Strengthening local organizations in coffee-growing communities.
The Coffee Trust works alongside organizations in Guatemala through long-term partnership, systems support, and community-centered development.
The challenge
Coffee farmers produce one of the world's most valuable commodities. Most don't share in that value.
For generations, families in Guatemala's coffee regions have depended on a single crop and a market that rarely works in their favor. Unstable prices, no access to credit, limited education, and no path to diversify.
Short-term aid doesn't change this. Long-term partnership does.
What Makes Our Approach Different
-
![]()
Community-Led
We collaborate with participants to design projects that lead toward self-management—the ultimate goal is for our partner organizations to take full responsibility for their projects and to become their own advocates.
-
![]()
Long-Term Solutions
Our programs reflect the belief that sustainable transformation takes decades, not a few years.
-
![]()
Focused on Capacity Building
The Coffee Trust has worked in tandem with honey producers and coffee producers in the Chajulense region to diversify the local economy and create additional income for coffee producers and their families.
-
![]()
Rooted in Cultural Understanding
We believe and trust that the communities we work with know what they need. We support communities as they create their own self-sustaining programs to address their most pressing challenges.
We work with communities who guide their own development through the margins of their own priorities, their own values, and their own culture.
How We Create Sustainable Change
-
Women receive small, progressive loans to start or grow family businesses, strengthening household income and financial independence.
-
Through beekeeping, organic agriculture, diversified local economies and added-value production, families reduce their dependence on coffee as a single source of income and are able to remain at home, with their families and their farms.
-
We support local schools, higher education scholarships, and community leadership training to strengthen the next generation.
Long Term Impact in Action
Since 2008, The Coffee Trust has partnered with Indigenous coffee-farming communities in Guatemala to strengthen long-term resilience.
17+ years of continuous partnership in the Ixil and Atitlán regions
Multi-community impact across Chajul, Nebaj, Cotzal, and Sololá
Women’s microcredit systems implemented and strengthened
Community banking frameworks installed and supported since 2009
Honey and agricultural diversification initiatives expanded
Administrative and financial systems modernized for local partner organizations
Ongoing leadership and financial education training
From Dependency to Resilience
Rosalía lives in San Pedro, Guatemala, and each morning, she teaches preschool. In the afternoons and evenings, she sews traditional blouses to help support her family. She is a mother of three, balancing long days and late nights, working steadily toward a better future for her children.
Rosalia is part of a women’s group through our partner Visión Guatemala Atítlan (VGA). These groups help women like Rosalía build skills, stability, and hope for the future. With the support of The Coffee Trust and VGA, women are strengthening their families while preserving cultural traditions and creating sustainable income.
Trusted and Established
The Coffee Trust is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to long-term partnerships with Indigenous coffee-farming communities in Guatemala.
-
Bill Fishbein – 38 years supporting coffee farmers
Paula Rodríguez – 20+ years working alongside coffee communities
-
Asociación Chajulense: fair trade organic coffee producers in San Gaspar Chajul, Guatemala
Asociación Chajulense de Mujeres (ACMUV): women’s microcredit association
Asociación Chajulense de Mujeres (COMUVI): women’s microcredit cooperative
CopiChajulense: fairtrade organic honey cooperative
Visión Guatemala Atitlán: indigenous women’s group in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Horizontes Sin Límites: nonprofit proving first-class educational opportunities for youth in San Gaspar Chajul
-
Click here for our list of roaster partners (coming soon!).
