In early 2025, USAID funding worldwide was cut off overnight. This was felt immediately by current volunteers in Colombia and continuing Partner, Camp GLOW. Volunteers and GLOW reached out to Friends of Colombia asking for help.
In March, FOC was able to fund FrutoLab in Polonuevo (Atlantíco). The project was just about to start with a USAID grant when funding was cut. Our grant provided agricultural training and fruit production equipment to students – building a self-sustaining business model for the community.
Camp GLOW also lost a significant funding stream they received annually from USAID. FOC was able to double our funding so that their annual camp for young women’s empowerment could continue. They held a camp in June that focused on women’s empowerment for 57 teenagers, who went on to lead projects and small groups in their rural communities and are planning a regional conference for the end of 2025.
Thanks to your generosity, we were able to fund another outstanding projects led by a Peace Corps Colombia volunteer through our small grants initiative in July. Devolviendo Esperanza (Tabio, Cundinamarca) is still ongoing and focuses on supporting children in vulnerable situations, including survivors of abuse and Venezuelan migrants, through socio-emotional competency workshops at a local foundation that provides daycare.
We accept small grant applications for up to $1,500 USD on a rolling basis from Current Peace Corps Volunteers in Colombia. Our grant application can be found here.