We are thrilled to announce $1,007,405 USD in funding for 15 projects in 15 countries–the largest funding distribution in our history. This incredible moment reflects the strength of our growing community of supporters and the urgent needs of our Jesuit partners. These funds were made possible thanks to individual donors, foundations, and an emergency campaign launched in response to the recent pause in U.S. foreign aid.
Reflecting on this accomplishment, Nate Radomski, our executive director, said, “This is more than a milestone for American Jesuits International—it’s a testament to the power of Jesuit solidarity. In some of the most challenging contexts in the world, our partners remain unwavering in their commitment to building a world where every person’s dignity is upheld, human rights are protected, creation is cared for, and all people can thrive. It’s a privilege to walk alongside them—and with every person who makes this mission possible.”
It is difficult to express the incredible impact that these funds will have on the work of our partners. The list of beneficiaries is long: students and teachers, local agricultural networks and educational communities, schools, social centers, and community based organizations. We anticipate that over 27,800 individuals will be directly impacted by the projects funded by this outpouring of generosity. Tens of thousands of family members, friends, and neighbors will also indirectly benefit from these programs. We will methodically track these impacts through project reports and testimonials. However, it is difficult to overstate the awesome impact of your generosity and the commitment of our community of Jesuit solidarity.
For clarity, we have organized this funding announcement into three distinct blocks of approved projects.
AJI Board-Approved Funds
With the approval of our Board of Directors, AJI is supporting eight new projects with a combined budget of $352,561. These efforts span nine countries: six implementing national projects—El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, and Venezuela—two participating in a regional initiative supporting students with different learning abilities—Ecuador and Bolivia—and one, Peru, involved in both a national project and the regional effort.
These projects reflect three of our top education priorities with Fe y Alegría: inclusive education, early childhood development, and teacher training. They also represent a continuation of AJI’s commitment to Fe y Alegría’s support for teachers and inclusive education initiatives.
More than 13,545 students and educators will directly benefit from AJI’s support for projects under Fe y Alegría’s early childhood and inclusive education initiatives.
AJI is also continuing its collaboration with the Comparte Network to promote livelihood opportunities among Tseltal women and youth at Yomol A’tel in Chiapas, Mexico.
Foundation Partners
Thanks to the support of five funding agencies, AJI has secured $323,300 to further support the work of Fe y Alegría and Comparte. We are incredibly thankful to the Loyola Foundation, the Helen Brach Foundation, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, the CPPS Heritage Fund, and one anonymous donor for making this possible.
These grants will fund a wide range of initiatives—from strengthening Jesuit social centers in Cuba to provide educational, mental health, and social services for people of all ages, to empowering young people and women entrepreneurs in Mexico as they build sustainable businesses, improve agricultural practices, and access global solidarity markets.
These funds also include a new $225,000 regional project supporting Fe y Alegría’s early childhood education initiatives in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Launching this month, the two-year initiative will pilot a transformative learning model that can be adapted and scaled across other countries in the region.
Finally, funding will also support other AJI priority areas–such as humanitarian assistance and recovery–with support to Fe y Alegría in Panama to accompany recently deported migrants.
Emergency Response to U.S. Foreign Aid Pause
Lastly, and in coordination with the Xavier Network’s global response, AJI will distribute $331,544 in emergency funds to help Fe y Alegría mitigate the impact of cuts to U.S. foreign aid earlier this year. These funds will sustain critical projects in countries such as Paraguay, Honduras, and El Salvador—ensuring that communities are not left behind amid shifting political priorities.
The funds raised through our emergency response to will be used to:
- Ensure continued education for more than 200 underserved youth in El Salvador;
- Restart seven early childhood education programs in Paraguay, benefitting over 1,600 children; and
- Protect bilingual, intercultural education for 670 Garífuna children—members of a Central American Indigenous and Afro-descendant community—in Honduras.
This is a momentous moment for us as an organization and we are incredibly thankful to everyone who has contributed to these efforts. We often say that every dollar counts. This sentiment is even more apparent when we see the sum of so many people’s individual generosity in the historic project cycle.
Whether you support us with a one-time donation, give monthly, accompany us in prayer or join us in advocating for meaningful investments in international education initiatives, YOU are part of this mission. Please know that the thanks and gratitude we receive from our project partners is directed to you as well.
We thank you for walking with us in this global mission of Jesuit solidarity—and invite you to continue building a brighter future for those living on the margins of our society.
