Our Vision

The Community Garden: More than a name, it's a promise to seed opportunities, cultivate cultural understanding, and nurture threatened or unique traditions.

INDIGENOUS TEXTILES AND SHAMANIC PRODUCTS

Our curated collection of fair trade products comes from the skilled hands of artisans in Mexico and Peru.

It takes us deep into the heart of the Amazon jungle, where we collaborate with the Kukama and Shipibo tribes, and connects us to the rich tapestries of the Zapotec, Mazatecs, Comcaac (Seri), Tzo Tzil and Lacandon Maya, and Wixárika (Huichol) communities in Mexico.

Each purchase you make transcends a transaction. It's a pledge to our "beyond fair trade" commitment, ensuring 100% of the proceeds flow directly back to fortify our programs, support our tribal collaborators, and traditional stewards.

Each artifact you find with us is handcrafted or locally procured. They come paired with a Certificate of Authenticity, detailing the artist and the story behind the product. Furthermore, our ceremonial items are infused with prayers, passed down through generations, to bestow blessings upon you and your loved ones in exchange for the support.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE AND CHARITY RETREATS

Dive into our ethically designed charitable retreats. Co-developed with community leaders, they promise authentic and unique cultural exchanges. The proceeds from these retreats empower us to champion Indigenous language preservation, resource allocation (food and clothing donation), ceremonial safeguarding, economic stimulation, and strengthening of vulnerable traditions

COUNTRIES WE CURRENTLY HAVE PROGRAMS IN

Peru, Mexico, Turkey, India, and the Philippines.

FAQs

  • The Community Garden Foundation became official in October 2022, although its charitable activities started as early as 2019 in south eastern Turkey.

    The Community Garden is a non-profit foundation devoted to amplifying the voices and stories of remarkable individuals and communities through storytelling, social media outreach, and donations.

    Our primary focus is on assisting underprivileged communities and individuals grappling with extreme poverty. We are equally committed to safeguarding endangered cultural heritage and traditions, or in general, preserving valuable aspects that define different communities around the world.

    Our organization operates several diverse programs designed to achieve our objectives. These include initiatives such as reforestation endeavors, the creation of an indigenous cultural heritage site in Mexico, and a marketplace where we offer products specifically relevant to different programs or general fundraising.

    We believe that by working together and drawing upon the unique strengths of every community, we can create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. With a focus on collaboration, education, and empowerment, we strive to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve, while also promoting a deeper appreciation and understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.

    To delve deeper into our impactful projects, kindly reach out to us via email at info@thecommunitygarden.org or explore the 'About Us' tab on our website.

  • Thank you so much for your willingness to help! Your support means a lot to us. There are several ways you can contribute to our cause:

    Donate: Your financial contribution will go a long way in helping us achieve our goals. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. You can donate securely through our website or by reaching out to us directly. Our donations are tax deductible as per our 501c3 status with the IRS.

    Purchase our indigenous-made products: We take pride in the high-quality products that the communities we provide charity and support create. By purchasing their products, you are supporting their local economy and helping to preserve their cultural heritage. We're committed to utilizing all profits from our product sales to fund our projects that support education, provide basic resources to impoverished families, and maintain the cultural heritage of tribal communities. Your support of our indigenous-made products not only benefits the artisans who create them but also helps to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Thank you for helping us to sustain our mission.

    Join us on one of our retreat excursions: Our foundation is dedicated to organizing culturally responsible retreats and excursions that offer a unique opportunity to experience different cultures firsthand. By joining us, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in local communities, learn about their way of life, and explore the beauty of hand-picked places meant to give you a transformational experience.

    We prioritize responsible tourism practices that ensure our activities are respectful and beneficial to the communities we visit. By choosing to join a retreat with us, you'll not only be supporting various communities by helping provide education, resources, and projects - you’ll also have a life-changing trip.

    If you have any other ideas or ways you can imagine helping, please let us know. We are always open to new suggestions and collaborations. Thank you again for your interest and support.

  • Spread the word on social media: You can help by sharing our nonprofit's social media posts, following our social media accounts, and encouraging others to do the same. This will help to increase our foundation’s online visibility and potentially reach new supporters.

    Advocate for the cause: You can help by speaking with the people in your life about our nonprofit's mission and encouraging them to get involved as well. You can also advocate for the cause by contacting your elected officials and encouraging them to support policies that align with our organization's goals.

    Host a fundraiser or event: You can help by organizing a fundraiser or event to benefit our nonprofit. This could include anything from a bake sale or charity auction to a benefit concert or walkathon.

    Donate goods or services: You can help by donating items. or offering your skills and expertise to the organization. At The Community Garden, we rely on the support of our generous donors and volunteers to fulfill our mission. If you're interested in supporting our organization by donating clothes, toys, or other goods, here are some ways you can help:

    Check with us first: Before donating any items, please check with us to see if we have specific needs or requirements. While we appreciate all donations, some items may not be suitable for our organization.

    Schedule a pickup: If you have large items to donate, such as furniture or equipment, please contact us to schedule a pickup.

    Donate your skills and expertise: We're always looking for volunteers with skills and expertise that can benefit our organization. If you have experience in areas such as marketing, fundraising, grant writing, or event planning, we would love to hear from you.

    Remember, every little bit helps and there are many ways to get involved with our charity beyond just donating money. By using your time, skills, and influence, you can help make a difference and support a cause you believe in.

  • We value the input and preferences of our donors, and are happy to accommodate their wishes for how their donation is used to support our mission. If a donor has a specific community or family in mind that they have seen on our social media or elsewhere, or they recommend a community or family somewhere in the world, we are always happy to listen.

    You can choose a specific project to donate toward on our Patreon.

  • We maintain thorough documentation of all our projects and charities, ensuring complete transparency and accountability in our operations. Additionally, we share updates on our projects and charities through various channels, including social media, to keep our supporters informed of the impact and progress.

  • Yes, they are. In the United States, donations to nonprofits become tax deductible when the organization has been granted tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This status means that the nonprofit is recognized as a charitable organization and is exempt from paying federal income taxes.

    When donors make a contribution to a nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, they can deduct the amount of their donation from their taxable income, which can lower their tax liability. The amount of the tax deduction depends on the amount donated and the donor's tax bracket.

    Donors should consult their own tax advisors for guidance on the tax implications of their contributions.

  • To stay informed about our projects and upcoming events, we invite you to sign up for our mailing list or contact us via email. By subscribing to our mailing list, you'll receive regular updates on our initiatives and ways to get involved, and by emailing us, you can request more information about our organization and our activities. Info@TheCommunityGarden.org

  • When it comes to bringing guests to around the world for charity purposes, it is crucial to ensure that the communities involved have a say in the decision-making process. While it is important to respect their autonomy, it is equally important to provide them with the necessary information to make informed decisions.

    Effective community tourism initiatives require collaboration between the community and tourism experts who can guide them in creating a sustainable form of tourism that benefits the community. This approach, known as community-based tourism (CBT), creates a mutually beneficial relationship where local employment, income for education, and conservation initiatives are generated from tourism. It also creates a unique opportunity for cultural exchange between hosts and guests.

    External facilitators can assist communities in understanding the commercial and social value of their natural and cultural heritage and encourage them to participate in its conservation. They can also help communities acquire the skills needed to run a sustainable tourism business while weighing the advantages and disadvantages of tourism.

    By promoting ethical tourism practices and retreats, we can empower indigenous communities to make informed decisions about tourism and encourage sustainable development that benefits all parties involved.

Meet the Team

  • Dakota Wint

    Executive Director

  • Peter Tran

    Administrative Assistant

  • Jazmín "Coyotita" Casimiro

    Mazatec And Oaxacan Project Coordinator

  • Rey Vega

    North American Project Coordinator

  • Ramazan Aygat

    Turkey Project Coordinator

  • Anita Spellich

    Foundation Treasurer

Our Artisans