From Data to Action: What the Diaspora Is Saying — and What It Means for Organizations Supporting Haiti

As we continue gathering responses for the 2025 Haitian Diaspora Philanthropy Survey, one thing is clear: the Haitian diaspora is deeply invested in Haiti’s future—emotionally, culturally, and, in many cases, financially. Yet, critical gaps in trust, connection, and infrastructure must also be addressed to unlock the full potential of diaspora giving.

At Centre NGO, we launched this survey to uncover what’s working and missing and how we can build more meaningful bridges between diaspora communities and Haitian-led development efforts.

With early data in hand, we’re seeing both insight and opportunity.

What the Diaspora Is Telling Us (So Far)

Here are some of the key findings from our ongoing survey:

• 87.5% of respondents said they would give more if they could see real-time impact.
• 43.8% reported their giving to Haiti has decreased over the past year.
• 68.8% are not part of any diaspora network — revealing a disconnect, not a lack of care.
• Only 31.2% are currently involved in Haiti-focused philanthropy.
• The top issues people want to support are:
  • Food Justice & Hunger Prevention (50%)
  • Education, Children & Family Services, Community Development (all 37.5%)
  • Career Development & Technology (31.2%)

These observations show that although the diaspora wants to assist, they struggle with trust, access, and the need for deeper connections.

What Initiatives and Organizations with a Haitian Focus Can Learn

If you’re leading an organization or initiative that serves Haiti or the Haitian diaspora, these findings offer valuable guidance:

1. Trust and Transparency Are Non-Negotiable

Donors from the diaspora want to know how their money is being spent and what real change is taking place. Storytelling alone is insufficient; feedback loops, impact tracking, and reporting are required.

Action Step: Use WhatsApp updates, newsletters, simple infographics, or quarterly dashboards to show progress and build confidence.

2. Go Beyond Fundraising — Invite Diverse Engagement

The diaspora is full of skilled professionals who want to offer mentorship, expertise, and volunteer support, not just money.

Action Step: Design flexible ways for the diaspora to contribute their talents, such as virtual sessions, skill-based volunteering, or co-creating campaigns.

3. Invest in Community Building

Establishing spaces for connection is urgent, as over two-thirds of respondents stated they are not part of any diaspora network.

Action Step: Partner with local associations, create digital groups, or host informal meetups to foster belonging and shared purpose.

4. Align Your Work with Diaspora Priorities

The top areas of interest — food justice, education, children & families, and economic empowerment — are urgent and emotional touchpoints.

Action Step: Make it easy for potential supporters to see how your work addresses these priorities. Tailor messaging to show results in those sectors.

5. Re-engage the Disengaged

Almost half of those surveyed reported cutting back on their donations. That is a wake-up call, not a lost cause.

Action Step: Survey your past supporters, ask what stopped them from giving, and make changes. People want to be inspired — and included.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Reflection and Action

As we continue collecting responses through June 24, 2025, we urge organizations, funders, and community leaders to reflect on how they can better serve a diaspora ready to lead — if invited meaningfully into the process

Together, we can move from data to action.

Haven’t taken the survey yet? Add your voice and help us shape the future of Haitian-led philanthropy.

Take the Survey