The coronavirus pandemic is unlike any other global crisis in recent times. By collaborating with other experienced organizations in the private sector, we are expanding our ability to mitigate its effects among the most vulnerable.
In the wake of COVID-19, we have broadened our alliances with current partners to help at-risk communities adapt and recover. We have also identified promising new private sector partners and funding opportunities to scale our efforts even further.
Together, we and our partners are investing approximately $2 million to support COVID-19 recovery across Latin America and the Caribbean. Learn about our four partnerships to date.
Supporting Local Solutions in Mexico
Partner: Alianza de Fundaciones Comunitarias (Comunalia), a network of 16 Mexican community foundations and C.S. Mott Foundation.
Mexico has been hard hit by COVID-19, which has exacerbated existing inequalities in the country. Through Comunalia’s challenge grant program, Mexican community foundations are supporting grassroots solutions to local economic and social challenges caused by the pandemic. The lessons Comunalia learns through the program will help its members to develop grantmaking programs better able to respond to crises.
Energizing Inclusive Recycling in Argentina
Partner: Danone, a leading global producer and distributor of dairy products, beverages, waters, medical nutrition products, and early life nutrition products; and, Fundación Avina.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately harmed marginalized cartoneros (recyclers) in Argentina. The Danone-IAF inclusive recycling initiative will jumpstart 4,500 recyclers’ economic activity during and after COVID-19. It will also increase recycling rates and improve the safety and living conditions for recyclers in 35 cities in Argentina.
Investing in Youth Entrepreneurs
Young people in Latin America and the Caribbean have the potential to be leaders and agents of positive change in their communities, but often lack sources of funding and technical assistance. Through the InnovAction Challenge competition, at least 750 young entrepreneurs with high-potential, socially-minded business ideas will receive training to respond to their communities’ needs as a result of COVID-19. The winners will also receive seed capital to launch their enterprises.
We are also partnering with YABT to raise funds for four youth-led organizations and initiatives promoting COVID-19 relief and resilience as part of the SI-YES! joint fundraising campaign.
For questions, please contact Marcia Cota, Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships: mcota@iaf.gov.