Download the press release here

KANPE is thrilled to announce a generous donation of 5 million USD from philanthropist and co-founder of Twitter (now known as X) and co-founder and current CEO of Square Jack Dorsey to support KANPE’s work of empowering girls and women in the most underserved rural communities in Haiti’s Central Plateau. This contribution will fuel the organization’s programs providing vital opportunities and resources to women and girls. The donation will also strengthen KANPE’s commitment to shoulder the most vulnerable on their path to autonomy.

A 5-year commitment

Thanks to this incredible support, which will span over 5 years, KANPE will expand its programs into four additional communities in Haiti’s Central Plateau. This funding will enable improved access to education and healthcare for women and girls and create more economic opportunities. Through leadership training, essential health services, agroforestry initiatives and resources for these communities, women will be able to take charge of their futures, overcoming the tough challenges they face.

Women are the backbone of sustainable development

As Régine Chassagne, co-founder of KANPE, proudly shared: “Women are at the heart of KANPE. This grant from #StartSmall allows us to expand our movement to transform Haiti by reinforcing the leadership of the most vulnerable: women and girls in rural Haiti—our true ‘poto mitan’. We know that they are pillars who carry the weight of their communities on their shoulders, driving economic change and ensuring children are better prepared for the future.”

Jennifer Brown, Executive Director of KANPE, added: “When women are educated and healthy, they drive economic growth, reinvesting 90% of their income back into their families—compared to 35% for men, according to the UN. This shift in economic power strengthens families, builds resilience in children, and uplifts entire communities.” 

KANPE’s focus on women has elevated their status in the community and stimulated the local economy in Baille Tourible. This has also led to stronger living conditions and greater social cohesion. We are immensely thankful to #StartSmall for their support and dedication to our cause. This contribution will allow us to broaden our impact, continuing to transform the lives of Haitian women and girls, by providing the resources they need to shape a future where they can achieve true autonomy and self-determination.

About The KANPE Foundation

KANPE, which means “to stand up” in Haitian Creole, is a foundation dedicated to supporting Haiti’s underserved rural communities on their path to autonomy through six key pillars: Leadership, Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, Agroforestry, Education, Healthcare, and Infrastructure Strengthening.

Founded in 2010 by two influential women of Haitian descent, Régine Chassagne, co-leader of the Grammy-winning band Arcade Fire, and Dominique Anglade, a prominent political, business and academic leader, KANPE is deeply committed to Haiti’s development from the ground up. The foundation is registered as a charity in the United States and Canada.

Learn more at www.kanpe.org or follow @kanpehaiti on Facebook/X or @kanpe_foundation on Instagram.

About #StartSmall

#StartSmall is Jack Dorsey’s philanthropic initiative to fund global crisis relief, girls’ health and education, and open internet development.

###

For more information, please contact:
Jennifer Brown
1 (514) 346-4807
">

Photo credit: Isabelle Thibault