No impact too small

As I review last year and look to the coming one, I am filled with gratitude for the generosity of all of you who made donations to South Coast Foundation. For those of you who think their donation is too small to make a difference, let me assure you it does. 

Throughout the years, as the director of a smaller foundation in the midst of the mega-million ones, sometimes I’ve struggled to stay motivated, when I wished there was more to give, when the contribution seemed meager in comparison to the need. To help me through those times, I adopted a motto that became a guiding principle, “No impact too small”. 

And now, with over a year of receiving the kind gifts of people in the US, I can say that the same principle I apply to giving in South Africa holds true here as well. When you give, no matter what you chose to give: your time, your skills, your creative energy, your money, it’s worth it because there is, “No impact too small”.

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A gift from the heart

An unexpected letter arrived today and in it, a card with a note and several checks. There was somewhat of an apology for the amount, but to me, it didn’t matter. The timing of its arrival was the real gift. The donation was for Woza Moya, one of our favorite organizations that unexpectedly lost a major funder. Suddenly they are under dire financial straits. So thank-you Ubuntu Charlotte for your gift. When you give from the heart, it’s usually worth more than you ever imagine.

East Coast meets South Coast: Global friendships span the test of time

Long-time friend and colleague Heeten Kalan met with Kathy Cook in San Francisco to share their latest projects in South Africa, catch-up on family and friends and reminisce about their past. Heeten recalled how their friendship started under an unlikely set of circumstances nearly two decades ago when he was a young, college graduate starting a non-profit organization. Kathy had called to informed him that his proposal to South Coast Foundation was unsuccessful. However, after reviewing the reasons for the rejection, Heeten not only convinced Kathy to reconsider, but in less than a month, he received his very first grant. Though new to fundraising at the time, Heeten’s talent was not to be missed! From there, Heeten founded the South Africa Environmental Exchange Program. Currently, Heeten is with The New World Foundation and a board member of the South Africa Development Fund, which was the recent recipient of a multi-million dollar grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to support HIV/Aids programs in South Africa.

A Little Piece of Heaven

Through the contributions of South Coast Foundation, Heaven’s Nest in Cape Town built a new classroom. TJ Watkins saw the classroom for the first time, met the students and left touched by the experience. TJ shares the same cultural roots as the children at Heaven’s Nest, a connection that made the visit a very personal and emotional one for him. We are now in the process of fundraising to provide educational materials for the classroom. All donations are welcome.

Woza Moya: A special place in our hearts

Nestled in the remote Ufafa Valley of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Woza Moya brings hope to an area devastated by HIV/Aids. In 2010, we enthusiastically became their US fiscal sponsor. The May visit represented our first meeting since that partnership was formed. To our US supporters, a special thank-you! Our site visit confirmed what we already knew: that your contributions are going far to create a caring, nurturing environment for these children.  http://www.wozamoya.org.za/

Woza Moya

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TJ Watkins visits South Africa

TJ Watkins recently travelled to his home country, conducting site visits with organizations supported by South Coast Foundation. Meeting with old friends and new, his trip was an inspiring journey that reignited an appreciation for the dedication of those who work at the ground level of the HIV/Aids crisis in Africa.

Elton John and Annie Lenox visit Vrygrond

The Centre is a joint venture between the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Annie Lennoxs SING Campaign, and the Vrygrond Community Development Trust. It will provide vital services for adults and children in the Vrygrond community, up to 13% of whom are already infected with HIV. South Coast Foundation is privileged to offer support for this amazing project.

Give, Share, Educate

Welcome to our first blog post.

South Coast Foundation is a private family foundation that operates a grantmaking program in South Africa. With an underlying commitment to poverty reduction and HIV/AIDS eradication, our mission is to support orphans and vulnerable children through organizations that address the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic at the local level. Our guiding principle is “No impact too small”.

The foundation’s experience and history in South Africa, which spans over two decades, has been focused primarily on community-based organizations. We regard these organizations as the lifeline of impoverished communities, at the forefront of innovative development and the heart of community development.

We invite you to visit our website to learn more.