Fonkoze Celebrates Successful Giving Tuesday Campaign: $75,000 Match Amplifies Women’s Voices in Haiti
Fonkoze USA announced today the successful completion of its Giving Tuesday campaign, raising critical support for women in rural Haiti. Thanks to the generosity of donors and a $75,000 matching gift, every donation made during the campaign was doubled, maximizing impact for women striving to build businesses, educate their children, and lead their communities. The […] Read More
New Book: Pathway to A Better Life in Haiti by Steven Werlin
New Book: Based on personal experiences and interactions with powerful women and valued colleagues, Pathway to a Better Life in Haiti offers an incisive and honest account of the pioneering efforts of Fonkoze to address extreme poverty in Haiti. Read More
Rebecca Zama on Giving Back To Haiti: Double Your Gift
Haitian-American artist, singer, and advocate Rebecca Zama is lending her voice this Giving Tuesday to support the women of Fonkoze in Haiti— women who are the poto mitan (center pillars) of their families and communities. In her heartfelt video message, Rebecca reminds us that empowering women is essential to building a stronger, more just Haiti […] Read More
Empowering Haiti’s Community Health Entrepreneurs Through Education and Business Training
EdTek tablets help women build stronger businesses, strengthen communities, and expand economic resilience. Fonkoze launched an innovative business training program for Haiti’s Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHEs) using Fonkoze’s tablet-based education platform, EdTek. This holistic initiative provides CHEs with the skills to manage and grow micro-enterprises in underserved areas, complementing their vital health work. In May […] Read More
Dr. Bertrhude Albert and Dr. Erlantz Hyppolite: Uplifting the Truth of Haiti:
At Fonkoze USA, shifting the narrative around Haiti is part of our work. The dignity, courage, and strength of Haitian women — and the communities they lead — deserve not only investment, but recognition. Fonkoze USA Executive Director Dr. Erlantz Hyppolite sat down with Haitian-American scholar and advocate Dr. Bertrhude Albert for a powerful conversation. […] Read More
Carine Roenen and Dominique Boyer: You Asked, We Answered: How Fonkoze Stays Effective in Haiti
Hear directly from the leaders of Fonkoze. Read the full interview below or watch the video to experience the conversation firsthand. At the heart of Fonkoze’s work in Haiti are the women who serve as the poto mitan—the central pillars in their families and communities. In this interview, we speak with Carine Roenen, Executive Director […] Read More
Video: CLM Graduation in Central Haiti
A Journey Worth Celebrating: 137 Families Graduate from Fonkoze’s CLM Program in Central Haiti In rural Haiti today, the sound of celebration is echoing across hillsides. But it’s not just music or speeches that make this moment powerful—it’s what it represents. Today, 137 women are graduating from Fonkoze’s Chemen Lavi Miyò (CLM) program. These women […] Read More
Pittsburgh | Haitian Cultural Art Exhibition Tour with Dr. Erlantz Hyppolite
Dr. Erlantz Hyppolite gives guided tour in Pittsburgh of Haitian art exhibit highlighting the culture and history of Haiti. Read More
Fonkoze’s CLM Program is Changing to Cash Transfers: What this Means for Women in Haiti
At Fonkoze, we walk with women living in extreme poverty — and we listen.That’s why our Chemen Lavi Miyò (CLM) program is changing. We’re transitioning from providing in-kind assets to something bolder: cash transfers. Women like Merjina Jean are now receiving funds directly and working with their case managers to create investment plans that reflect […] Read More
Watch: International Women’s Day Webinar with Fonkoze
Watch the Webinar Recording For 30 years, Fonkoze has should shoulder to shoulder alongside the most vulnerable women in Haiti, providing the tools, resources, and support they need to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. In observance of International Women’s Day, we gathered for a powerful conversation reflecting on this journey, celebrating the […] Read More
Economic Opportunity Program Provides Business Support in Haiti
Empowering Entrepreneurs in Haiti: Q3 Results from Fonkoze’s Economic Opportunity Program At Fonkoze, we believe in creating sustainable opportunities for entrepreneurs in Haiti. Thanks to the support of our donors and partners, the Economic Opportunity Program is making a measurable impact. Here are some highlights from the third quarter of 2024: 62% of participating […] Read More
Melanie Steger Joins Fonkoze USA’s Board of Directors
Introducing Melanie Steger: A Seasoned Finance Executive Driving Strategy Across Sectors We are thrilled to welcome Melanie Steger to our community of changemakers as a new board member of Fonkoze USA. With a robust background spanning both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Melanie brings unparalleled expertise in financial strategy, operational excellence, and organizational growth. Her career […] Read More
Recording: Pathway to A Better Life: A Graduation Celebration Featuring Women from the Program
On Thursday, January 23, Mercy Focus on Haiti and Fonkoze brought supporters together to meet three graduates of the Chemen Lavi Miyò (CLM) “Pathway to a Better Life” program. The women shared their experiences, and the ways their lives have changed as they embark on this path out of poverty and build sustainable livelihoods. This […] Read More
Transforming Gender Equity in Haiti: Fonkoze’s Evolution of the CLM Program
How Fonkoze’s CLM Program in Haiti is Evolving to Address Gender Inequities From 2018 to 2022, Fonkoze conducted independent studies of Chemen Lavi Miyò (CLM), its adaptation of the BRAC graduation program, to better understand its impact and identify growth opportunities. These studies drew significant conclusions about gender equity, revealing both the program’s successes and […] Read More
Fonkoze Raises $150K with Matching Gift on Giving Tuesday
Fonkoze Surpasses Giving Tuesday Goal, Raising $150,312 Washington, D.C. – On Giving Tuesday, Fonkoze’s supporters rallied together to raise an extraordinary $77,312, which was then matched at $75,000 by a small group of generous donors, bringing the total to $150,312. With more than 134 gifts and an outpouring of solidarity from across the United […] Read More
Connecting With 4 Former CLM Participants in Mirebalais Haiti
Sharing the Wonder of CLM: Stories of Transformation October, 2024 | Carine Roenen, Executive Director of the Fonkoze Foundation gathered with former CLM program participants. Gang violence, blocked roads, over 700,000 displaced people, colleagues forced to abandon their homes in a rush to save their lives—this is the difficult reality we face every day in […] Read More
Fonkoze Foundation Call for Proposals – Project Feasibility Study
Fonkoze Foundation seeks proposals for a Feasibility Study on the Chemen Lavi Miyò (CLM) Project View the full RFP here: TOR Feasability Study BMZ6_final Fonkoze intends to submit to BMZ1 a project proposal for co-financing of an ultra-poor graduation project (“Chemen Lavi Miyò” or “CLM”) in the southeast corner of Haiti’s Central Plateau, in […] Read More
The Haiti of my Childhood: By Erlantz Hyppolite
From the Desk of Fonkoze USA’s Executive Director: Dear Fonkoze Family and Friends, As I reflect on the Haiti of my childhood, my heart fills with vivid memories that paint a very different picture from what we see in today’s headlines. The Haiti I knew and the Haiti that still exists in so many corners […] Read More
Standing Strong with Haiti: Fonkoze’s Indispensable Role in Times of Crisis
11/20/2024 For over 30 years, Fonkoze has provided microfinance and related services to small-scale entrepreneurs, especially women, across the Haitian countryside. The tools these women have received from Fonkoze have helped them feed their families, send their children to school, and improve other aspects of their lives. It can sometimes feel as though Haiti has […] Read More
Empowering Communities Through Hygiene and Health
Fonkoze recently distributed 554 hygiene kits, with 27 kits going to our dedicated Community Health Entrepreneurs (CHEs). For many CHEs, this marked the first time they received a personal kit, creating a meaningful impact and high level of appreciation. Thanks to additional support from Food for the Poor, our CHEs were able to share these […] Read More
Operational Update from Fonkoze Leadership
Fonkoze Perseveres Through Unrest, Continuing to Deliver Vital Services Across Haiti November 12, 2024 | Port-au-Prince, Haiti — With recent developments in Haiti, Fonkoze remains committed to providing essential services to empower Haitian families and support economic resilience. Our dedication to helping communities build pathways out of poverty is unwavering, even as we navigate […] Read More
Fonkoze Financial Services CAO, Marie-Claire Dorcely Honored by Ayiti Community Trust
Fonkoze is proud to share that Marie-Claire Dorcely, CAO of Fonkoze Financial Services was honored as one of seven inspiring leaders who are paving the way for future generations through their dedication to entrepreneurship and small business ownership. Their contributions continue to shape a brighter future for Ayiti. Hantz Févry Jean Rene Faustin Lex Pierre-Louis Marie […] Read More
AYIITI Joins Her Voice in Support of Fonkoze
Musician Ayiiti joins forces with Fonkoze to mark 30 years of Fonkoze’s work for women and families in Haiti. A heartfelt thank you to Ayiiti for using her powerful voice to support Fonkoze and uplift women in Haiti! Ayiiti emphasizes that investing in women’s financial strength sparks transformation beyond individuals, creating a ripple effect that […] Read More
Fonkoze Marks Graduation of 200 Haitian Women from CLM Program
CLM Graduation: A Time of Pride and Joy Fonkoze USA’s Executive Director, Erlantz Hyppolite, recently traveled to Haiti to witness a transformative moment: the CLM graduation of 200 women. This video features this September 2024 graduation ceremony. The event marked the culmination of these women’s journey through Fonkoze’s Chemen Lavi Miyò (CLM) program, which provides […] Read More
Washington DC Friendraiser Success
Board Members Host Friendraiser for Fonkoze in Washington DC The Fonkoze 30th Anniversary Friendraiser in Washington, DC, was a resounding success, raising $10,000 to support the organization’s ongoing efforts in Haiti. Special guest Francesca Momplaisir made the event even more memorable by generously donating signed copies of her book for guests who contributed additional funds. […] Read More
Haitian Culture Celebrated in Rockport, Maine
View the Gallery Celebrating Haitian Culture in Rockport, Maine October 2024, Rockport, Maine, came alive with the vibrant colors, rhythms, and flavors of Haiti as we hosted a series of cultural events aimed at sharing the richness of Haitian heritage with our community. From a Haitian children’s book reading and musical rara around Barnswallow Books […] Read More
Haitian Art Exhibition Opens in Pittsburgh with Interpretations by Fonkoze Executive Director Erlantz Hyppolite
We are excited to share an update that a new Haitian art exhibit is on display in Pittsburgh from September 17, 2024 through June 28, 2025. The exhibit, which showcases the rich and vibrant culture of Haiti through stunning works of art, has been receiving wonderful feedback from visitors. Each piece is not only a […] Read More
Fonkoze Foundation Celebrates 30 Years of Empowering Haitians: Set to Launch ‘We Are Fonkoze’ Campaign
Celebrating 30 Years of Empowerment and Impact in Haiti Washington, DC – September 16, 2024 – Fonkoze Foundation, a pioneer in empowering Haitians through economic and social change, proudly marks its 30th anniversary. Since its inception in 1994, Fonkoze has been dedicated to improving the lives of Haiti’s most vulnerable communities through financial inclusion, education, […] Read More
Two Haitian Cultural Events by Fonkoze Come To Rockport, Maine on October 19, 2024
Two Haitian Cultural Events by Fonkoze Come to Rockport, Maine on October 19 Coming to Pascal Hall and Barnswallow Books this Fall is a celebration of Haitian culture through children’s literature, film, music and cuisine. In celebration of 30 years of empowering women in rural Haiti, Fonkoze brings this celebration of Haitian culture to the […] Read More
Watch the Full Recording of Fonkoze’s Virtual Partner Presentation with Mercy Focus on Haiti
We are excited to share the full recording of a powerful virtual event hosted by Fonkoze in collaboration with Mercy Focus on Haiti, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. This presentation offers an in-depth look at one of our most impactful initiatives, the Chemen Lavi Miyò (CLM) program, which is central […] Read More
Message from Haiti with Carine Roenen of Fonkoze Foundation
Fonkoze Foundation has operated in Haiti for the past 30 years. Executive Director, Carine Roenen, gives an update and shares information about the work of Fonkoze in Haiti and the context of the poverty alleviation and development work despite the existing challenges. We encourage you to watch this video and learn more about Fonkoze programs […] Read More
Virtual Partner Presentation: Fonkoze CLM Program and Mercy Focus On Haiti
Virtual Partner Presentation: Fonkoze’s CLM program Featuring our partner: Mercy Focus on Haiti, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Register here for the virtual event. Date: August 22 Time: 6pm ET Topic: Join Fonkoze staff in Haiti and partners from Mercy Focus on Haiti, a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy […] Read More
Event Recap: Boston Haitian Diaspora Meet-up and Panel & Photo Gallery
Transforming Women’s Lives in Haiti: Boston Event Recap and Photo Gallery On July 12, 2024, we hosted a transformative event in Boston titled “Women at the Forefront: Transforming Women’s Lives in Haiti; Sustainable Development and Grassroots Change.” This event brought together members of the Haitian diaspora and advocates for women’s empowerment to discuss the impactful […] Read More
Fonkoze USA Board of Directors Announces Appointment of Steven Cartwright
Steve Cartwright brings dedication to economic empowerment and social justice. Washington, D.C. – July 15, 2024 – Fonkoze USA is delighted to announce the appointment of Steve Cartwright to its Board of Directors. Steve brings a wealth of experience in data and technology, along with a deep commitment to education and economic equity. Steve […] Read More
Cooking With Fonkoze – Haitian Cuisine with Chef Jouvens Jean and Chef Jason
Cooking With Fonkoze Welcome to the latest episode of Cooking with Fonkoze! This series continues to celebrate Haitian culture and cuisine while highlighting the transformative impact of Fonkoze’s mission to empower women in rural Haiti. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Chef Jouvens Jean and Chef Jason Pierre join us to cook up […] Read More
NYC Celebrity Dinner Fundraiser in June for Fonkoze
Celebrity Dinner Fundraiser Supported Fonkoze in NYC View the Photos From the Event Celebrity Chef Jouvens Jean presents: Three-course gastronomic experience paired with wine bringing together a night of community and Haitian pride. See the photos from the evening. A percentage of proceeds benefited Fonkoze. Location: 21 West End Ave, NY, NY 10023 Read More
Cooking with Fonkoze: Chef Lemaire Brings 8 Haitian Recipes Celebrating Haitian Culture and Empowering Women
Cooking With Fonkoze Featuring Chef Alain Lemaire Welcome to the first episode of Cooking with Fonkoze! This series is a heartfelt celebration of Haitian culture, cuisine, and the incredible women in rural Haiti who have been empowered by Fonkoze’s initiatives over the past 30 years. In this episode, Erlantz Hyppolite, the Executive Director of Fonkoze […] Read More
Fonkoze Insights: How to keep more CLM Members in VSLAs in Haiti
The following Fonkoze CLM Insights focuses on our ultra-poverty alleviation program in Haiti. The series is written by Steven Werlin and highlights useful insights from the field that contribute to the development community. A full PDF of the data and tables referenced in the post can be accessed here: CLM Insights – Maintaining CLM […] Read More
Fonkoze at Haitian Heritage Month Business Expo in Miami
May 31 – June 1, 2024 Fonkoze USA team attended the Kreyol Konneksyon Haitian Heritage Month Business Expo in Miami. We raised awareness about Fonkoze’s microfinance and sustainable integrated development work with women in rural Haiti. Our team supported Haitian businesses and celebrates Haitian culture! Here are photos from the event. 📍 Port of […] Read More
Fonkoze Staff Member to Receive Alumni Achievement Award from Wheaton College
Rachel Pierre-Champagne recieves alumni achievement award from Wheaton College for her work in Haiti. Read More
3 Haitian Voices Join in Support of Fonkoze 30th Anniversary and Haitian Flag Day
Fonkoze Celebrates 30th Anniversary and Haitian Flag Day with Artists May 16, 2024 | The 18th of May holds a special place in the heart of every Haitian. It is the day we commemorate the creation of the Haitian flag and are reminded of the enduring adage, “L’union fait la force” (Unity is strength). This year, we […] Read More
Haiti Situation Update
Update from Fonkoze in Haiti March 13, 2024 | While recent headlines have once again brought attention to the challenging situation in Haiti, we want to share an update on how our dedicated Fonkoze teams are continuing their vital work in the face of increasing violence in Haiti. The impact of recent events has been […] Read More
Access to Health in Hard-to-Reach Areas
Aug 2021 – Fonkoze’s health program is making considerable strides in remote regions across the country by providing households in these areas access to much-needed health services, products and education. Facilitating mass screenings for malnourished children is one impactful way the organization is addressing critical health issues faced by families with little to no access […] Read More
Empowering CLM’s Youth to Thrive
Aug 2021 – Fonkoze’s CLM (Chemen Lavi Miyò or Pathway to a Better Life) program has empowered thousands of rural women living in the most extreme poverty (ultra-poverty) with the life skills tools, training and close accompaniment needed to break the cycle of poverty and plan for a better future. The program has recently added […] Read More
Mobile Therapeutic Feeding Clinics Address Child Malnutrition
Through our USAID/AKSYON (Community Health Action for Improving Nutrition) program, sets up mobile therapeutic feeding clinics in hard-to-reach rural areas in Haiti to treat malnourished children and mothers. These areas are where clinics are either nonexistent or so poorly equipped that they cannot serve as adequate referral facilities. Since this began in August 2016, Fonkoze […] Read More
Fonkoze’s Voices of Hope Solidarity Gathering in Martha’s Vineyard
Our Voices of Hope gathering on August 18, 2018 will be a memorable one! Hosted by MV WINS, shances, and author, activist, professor Ilyasah Shabazz, women and men from all backgrounds engaged in meaningful dialogue – discussing ways that each of us can effectively help to uplift and bring hope to those living in extreme […] Read More
Spotlight shined on Fonkoze at the famous APOLLO theater in New York City
Fonkoze was honored to participate in this year’s WOW – Women of the World Festival at the Apollo theater in New York City on March 17th. Fonkoze USA’s former Executive Director Mabel Valdivia joined other NGO community leaders in a panel discussion centered on the issues women and girls face in their respective fields of […] Read More
Fonkoze Wins 2021 European Microfinance Award
November 18, 2021 – Among three organizations shortlisted out of 43 applications from 32 countries received by the European Microfinance Platform’s selection committee – Fonkoze is named the 2021 European Microfinance Award winner for Inclusive Finance and Healthcare. The 100,000 € prize will support Fonkoze’s empowering work across Haiti. View the award certificate. The European […] Read More
Fonkoze’s response to COVID-19 across Haiti
Fonkoze’s Strategic Response Well before Haiti had its first confirmed case of COVID-19, leaders of Fonkoze created the country’s first Creole-language training on the disease while developing a strategic response plan to help the hundreds of thousands of people it serves across the country protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease. In a […] Read More
CLM: Sustainable Impact
Summary Report – November 2019 Fonkoze’s Chemen Lavi Miyò (CLM) program has succeeded consistently at helping families take the first steps out of extreme poverty. More than 7000 families have participated in the 18-month program since it was piloted starting in 2007, and over 96% of the families who complete the program have met or […] Read More
25th Anniversary Gala
Fonkoze and Friends Celebrated and Made a Difference! Fonkoze’s 25th Anniversary Celebration on September 21, 2019, will be a night to remember as approximately 300 of Fonkoze’s supporters gathered in Miami, Florida, to celebrate the progress we have collectively made throughout Haiti for the past 25 years. Hosted by Emmy Award-Winning Newscaster Calvin Hughes, the […] Read More
Fonkoze Wins 2018 FFTF Award – London
Washington, D.C. – October 2018: Fonkoze Financial Services (Sèvis Finansye Fonkoze (SFF)) was among 68 plus organizations from around the world who were considered for a Finance for the Future award this year. Out of the group, five organizations were selected as finalists within a category relevant to their respective field of work. SFF was […] Read More
Sofia Vergara, Renata Black, Fonkoze Empowering Women Together
‘Modern Family’ Actress/Model Sofia Vergara and Philanthropist/Founder of The Seven Bar Foundation Renata Black joined forces in 2016 to “use the power of lingerie and fashion to empower women” in developing countries like Haiti. Joint founders of the women’s underwear brand EBY (Empowered by You), Sofia and Renata are donating 10% of net sales to […] Read More
