Our Mission:
TO FOSTER COMMUNITIES OF TALENTED YOUNG LEADERS TO BECOME THE NEXT GENERATION OF SOCIAL CHANGE AGENTS BY ENGAGING IN COLLABORATIVE, ON-THE-GROUND SERVICE WITH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES IN NEED.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to create communities of young leaders that help break the cycle of poverty in underserved communities around the world. It’s why our mantra is “communities serving communities,” and it’s why we’re different.
Why MPI?
HOLISTIC
APPROACH
COMMUNITY
FOCUS
LEADERSHIP development
At Manna Project International, communities are everything. Whether serving communities in need or fostering our own communities of volunteers, we believe that the best experiences, projects and solutions are the ones that we create together.
2 ways you can partner with us:
On site
Our volunteer programs are designed to create the most impactful experience for you and the communities you’ll be serving. You will be living alongside other young leaders and working with community members on a daily basis. As days go by and relationships grow, you’ll begin to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of your neighbors - allowing you to respond with tailored support. Whether you choose a week-long learning experience, a summer internship or a long-term Program Coordinator or Director position, you'll experience consistent guidance from development professionals and support from your team. You’re unlikely to find a better experience (or value) than with Manna Project!
behind the scenes
As a donor, you can rest assured that your money is working hard to improve lives for communities in need. We go to great lengths to equip our volunteers and build relationships in the communities we serve for this reason alone – to make sure that we are creating the most impactful, measurable programs on the ground. Our work is built on the foundation of long-term commitment and earned trust. Our model focuses on health, education and livelihoods support for communities in developing countries. By concentrating resources on the targeted needs of specific communities in Ecuador and Nicaragua, your donation goes a long way to transforming the lives of those in need.
WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN THE MANNA COMMUNITY.
WHETHER YOU are INTERESTed IN VOLUNTEERING, DONATING OR SUPPORTING our WORK IN OTHER WAYS, YOU ARE CREATING HOLISTIC, SUSTAINABLE CHANGE. WELCOME!
A Note on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):
At Manna Project International, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment—both within our organization and in the communities where we live and serve. We welcome participants from all backgrounds and identities, including but not limited to differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, physical ability, political belief, and socioeconomic status.
We believe that meaningful cross-cultural learning is only possible in a space where individuals feel safe, respected, and empowered to share their perspectives. Our Essential Eligibility Criteria reflects this commitment by focusing on a participant’s ability to meet the demands of the program, not on personal identity or background. In cases where additional support or preparation is needed, we work collaboratively with participants to identify reasonable accommodations or resources.
We also recognize that identity can shape a participant’s experience in-country. Where relevant, we provide context and education—particularly regarding issues such as race, gender, and LGBTQ+ inclusion—so that participants are prepared to navigate these dynamics with confidence and cultural awareness.
As part of our ongoing DEI work, we are proud to offer the Amaguaña Scholarship Fund, designed to support BIPOC students with demonstrated financial need. This fund aims to increase access to international service-learning opportunities that have historically been gatekept and underrepresented.
We are committed to listening, learning, and continually expanding our DEI practices to ensure that all members of our community feel welcomed and supported. You can read more about our DEI plan here.