Project Category: Community Support

Some fast facts about this project:

  • Location: Talamanca, South Caribbean, Costa Rica
  • Crisis Type: Natural Disaster Relief (Flooding)
  • Year Launched: 2021
  • Immediate Aid Provided: Food, clothing, blankets
  • Long-Term Efforts: Community fundraising, rebuilding, ongoing readiness for future climate-related events

About the Project:

When the devastating 2021 floods ravaged the South Caribbean, The RISE Foundation rose to the occasion, providing critical aid to thousands of families in Talamanca who lost their homes and infrastructure. This project became a powerful testament to the strength of community solidarity and the importance of rapid, organized local response in times of crisis.

We mobilized quickly to distribute food parcels, warm clothing, and blankets to displaced families, addressing urgent survival needs in the face of overwhelming loss. Recognizing that disaster recovery is a long-term process, we then launched a community-wide fundraiser to help residents begin to rebuild. Every dollar raised went directly toward supporting affected families.This response wasn’t just about aid, it was about resilience, unity, and compassion.

What the project needs:

  • Emergency fund donations for future rapid disaster response
  • Partnerships with NGOs, disaster relief experts, and local suppliers
  • Volunteer support and logistics coordination
  • Supplies: blankets, food staples, first aid, and waterproof shelter materials

Help us stay ready for whatever tomorrow brings. Your support means no one faces disaster alone.

Where the money will go:

1.

Immediate Relief Supplies:

Food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, shelter materials

2.

Rebuilding Support:

Direct aid for families affected by natural disasters

3.

Preparedness Programs:

Building capacity for future climate emergencies

4.

Fundraising Infrastructure:

Community-led efforts to gather ongoing support

The impact

  • Fed and clothed hundreds of families during crisis
  • Delivered aid directly to flood victims within days of disaster
  • Raised thousands through grassroots fundraising
  • Laid the groundwork for a more climate-resilient future in Talamanca

Because of our work, families in crisis had more than just hope, they had help.

Working with the community, for the community:

Our deep local roots allowed us to respond with speed, empathy, and insight, meeting people’s real needs at their most vulnerable moments. While we can’t prevent disasters, we can ensure no one faces them alone. With your continued support, we’ll be ready for the next challenge, whatever and whenever it comes.

Stand with us as we build a future that’s more prepared, more connected, and more compassionate.

Some fast facts about this project:

  • Location: La Palma, near the Costa Rica–Panama border
  • Project Type: Community Outreach & Food Security
  • Beneficiaries: ~200 children and their families
  • Timeline: Launched in 2024 – Ongoing
  • Monthly Food Cost: Approx. $1,000 USD
  • Partners: Local supermarkets (donation carts), future grant partnerships in progress.

About the Project:

In 2024, The RISE Foundation reached the remote community of La Palma, where families rely heavily on low-wage labor from banana plantations. Here, we uncovered a heartbreaking reality: children often go without food on weekends when school meal programs aren’t available.

What began as a festive event, a simple party for the children, uncovered a critical need. In response, our La Palma project was born, offering both immediate relief and a vision for long-term community empowerment.

We currently provide food support while developing sustainable initiatives to help the community grow stronger from within. Through local supermarket donation carts, we’re creating a continuous stream of aid. We’re also pursuing larger donations and grants to reach our monthly goal of feeding all 200 children consistently.

What the project needs:

  • Monthly donors to meet the $1,000 food budget
  • Partnerships or grants to scale medical and veterinary care
  • Donations for events and enrichment activities for children
  • Expertise or support for sustainable farming solutions

We welcome supporters ready to help turn this vision of resilience into a reality for La Palma.

Where the money will go:

Every dollar helps transform hunger into health and despair into joy.

1.

Food Security:

Nutritious meals for 200 children

2.

Seasonal Programs:

Holiday gifts, cultural activities, and community gatherings

3.

Sustainable Agriculture:

Tools and training to enable community-grown food

4.

Healthcare Access:

Future plans for mobile medical and veterinary services

The impact

  • Weekend hunger alleviated for over 200 children
  • A joyful Caribbean Christmas with gifts for every child
  • Growing support systems and future plans for medical outreach
  • Empowerment through self-sustaining food initiatives
  • Increased community morale and social cohesion

This is about more than feeding children, it’s about giving them the freedom to dream.

Working with the community, for the community:

We work hand-in-hand with La Palma residents to build a project that’s rooted in dignity, respect, and sustainability. As we grow, we’re committed to supporting their dreams whether that means a warm meal, a cherished memory, or a thriving garden.

From food aid to farming innovation, we’re here to walk this path with the people of La Palma not just for them.

Some fast facts about this project:

  • Location: Puerto Viejo and surrounding South Caribbean communities, Costa Rica
  • Project Type: Community Relief & Development
  • Beneficiaries: Over 350 families (and counting)
  • Timeline: Established in 2020 – Ongoing

About the project:

Born from the crisis of the 2020 pandemic, The RISE Foundation began its journey as Puerto Viejo Esenciales, a grassroots relief initiative aimed at supporting families devastated by the shutdown of Costa Rica’s tourism economy. We quickly became a lifeline, feeding over 350 families and delivering medical and practical aid during a time of unprecedented uncertainty.

What began as an emergency response has now grown into an ongoing community support program. Today, our mission is deeply rooted in providing for those who continue to struggle whether it’s food, school supplies, healthcare, housing support, or helping their beloved animals.

What the project needs:

  • Monthly funding for food, medicine, and essentials
  • Donations of school supplies and hygiene products
  • Volunteers and partnerships for outreach and logistics
  • Support for infrastructure to expand services

We need regular donors, supplies, and community champions to keep this program running and growing.

Where the money will go:

Your support keeps struggling families nourished, safe, and hopeful.

1.

Food Relief:

Grocery packages and fresh produce for families in need

2.

Healthcare Support:

Medical visits, emergency transport, and medications

3.

Educational Aid:

School uniforms, backpacks, and classroom essentials

4.

Housing & Homeless Support:

Basic shelter supplies and assistance

5.

Animal Care:

Support for low-income families with pets

The impact

  • 350+ families supported during the height of the COVID-19 crisis
  • Ongoing assistance now reaching hundreds annually
  • Children equipped for school, individuals helped through homelessness
  • Pets and families kept together through veterinary and food aid
  • Strengthened community resilience and dignity

This project is a testament to what compassion, action, and community can achieve no matter the crisis.

Working with the community, for the community:

We’re proud to collaborate with local organizations like The One Love Children’s Foundation and El Puente, ensuring help reaches those who need it most. The RISE Community Support Project is driven by locals, for locals with empathy, trust, and sustainability at its core.

Together with our partners and volunteers, we’re restoring hope one family, one meal, one act of kindness at a time.