Thoughts on Coffee Kids
Late last month, we were saddened to learn that Coffee Kids would be suspending all programming after 26 years.
We were also surprised by the announcement, as Coffee Kids was a true leader, blazing the trail for non-profit organizations like ours and setting the standard for commitment, impact and engagement by the coffee industry in communities where coffee is grown and harvested.
As the SCAA Chronicle wrote:
… it seems as though the work has just begun. After what feels like the end of an era, we can’t help but ponder on what the next phase of sustainability work will look like, and who will lead the charge. Will the industry come together to ensure that Coffee Kids legacy lives on through its mission?
The Chronicle goes on to mention “competition in the non-profit sector” as a possible factor that led to Coffee Kids closing. While there is certainly some degree of competition for support among organizations like Grounds for Health and other sustainability efforts, we’ve never really seen a healthy number of philanthropic efforts as a bad thing.
With nearly 5,000 members in the Specialty Coffee Association of America, not to mention hundreds more in the National Coffee Association, the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe and millions of coffee consumers, there is—theoretically—more than enough support to go around.
Coffee should be able to support a variety of non-profits, each with specific missions and specialties. As our previous executive director loved to say: “many hands make light work.” Alas, work it is—work that requires consistent funding to continue.
The news from Coffee Kids is chilling, a stark reminder that a few limited donor cycles are all that lie between building sustained impact and closing our doors forever. It should also be motivating, spurring organizations like Grounds for Health to constantly adapt, evolve, improve and respond to the needs of all our audiences. Our supporters demand it. The people we serve deserve it.
Coffee Kids continually set the bar in terms of innovation, impact and donor relations. It is sad to see them go, but one thing’s clear: their influence will last forever.
On behalf of everyone at Grounds for Health, thank you to all the employees, volunteers, supporters and followers of Coffee Kids. You have truly made a difference in the lives of coffee farmers and their communities.
You have changed the coffee industry forever and at Grounds for Health, we are committed to advancing your legacy.
With gratitude,
Guy Stallworthy
President and Chief Executive Officer
Grounds for Health
About Post Author
Needless to say that Paragon Coffee Trading Co. was very saddened to hear of Coffee Kid’s demise.
Over the last 15+ years, Coffee Kids has been receiving the lion share of Paragon’s annual contributions/donations to a total of five non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the lives
of impoverished families in many coffee producing countries.
It is our intention to proportionally increase our annual donations to the remaining four organizations.
Keep up the good work you are doing!
Sincerely,
Roland W. Veit – Chairman
Paragon Coffee Trading Company
White Plains, NY
Coffee Kids should not have gone out of business. Corporate Social Responsibility is everyone’s opportunity to support all good work in an efficient, productive and rewarding manner. The donor model must be turned upside down and allow all members in our industry to donate and be recognized and rewarded. Currently gifts come from a top down model and this is no longer a sustainable model. Whole Foods has it right when the ask every employee to donate $1.00 each month for micro credit. This is impact when every cent goes to the program of choice. Please see Coffeecares.net. Measure, manage and report on real metrics. End the word non-profit and let’s share in social business instead. There is an abundance of money, all we need is a tool and WILLINGNESS. Collective momentum. Perhaps a food security campaign is a good place to start.