Heifer International

Heifer International is a global nonprofit organization focused on ending hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Founded in 1944, its approach centers on sustainable agriculture and community development, especially in rural areas of developing countries.

Key Facts:

• Full Name: Heifer Project International

• Founded: 1944 by Dan West, a farmer and Church of the Brethren relief worker

• Headquarters: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

• Mission: “To end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth.”

Core Approach:

Heifer International empowers families by providing them with:

• Livestock: such as cows, goats, chickens, and bees, which can provide milk, eggs, honey, and income.

• Training: in sustainable farming, animal husbandry, and business skills.

• “Passing on the Gift”: Families who receive animals are required to pass on the first female offspring to another family in need, along with the training they received.

Areas of Work:

• Food security and nutrition

• Income generation

• Environmental sustainability

• Women’s empowerment

• Education and community development

Global Reach:

Heifer operates in over 20 countries, including regions in:

• Africa (e.g., Uganda, Kenya, Malawi)

• Asia (e.g., Nepal, Bangladesh, India)

• Latin America (e.g., Guatemala, Honduras)

• United States (limited domestic programs)

Signature Programs:

• Heifer Cornerstones for Just and Sustainable Development – a set of 12 principles (like accountability, sharing, and sustainability) guiding its work.

• Heifer Ranch – an experiential learning center in Arkansas (currently transitioning focus post-COVID-19).

Funding:

Heifer International is primarily funded through:

• Individual donations

• Foundation grants

• Corporate partnerships

• Gift catalog purchases (e.g., “Buy a goat for a family” campaigns)