News & Events

On August 10th, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Western Colombia. The epicenter was located in Chocó, where our partner Tierra Grata provides life-saving sanitation to rural communities. They were well positioned to immediately distribute emergency relief to those affected by the earthquake. Thanks to the quick response of our members, FOC was able to donate $5,000 to Tierra Grata within 3 days of the earthquake. On September 14th, we donated another $4,000. In total, FOC received $8,962 from over 63 donors. Tierra Grata has provided the following update: 5,106 people reached by distributing 356 hygiene kits and 486 food kits. 640 bags of

In January 2026, FOC donated $1,500 to current Peace Corps volunteer Nolan Carson for a grant project that would support women and youth to reclaim their pottery traditions and embark on entrepreneurial endeavors. Here is a recent update on the project from Nolan: In the foothills of the Colombian Andes, a new local industry is beginning to take shape thanks to your support. La Escuela de Cerámica de Oiba is now in operation, with more than 25 students attending weekly classes to develop their artistic skills and learn  a valuable, income-generating trade. Thanks to funds raised through the Peace Corps

In February 2026, heavy spring flooding in the Córdoba region left hundreds of families in remote towns cut off from accessing food and hygiene kits, schools, and emergency support. With emergency funding approved by the board, FOC members Carmen Galvis, Jeremy Booth and past FOC collaborators in the region mobilized volunteers to pitch in on the relief efforts. In total they distributed 32 comprehensive packages of food, 10 First Aid Kits, 32 Sanitary Kits, and 30 School Kits to children and families in the outskirts of Lorica and San Bernardo del Viento. The supplies provided by FOC were particularly impactful as

Dear Friends of Colombia Members and Supporters, As the year draws to a close, we want to acknowledge that it has been an extremely challenging year for the international development community, and many impactful organizations have lost their dedicated sources of funding. Your steadfast support is more instrumental than ever in helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities throughout Colombia. Throughout 2025, we remained dedicated to advancing community development, empowering youth, and promoting education. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to fund two outstanding projects led by Peace Corps Colombia volunteers through our

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

Dear Friends of Colombia Members and Supporters,   As the year draws to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible strides we've made together with Friends of Colombia. Your steadfast support has been instrumental in helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities throughout Colombia.   Throughout 2024, we remained dedicated to advancing community development, empowering youth, and promoting education. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to fund four outstanding projects led by Peace Corps Colombia volunteers through our small grants initiative. These projects are at the forefront of creating

Tierra Grata, en colaboración con Friends of Colombia, ha llevado a cabo diversas iniciativas para mejorar la calidad de vida en comunidades desfavorecidas de Cartagena, Colombia, enfocándose en la provisión de productos de higiene menstrual y educación sobre el ciclo menstrual. En el barrio Isla de León, donde las mujeres enfrentan serias dificultades económicas y carecen de acceso a servicios básicos, se han distribuido copas menstruales reutilizables y ecológicas. Esto ha permitido a las mujeres gestionar su menstruación de una manera más higiénica y cómoda, en un entorno marcado por la falta de agua potable y alcantarillado. En el barrio

In June 2024, FOC was able to provide fiscal sponsorship to FUCAHIS that provided last minute tuition payments to students in Colombia. Here is a bit more about the organization started by Tad Runge (RPCV 1963-1965). FUNDACION SOCIAL CAMBIANDO HISTORIAS - FUCAHIS 2024 is an exciting year for Fucahis. The first three of their five year university students graduate this year.  They are 4 colleagues -  RPCV Tad Runge (Colombia 12/8CARE -1963-65), Lida and Hugo (2 dedicated Colombian teachers), and Carolina, the daughter of a Colombian friend of Tad's from PC days. Where? A rural village called San Juan de Toacgua, Luruaco,  Atlantico

Dear Friends of Colombia Members and Supporters, As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared as part of Friends of Colombia. Your steadfast support has been the driving force behind our ability to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and communities in Colombia. In 2023, Friends of Colombia continued its commitment to fostering development, empowering local communities, and promoting youth education. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide funding to five inspiring organizations across Colombia through our small grants competition. These organizations are at

FOC is pleased to announce that we awarded five grants, totaling $9,615 USD to inspiring Colombian community-based groups. Congratulations to our grant competition winners! Learn more about each winner and their projects below. 2023 FOC Small Grant Project Winners Repurpose-IT.ORG Valle de Cuaca  $2,000 USD This grant involved training teachers in technology in rural Wounaan (indigenous group) communities. PROEDUPAZ Suán, Atlántico $1,880 USD PROEDUPAZ used FOC grant funds to teach disadvantaged rural farmers new sustainable agricultural practices. Guardabosques de la Sierra Santa Marta, Magdalena $2,410 USD With FOC grant funds, the association of small cacao farmers in the Sierra Nevada