About us

Sustainability Partners is a small UK based charity that supports people and organisations in less developed countries who are working in their communities to alleviate poverty, improve local social conditions and protect their environment. While we, in the developed world, are increasingly worried about environmental damage and social disorder, for a majority of the world’s population the first concern is to escape from poverty and achieve adequate levels of nutrition, health and security. We believe it is impossible to protect the environment and limit social upheaval without addressing this poverty. We therefore support small organisations and individuals who are working to improve the lives of themselves and their neighbours. We believe small scale initiatives by local enthusiasts can be very effective but they often struggle to become sustainable due to lack of funds and organisational skills.

Our modest but regular financial support is not tied to a specific aspect of their work; they decide what is necessary. That might be their electricity costs, staff training, an additional part time staff member or capital expenditure on resources. We monitor them through regular updates, social media, annual reports and accounts, and where possible, visits from trustees or trusted persons. By providing this type of financing we support organisations to build their decision making self-confidence and to access the knowledge, ideas, and skills training that will enable them to develop, eventually, alternative income or funding. The results of our support are not a new school or clinic but stronger organisations and individuals able to raise their own funds and sustain their work long term.

We work with people who demonstrate vision, determination and courage. We rely on them to know their own society and its needs; we do not impose our own vision of development. It is their vision, courage and determination in the face of great difficulties that inspires our work.