and create without pressure or constraint. We aim to safeguard an environment where autonomous, self-directed, intrinsically motivated learning can flourish.

Interpreta Natura is a non-governmental, non-profit association, registered in the Autonomous Registry of Associations, territorial unit of Valencia, First section with the number CV-01-056009-V, dedicated to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage through interpretive techniques. For this, we support any kind of person who has a good idea or who is passionate about any subject with the aim that they can be realized at a professional and personal level through a committed and sustainable work. Our main Mission is to give meaning to natural and cultural features so that they are loved and preserved. Our Vision: To be a reference for people and institutions in terms of communication, education and interpretation of heritage and thus encourage respect and conservation of it. To defend all manifestations of heritage, both natural and cultural. To form an educated generation that respects natural resources and is informed about the importance of respecting natural and cultural features. To develop innovative projects and provide quality services. Establish itself as a benchmark land stewardship entity through the ForestLab project. To build an open, efficient, flexible and transparent organization formed by highly qualified professionals and volunteers. To achieve a stable, balanced and sustainable financing, committed to the territory. To seek continuous innovation and improvement of our services. To improve the quality of life of our members, as well as their continuous training. Improve the health of all citizens through food health strategies and reconnection with nature. We believe that collaboration and networking, respecting our principles and values, are the most effective way to work and achieve our mission. Our values and attitudes: Commitment: Involvement with the entity, the natural and cultural heritage and the social and environmental surroundings of the territories. Educational: Promote through education individual and collective changes to reduce the impact on heritage and the planet in general. Solidarity: Commitment to improve the living conditions of young people and the population of disadvantaged rural territories. Tolerance: Acceptance and respect for differences. Equality: Equal opportunities for all people, respecting differences. Interculturality: Coexistence, exchange and learning between cultures. Sustainability: Search for balance in all territories between environmental, social and economic aspects. Transparency: Facilitating access to information for associates, volunteers, institutions and beneficiaries. Social transformation: Active and participative citizenship. Independent and secular: Not linked to any political party, economic group, or religious denomination.

How To Save Millions Of Lives With A Simple MP3 Player The solar-powered device developed by URIDU is used to provide health education to illiterate rural women in developing countries Every six seconds a child under five dies. Almost all of those deaths occur in developing countries - and most of them are entirely preventable. Millions of lives could be saved just by providing illiterate rural mothers with accessible health education. Unfortunately, bringing this knowledge to remote locations has so far been an enormous challenge for both governments and NGOs. A new project is tackling that problem with a groundbreaking solution based on solar-powered MP3 players. The so-called MP3forLife Player has been developed by URIDU (www.uridu.org), a German non-profit social enterprise. Each player contains more than 400 carefully selected answers to questions about health, nutrition, family planning, child care, work safety and many more topics. All texts are translated with the help of more than 10.000 volunteers from over 100 countries who participate in a unique crowdsourcing effort. Once the information has been translated it is recorded by a native speaker of the target language. Local NGOs are taking care of distributing MP3forLife Players free of charge to women in need. We conceived the MP3forLife Player for small group listening - it fosters discussion, exchange and group building", explains Felicitas Heyne, psychologist and founder of URIDU. We want to provide basic knowledge to illiterate rural women, but we also want to create a team spirit among them. They are key to positive change in their countries. Wherever women are empowered, a favorable spiral is set in motion. Health and education improve, populations stabilize, economies grow." The MP3forLife approach has been successfully implemented in Tanzania in co-ordination with the national Ministry for Health and Social Welfare. Further East African countries are following the example. About URIDU: URIDU is a German non-profit social enterprise that empowers rural women in developing countries using solar-powered MP3 players and mobile-friendly web content. The organization's website at www.uridu.org contains additional information.

Growing a Wood - Growing Community - Growing Knowledge and Understanding 10 years - 10,000 children - 10,000 trees This is a conservation project that has its eye set firmly on the need for future environmental stewardship. Planetary conservation and protection of biodiversity needs more champions than ever before and the young people in our society are the decision-makers of tomorrow. With a growing disconnect between young people in urban communities and the natural environment, it is more important than ever before to put them at the heart of environmental projects. We have formed a COMMUNITY of 25 local schools, youth groups, volunteers and businesses working in partnership together and with specialist environmental organisations. Our aim over the decade 2012-2021 is to involve every young person in our community in creating new woodland, somewhere to relax, to enjoy, to learn. Once the 12-acre wood is complete, tree planting will continue through partnerships with local landowners as we plant outwards from Harmony Woods creating green corridors that link to nearby woodland and copses. We offer regular volunteering in nature for all irrespective of age or ability and offer training in green crafts, including coppicing, constantly striving to grow the volunteer base both in numbers and capacity. The first 5 years were spent establishing the project; the second 5 years is about realising its potential, a major part of which is to support 6 of our 25 schools to develop programmes of outdoor learning linked to arts and science and based on the wood that their students are helping to plant. We are currently fundraising to employ an education officer, fund outdoor learning programmes led by local artists and convert a pair of steel containers into an off-grid woodland 'Cabin', an all-seasons base for volunteers and a teaching space for all, connecting people to nature and local heritage.

The Artolution is a community-based public art organization that seeks to ignite positive social change through creative, participatory and collaborative art making. We facilitate projects around the world that connect diverse peoples in order to address challenges that they face daily and in the future and to develop common social objectives. Our projects bring together children, youth, families, artists, educators and community groups. Our founding objective is to address critical issues related to conflict, trauma, and social marginalization by cultivating sustainable initiatives that promote reconciliation, healing and community empowerment. Our process empowers artists, youth, and communities to be agents of positive social change, explore critical societal issues, and create opportunities for constructive dialogue. Artolution collaborative art projects engage youth and communities that have faced social exclusion and trauma, including refugees, street youth, the incarcerated, people with physical and mental disabilities, and young people living in areas of violent conflict or extreme poverty. These projects have been organized and facilitated in partnership with local artists and educators, grassroots community groups, schools, religious centers, museums and international institutions in over 20 countries across Latin America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, North America, the Middle East, Europe and South Asia. We utilize visual public art mediums such as mural art and community sculpture, as well as street performance genres including dance, theatre, and music. In our workshops, participants explore important community issues. Supported by us, they collectively decide on the subject and content of the artistic production, culminating in the collaborative creation of works of public art. Through this process, we emphasize the building of positive relationships among participants, skill-building, the sharing of knowledge and the encouragement of community creative activism.

1. The purpose of the association is professional and social collaboration for the preservation and development of Hungarian botanical gardens, arboretums and other collections of living plants. To this end: a) institutional and professional interest representation; b) organization of coordinated professional activity (establishment and maintenance of international professional relations, collection work and domestic collection registration, etc.); c) organizing regular information on professional activities and other forums and conferences; d) preparation of expert opinions and proposals for the preservation and reconstruction of domestic natural and cultural values. 2. In addition, the association deals with the training and education of its members, the organization of scientific trainings, nature conservation and environmental protection. 3. Public benefit activities of the association: As a public benefit activity, the association primarily performs nature conservation and environmental protection tasks, in connection with the nature protection Act LIII of 1996. to those designated as state tasks in Section 53 (1) of the Act. ("Defining state tasks and policies related to the protection of nature and the preservation of biological diversity, ensuring the assessment, evaluation, protection and restoration of natural and landscape values, natural habitats, wild plant and animal species, and other natural values, related activities in order to coordinate it, a National Nature Conservation Basic Plan, which is part of the National Environmental Protection Program..., must be prepared. 56 of the same law details the duties of the minister in relation to nature conservation, including in point h) it refers to cooperation with interest representative organizations in the protection of nature. CLXXXIX of 2011 on the local governments of Hungary is also designated as a public task. Act 13 (1) para. 11. and 23 (4) para. Point 12 is the protection of the environment and nature, in which the association undertook to contribute, as indicated in the goals and tasks. 4. Other than the members may also benefit from the association's public services.

COMMUNITY HEALTH, HOUSING AND SOCIAL EDUCATION (CHHASE), TAMIL NADU Background Community health, housing and social education (CHHASE) NGO is involved in social work for Scheduled castes, Scheduled tribes, other backwards classes and under privileged. Team of youth, who have passion in social service and compassion towards the sufferings of the disadvantaged sections of the society, came together and formed CHHASE. Our team have clear insight in the socio-economic, education, health and environment issues faced by the downtrodden, under privileged and marginalized segments of the communities. CHHASE NGO India is a non-governmental, non-profit, social service voluntary organization working for an integrated development of women and children of downtrodden segment of the society. CHHASE NGO believes that all human beings are equal and has the right to have good health, shelter, food and minimum standard of living. CHHASE NGO has touched new heights by Regular Activities to fulfil the mission of organization. Our executive committee oversees all the organization's efforts. The committee meets regularly to ensure that all of our teams perform efficiently and to facilitate cross-functional connections. CHHASE NGO have excellent staff, volunteers & members, who are dedicated, are available for any social cause (s) always. They are our real strength to carry the noble cause of uplifting the downtrodden. CHHASE NGO was registered in the year 2001 under TN Societies Registration Act, 25 of 1976. It is also registered under the FCRA, 12A & 80G of Income Tax Exemption Act, 1961. CHHASE NGO is completed due diligence norms and listed with CREDIBILITY ALLIANCE, & GUIDE STAR INDIA. CHHASE NGO has been collaborating with foreign donor agencies, corporate, national donor agencies both governmental and non-governmental towards making meaningful interventions for the cause of poor and needy sections of the society.

Karuna Deutschland is committed towards ending caste-based discrimination, dedicating efforts for poverty-alleviation, and ensuring equality in India and Nepal. Our mission is to serve individuals and families of the poorest communities in India and Nepal. The women and children as well as people from lower cast backgrounds come under the most vulnerable population in India and Nepal. The former "untouchable" castes are still suffering from social exclusion and violence and also form the largest chunk of 'ultra-poor' in these countries. It is extremely difficult for them to access healthcare, education, housing and a dignified livelihood. Dalit women and girls particularly are subjected to gender-based violence and exclusion. Although caste-based discrimination has no legal premises, the stigma attached to the lower castes in India and Nepal hinder their dignified participation in all spheres of life. They are pushed further behind by a variety of forces such as existing discrimination, inequality, poverty, illiteracy etc. Therefore, we endeavour to remove the root causes of discrimination, exclusion and poverty. We seek to run our projects and activities based on the principle of inclusion, justice, diversity and equality in order to drive a positive as well as holistic change at the community level. The foundation of our work lies in engendering a dignified life for the people; helping them build a better future for themselves as well as empowering them to take their destiny into their own hands. To elicit lasting solutions to the problems we intend to address, our approach is based upon self-help, self-determination and self-reliance at the community level. The principle of 'leaving no one behind' as mentioned in the Sustainable development goals is enshrined in our core values. Changes often happen at the local level. Creative and innovative solutions are pertinent to reach our goals. Our activities are thus built upon a wealth of local skills and knowledge. We seek to understand the vulnerabilities, strengths and needs of our target groups. Evidence based approach rooted in in-depth analysis, research of ground needs and realities is extremely important for us to promote accountability and responsibility. The four pillars of Karuna Deutschland's work are made of Education, Health, Dignified Livelihoods and Gender Equality. These four pillars are the key focus areas of the work carried out by Karuna Deutschland in India and Nepal. More information about Karuna Deutschland's activities can be found on our website.

The Idjwi Island Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of providing a better school for children in the village of Buhumba on Idjwi Island in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Idjwi Island, located in Lake Kivu on the eastern border of the DRC, has seen a dramatic increase in its population in recent years, much of which is the result of refugees fleeing violence in Rwanda and the DRC. A substantial number of these new residents are children, including many orphans. Approximately 400 children attend the existing primary school. This makeshift school is overcrowded, has a leaky roof, and does not provide desks or even books for the students. In 2009, Them Nyamunongo, who grew up on Idjwi and now works in Washington, D.C., returned to visit family on the island. During his stay, he gave gifts to children that he met in Buhumba. As he spent time with the children, he learned about the extremely poor conditions at the school, including how it has become overcrowded due to the increase in refugees and orphans. The children told him that their true wish was for a school with a roof so that they were not sent home every time that it rained. When Them returned to Washington, D.C., he and his wife, Safi, approached a friend who is a director at a local preschool. From this meeting in late 2009, the Idjwi Island Education Fund was formed. In just over eighteen months, the Idjwi Island Education Fund has obtained property in Buhumba for the new school (which was donated by Them's family), met with and conducted a needs assessment with the director of the existing school, and provided some interim support for the facilities at the existing school. The Fund has recruited a board of directors that includes professionals with experience in international development and project management. The Fund has also conducted a series of fundraising events through which it has raised more than $15,000, in gifts ranging from $20 to 1,000, from more than 100 different donors. With this foundation in place, the Fund is intensifying its efforts on the design program for the new school, interviewing representatives of other non-governmental organizations with experience with similar projects in the region, and identifying local organizations to collaborate in the building process. The ultimate goal of this effort is to provide improved facilities, desks, books, and a safe-haven for more than 400 primary school children in this isolated community.

Markoding (Yayasan Daya Kreasi Anak Bangsa) is a non-profit organization with a mission to transform underprivileged youth in Indonesia into a generation of innovators by equipping them with digital skills along with 21st-century skills (since 2017). We aspire that women and marginalized populations have equitable access to safe, affordable and accessible education to increase employability and tackle youth unemployment. Markoding has trained 30,000+ participants and 1,465 teachers from 765 schools and communities across 36 provinces in Indonesia. Markoding is committed to empowering youth and women. Through the programs we have created, including: 1. Perempuan Inovasi 2023 Perempuan Inovasi, a collaboration between Markoding, Magnifique Indonesia, and Yayasan Dian Sastrowardoyo, offers digital skills scholarships to underprivileged women in Indonesia. Our goal is to empower innovative and impactful Indonesian women. In 2023, we had 16,596 applicants, with 36 receiving Bootcamp scholarships funded by CSR Program Donor, Telkomsel Indonesia and Samsung Indonesia. Two major events were held during the 9-month program: The Program Launch, generating PR value of Rp2,858,273,000 from 53 articles, and Graduation Day, where all the women participants showcased their solutions, this event garnered a PR value of Rp1,500,000,000 from 32 articles. Both events include discussions on how to tackle gender issues and inequality in the future through technology, and showcases of innovation. These initiatives aim to foster a generation of empowered Indonesian women, equipped with the skills to contribute positively to society. 2. Innovation Challenge: Generasi Terampil collaboration with UNICEF For the last 5 years (since 2019), Markoding has been implementing the Innovation Challenge program as UNICEF's trusted implementing partner. The program is a 9-month program for adolescents 10-19 years old in developing 21st-century skills, digital skills, and entrepreneurship skills, that focuses on helping adolescents including underprivileged girls and boys, and students with a disability, to identify problems in their environment, come up with creative solutions, and implement digital solutions under the direction of experienced mentors. The Generasi Terampil 2023 program has achieved 3,335 students (>65% girls), 271 teachers (>70% women), 116 schools, 50 mentors participating within the program, and 350 ideas for solutions (i.e environment, education, gender equality, health, etc) have been developed by the adolescents.

Siel Bleu's Mission: empowering lives through movement At Siel Bleu, our mission goes beyond simply encouraging physical activity; we believe that movement has the power to transform lives. Through tailored and accessible physical activity programs, we strive to enhance the health, independence, and well-being of individuals, particularly older adults and vulnerable populations. Whether through community-based programs or collaborations with healthcare providers, we are committed to empowering people of all ages to lead healthier, more active lives. We know that the benefits of movement go far beyond physical fitness. Regular exercise can improve mobility, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, boost mental health, and combat isolation. For older adults and those facing physical or cognitive challenges, staying active is essential for maintaining a high quality of life. That's why we design our programs to meet individuals where they are, adapting each session to their abilities and needs. Whether it's through gentle movement, strength-building activities, or social engagement, our goal is to make every person feel capable, supported, and motivated to stay active. Our approach is grounded in inclusivity, which is why we make physical activity accessible to everyone. We understand that barriers to exercise-such as limited mobility, lack of motivation, or social isolation-can make it difficult for some to get started. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, we ensure that every participant can enjoy the benefits of movement, regardless of their starting point. Our programs are designed not just to improve physical health, but also to strengthen mental and emotional well-being, offering a holistic approach that focuses on the whole person. But our impact doesn't stop there. At Siel Bleu, we are also deeply committed to creating a sense of community and social connection. For many individuals, particularly older adults, isolation can be a major challenge. Our programs provide not only the physical benefits of exercise but also the social and emotional support that comes from being part of a group. By fostering meaningful relationships and bringing people together through shared activities, we combat loneliness and help individuals build stronger, more supportive social networks. We also recognize the critical role that caregivers and healthcare professionals play in the well-being of those we serve. Our programs support caregivers by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to care for others while also taking care of their own health. Through educational resources and hands-on support, we empower caregivers to integrate physical activity into their caregiving routines, improving their own health while enhancing the quality of life for those they care for. The heart of our mission is rooted in collaboration. By working alongside healthcare providers, local community organizations, and international partners, we build networks of support that create lasting change. Together, we strive to improve access to physical activity, reduce healthcare costs, and ensure that all individuals, regardless of age or ability, have the opportunity to live independently and participate fully in society. Siel Bleu currently operates across Europe, with a strong presence in France, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Germany and Ireland, and we are excited to expand our reach further. We aim to bring our programs to more countries, ensuring that even more people benefit from the power of movement. Our goal is to create a widespread network that promotes active aging and supports individuals in living their lives to the fullest, regardless of their circumstances. At Siel Bleu, we are not just helping people move-we are helping them thrive. Our programs aim to create a world where health, mobility, and community are accessible to everyone. By empowering individuals through movement, we foster healthier, happier lives and build stronger communities where all individuals can contribute to society, regardless of their age or physical abilities. healthcare costs, and ensure that all individuals, regardless of age or ability, have the opportunity to live independently and participate fully in society. At Siel Bleu, we are not just helping people move-we are helping them thrive. Our programs aim to create a world where health, mobility, and community are accessible to everyone. By empowering individuals through movement, we foster healthier, happier lives and build stronger communities where all individuals can contribute to society, regardless of their age or physical abilities.

Bududa Learning Center is an umbrella organization that includes a vocational high school, an orphans program for children, and a microfinance program for women. It is located in the isolated mountain district of eastern Uganda. It was founded by Canadian-born Barbara Wybar, who has been living on site a portion of each year for the past 14 years. This isolated region, one of the poorest in Uganda, is over-populated with most families having an average of 8 children. They live by growing their own food. Most of the region has no running water or electricity. Both the education and health care system are severely under-funded and inadequate. Jobs are scarce. Most people are hungry most of the time. How & Who We Help. We work to address the problems in three ways: 1. Training young people in basic trades: carpentry; brick-laying; dress-making and tailoring; nursery teacher training; computer skills training; and hairdressing training. 2. Providing broad support to 170 children and young people, many of them orphans from AIDS, by providing education enrichment, food, and health care. 3. Training and providing micro finance loans to single mothers and grandmothers in the region who are bringing up children on their own and have no means of support, so they can start small businesses. How It Is Run The Center is staffed by Ugandans working in a professional capacity. Barbara Wybar acts as Executive Director and works in a volunteer capacity. There is a growing volunteer contingent of people from the west who visit and do volunteer work there and others who take on management and administrative work in Canada and the US in a volunteer capacity. A guest house and annex provide housing for up to 12 visiting volunteers at a time. Local Oversight A local Advisory Board of the Center, led by Father Paul Buyela, provides oversight to the headmaster of the school and the directors of the two other programs. It is made up of representatives of the teachers, the parents, the regional education board, and the community as well as the executive director. The chairman is a highly respected educator as well as clerical leader in the region at large. Governance and Financial Support Bududa Canada Foundation provides governance to the Center and raises funds from individuals, foundations, and organizations to support the Center. It is incorporated in Canada holds charitable status from the Canadian Revenue Authority (#82535 8286 RR0001). There is a board directors of five people, three of whom are Canadian and two American. Financial support comes from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Officers & Board of Directors Sally Bongard (Toronto), Chairman and Secretary Scott Douglas (Connecticut) Cecily Lawson (Montreal) Lizette Gilday (Montreal), President Barbara Wybar (Philadelphia, Quebec, and Uganda), Treasurer