Who’s Who in Haitian Diaspora Economic Development

Economic development in the Haitian diaspora is about more than jobs and income; it’s about dignity, self-determination, and breaking cycles of dependency. These organizations work across entrepreneurship, cooperative development, microfinance, and market access, supporting Haitian farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to build sustainable livelihoods. From coffee cooperatives in the mountains to business incubators in Port-au-Prince to workforce development programs in the diaspora, their work is rooted in the belief that Haitians need opportunity, not charity.

The nonprofits profiled here use diverse strategies for empowerment, but share a common thread: respect for Haitian agency, investment in local capacity, and a commitment to models that build rather than extract community wealth.

While this guide highlights 8 organizations making an impact in economic development, it is not exhaustive. We welcome recommendations and insights on other nonprofits doing important work in our community.

Key Organizations in Economic Development

Acceso Impact Inc

Alleviating Rural Poverty and Facilitating Economic Development in Low-Income Countries: Acceso unlocks  rural prosperity by helping smallholder farmers and their communities thrive in food systems that too often leave them behind. We provide better inputs, climate-smart training, reliable markets, and stable jobs, operating across the value chain from seed to sale.

Based in Brooklyn, NY, Acceso Impact Inc focuses on rural development and agricultural cooperatives.

Beyond Borders, Inc.

Beyond Borders helps people build movements to liberate themselves from oppression and isolation. In Haiti and the United States, we are bringing people together for just and lasting change. We support movements in Haiti to: end child slavery, guarantee universal access to education, end violence against women and girls, and replace systems that oppress the poor with systems that support dignified work and sustainable livelihoods.

Based in Washington, DC, Beyond Borders, Inc. focuses on freedom from violence and torture, disabled persons’ rights, and equal opportunity in education.

Help One Now

Help One Now empowers families in developing countries through high-capacity local leaders with proven solutions to end extreme poverty.

Based in Raleigh, NC, Help One Now focuses on international development, community and economic development, and early childhood education.

HAITI TEEN CHALLENGE

Build godly leaders of integrity so that Haitians are empowered to rebuild their nation for God’s glory. Isaiah 61:1-9

Based in Port-au-Prince, Ouest, HAITI TEEN CHALLENGE focuses on youth development, economic development, and sustainable development.

Fonkoze USA

The vision of the Fonkoze Family is a Haiti where people, standing together, shoulder to shoulder, have pulled themselves out of poverty. Our mission is to work together to provide financial and development services that empower Haitians — primarily women — to lift their families out of poverty. Fonkoze USA secures financial and technical support for its Haitian partners, Fonkoze Foundation and Fonkoze Financial Services. Fonkoze USA educates the American public about its partners’ work in Haiti, facilitates technical assistance, raises funds to support its services and programs, and provides due diligence and reporting for donors.

Based in Washington, DC, Fonkoze USA focuses on e-learning, out-of-school learning, and microfinance.

KORE FOUNDATION INC

We seek to provide sustainable solutions to extreme poverty for the people of Haiti.

Based in Gallatin, TN, KORE FOUNDATION INC focuses on microfinance, international development, and economic development.

Be Like Brit Foundation, Inc.

To serve the children of Haiti by sustaining a safe and nurturing Children’s Home rooted in the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love, while developing a sense of social responsibility, community involvement, and unconditional love.

Based in Worcester, MA, Be Like Brit Foundation, Inc. focuses on health, community and economic development, and education.

Team Tassy (dba Work)

Team Tassy’s (D/B/A Work) mission is to accompany families in Haiti and beyond out of poverty through good, dignified jobs.

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Team Tassy (dba Work) focuses on employment.

Closing Thought

These organizations represent just part of the economic development work. From grassroots efforts to established institutions, they are building infrastructure, creating opportunity, and meeting critical needs across Haiti and diaspora communities. As visibility and support for this sector grow, they, and many others, are poised to make an even greater impact. Join in supporting these efforts to help drive sustainable development and resilience.