Global Coffee Alliance for Good
Welcome to the Global Coffee Alliance for Good (GCAG), a unique initiative created to empower and uplift small coffee farmers through direct collaboration between individuals, ethical businesses, and local communities.
We believe that by working together, we can create a transparent, accessible, and impactful charity project that will transform lives at the origin of the coffee supply chain. The Global Coffee Alliance for Good (GCAG) was founded to address the challenges faced by small-scale coffee farmers who often struggle with limited access to resources, knowledge, and market opportunities. GCAG is built on fun and open collaboration, welcoming the participation of not only businesses but also individuals who want to make a difference. By collaborating with coffee professionals, business partners, and local communities, we ensure that every dollar donated, every tool provided, and every hour spent has a visible and measurable impact on the coffee farmers’ livelihoods.
In a world where social media is an essential part of every coffee lover’s life, we are often captivated by picturesque coffee plantations and beautifully filmed processing videos. Yet, these snapshots represent only a small part of the coffee industry. The reality is that 89% of coffee farming is conducted by small family farms that continue to face struggles and limited opportunities. At I’M NOT A BARISTA, our mission is to give a voice to coffee people—especially to those unsung heroes of the industry. That’s why we initiated the Global Coffee Alliance for Good—to share the authentic stories of small family farms and, more importantly, bring them hope for a better future.
Colombia Project Status
5000
funds raised
3
brands working with us
14
Volunteers team
Primary Partner
Goals
- Enhance Coffee Production Skills:
Provide free coffee courses for the younger generation on coffee farms.
- Equip Farmers with Essential Tools:
Provide brewing equipment such as kettles, hand grinders, and scales to young generations and ensure they can practice their skills and apply their newly gained knowledge.
- Support Sustainable Farming:
Provide small funds to help farmers purchase better coffee trees, increase crop yields, and ensure the longevity of their farms.
- Create Lasting Educational Impact:
Produce a shareable documentary film and educational content that captures the journey of the project, highlighting the transformation of farmers’ lives.
Our first trial project will take place in Bucaramanga Colombia, in partnership with TIMEMORE, and our local collaborator, María Lucia & Fundación Federico. This project aims to provide direct support to farmers through a combination of educational programs and essential tool sponsorships, laying a solid foundation for long-term growth and self-sustainability.
Scope
We will focus on empowering small farmers around the Bucaramanga region. Together with our partners and volunteers, we will run an one-week educational course designed to equip young farmers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to enhance their coffee production, manage their farms more effectively, and improve their overall quality of life.
- Timeline: October 2024 – April 2025*
- Scope: Free educational program for 20 young coffee farmers, and essential brewing tools
- Partners: TIMEMORE and María & Fundación Federico, volunteer coffee educators
- Resources Available: Initial fund of $4,000 from TIMEMORE and $1000 from I’M NOT A BARISTA, additional support through the sale of charity wristbands designed by TIMEMORE and our local partners.
Our Partners
This project is made possible through the collaboration and support of dedicated partners who share our vision of creating a positive impact on coffee communities
Want to be part of this impactful journey?
TIMEMORE has joined GCAG as the key partner, playing a crucial role in the development and growth of this initiative. Beyond simply participating in the exclusive wristband design, TIMEMORE has shown their dedication by placing an order for 2,000 wristbands and contributing $4,000 ($2 for each wristband sold). When we proposed this collaboration to TIMEMORE, we received an enthusiastic and almost immediate commitment, showcasing their eagerness to support our cause.
For years, we've admired TIMEMORE’s innovative designs and commitment to quality. As long-time fans, partnering with TIMEMORE feels like a dream come true and a significant step toward achieving our shared goals.
As a key partner, TIMEMORE’s contributions go beyond the initial $4,000 donation. They have also committed to sharing a portion of profits from future charity product sales, ensuring continuous funding for GCAG’s projects. This commitment guarantees that our impact will keep growing over time, supported by a trusted brand with a history of excellence.
In addition to the cash donation, TIMEMORE has offered to provide free brewing tools to students and local collaborators. This support ensures that essential tools will be available not just during classes, but also for daily use, enabling ongoing practice and skill development.
Moreover, TIMEMORE is leveraging their influence at international coffee events to work alongside I'M NOT A BARISTA for continuous fundraising efforts. This means that you will see TIMEMORE's charity products showcased at global coffee events, bringing the impact of GCAG to an international stage and making it accessible to coffee lovers everywhere.
We deeply appreciate TIMEMORE’s committed efforts and ongoing support in making this initiative possible. Their involvement sets a powerful example for other businesses, demonstrating how collaboration and dedication can create lasting, positive change within the coffee community. We hope to see more businesses like TIMEMORE join our mission to create a united, collaborative impact on a global scale.
María Lucia and her foundation, Fundación Federico, play a pivotal role in bringing GCAG’s first project to life in Colombia. As a long-time advocate for the coffee community and a passionate supporter of small farmers, María has dedicated her career to empowering those in need through education, support, and community initiatives. Fundación Federico was established in honor of María’s brother, who shared her love for the coffee community and believed in creating opportunities for others. His legacy continues to inspire the foundation’s work, embodying the spirit of resilience, compassion, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
I'M NOT A BARISTA and María’s path first crossed in Shanghai, China, in 2023, highlighting how coffee can connect people across continents and cultures. Since then, the synergy between María’s commitment to her community and our global vision has grown into a meaningful partnership, founded on trust, mutual respect, and a shared mission to uplift small farmers.
María’s deep roots in Colombia’s coffee regions and her personal connection with the local community have made Fundación Federico an ideal partner for this project. With a rich history of successful charitable initiatives, the foundation has earned the trust and respect of local farmers, making them a beacon of hope and positive change.
From the very beginning, María and her team have been proactive in identifying the specific needs of small coffee farmers, helping us create a tailored program that addresses both educational gaps and equipment shortages. Their expertise has been invaluable in arranging locations, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that every aspect of the project runs smoothly.
Additionally, Fundación Federico worked closely with TIMEMORE and their talented graphic designer Juan David Sandoval to develop the exclusive wristband design for the project. This unique piece beautifully captures the values and goals of our collaboration, symbolizing the union of two dedicated partners and their shared commitment to making a difference.
María and her team have also committed to ensuring that the funds raised are used effectively, promoting transparency and accountability at every stage. As the heart and soul of this collaboration, Fundación Federico not only facilitates the logistics but also offers a personal touch that strengthens relationships within the community. María’s willingness to go above and beyond is evident in every step of the project, from visiting farms to documenting the lives and struggles of the farmers, ensuring that every story is told authentically and with dignity.
We are beyond grateful for María and Fundación Federico’s unwavering support and dedication. Their genuine love for the coffee community and relentless drive to make a difference make this project possible. With María’s guidance, we’re confident that the impact of our work will reach far beyond this first initiative in Colombia, setting the stage for many more successful projects in the future.
We are truly honored to partner with María and Fundación Federico, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, creating lasting positive change in the coffee community.
Helena Oliviero, our talented education course designer and educator for GCAG, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in specialty coffee. Known globally, she’s the 2018 World Cup Tasters Champion and has held titles as Italian Cup Tasters Champion and Cezve/Ibrik Champion.
As a certified Q Arabica & Robusta Grader and AST Trainer, Helena has a strong foundation in quality coffee education. Her extensive work empowers students to improve their skills and embrace sustainable coffee practices.
We are thrilled to have Lilydrip join us as a Supporting Sponsor for our Colombia charity project! Lilydrip has generously donated 48 dosing trays, each valued at $6 USD, contributing a total of $288 USD. These dosing trays will be essential tools for our coffee education program, helping small farmers improve their coffee brewing and precision in measurements.
We sincerely appreciate Lilydrip’s support and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of coffee farmers in Colombia. This collaboration will empower farmers with better resources, enhancing their skills and coffee quality. Thank you, Lilydrip, for standing with us to support the coffee community!
Roasting Warehouse Athens joins us as a dedicated Supporting Charity Partner. Established as a family-owned roastery, they have grown from a small boutique operation into a modern processing facility in Athens, all while keeping their commitment to quality, community, and a remarkable coffee experience at the forefront. With a mission to ensure every coffee bean is carefully crafted and meticulously processed, Roasting Warehouse captures the true essence of coffee in each blend, from the rich Evolve to the smooth Early Bird.
We’re especially grateful to co-founder Nikos Antzaras, whose passion for coffee and support for our mission was evident from our first conversation. Moved by the GCAG project, Nikos quickly offered to host a workshop at their Athens roastery, generously pledging all proceeds to support our cause. With Roasting Warehouse Athens, we’re excited to foster a meaningful partnership that brings positive change to coffee communities worldwide.
Why GCAG?
At I’M NOT A BARISTA®, we take a unique approach by collaborating with passionate individuals and ethical businesses to create projects that directly support coffee communities and engage people through tangible actions.
One example is our Charity Coffee Wristbands, where we developed unique wristbands that don’t just serve as a fundraising product—they also act as a symbol of solidarity. This project empowers supporters to proudly wear a piece that represents their contribution to the coffee community.
Inspired by Bucaramanga’s scenic mountains and rivers, this design reflects the resilience of the coffee community and the impact of María’s tree-planting mission. The contours and green tones symbolize growth, sustainability, and a hopeful future for local farmers.
Inspired by TIMEMORE’s holistic product line, this wristband tells the story of how coffee utensils go beyond functionality—they serve as bridges that connect people across different coffee experiences.
For this Colombia project, we’re doing something truly special. It all began with a collaborative wristband design by TIMEMORE and Fundación Federico, blending cultural elements and coffee themes. Every person who purchases one of these beautiful and exclusive wristbands automatically becomes a supporter of our charity efforts. This isn’t just about giving a donation; you get to wear your impact on your wrist and show that you care about the future of coffee.
The best part? The funds raised through the wristbands provide continuous support, ensuring we have ongoing resources to keep the project sustainable and growing. With every wristband worn, you’re not just supporting farmers—you’re joining a global movement to uplift coffee communities, one project at a time.
Join Us in Making an Impact!
We welcome all businesses and individuals who want to be a part of this meaningful project. Whether you have knowledge, skills, or resources to offer, your support will help us make a bigger impact together. Meet us and let’s talk about it.
- Our Volunteer Charity Ambassadors will play a crucial role in spreading the word about the GCAG project and amplifying its impact. As a core part of the team, these ambassadors will use their influence and passion for coffee to promote the charity, raise awareness, and engage with the community. By leveraging their network and reach, they’ll help us scale up the positive change we’re making together, ensuring that the voices of small farmers are heard far and wide.What You’ll Do:
- Share and promote project updates, events, and stories on social media.
- Engage with your audience to raise awareness and encourage support.
- Join key events and campaigns as a representative of the GCAG project.
- Provide valuable feedback and insights on project initiatives.
By becoming a Volunteer Charity Ambassador, you’ll not only make a difference in the lives of coffee farmers but also inspire others to join this global movement for good.
Role: Document the entire process, track our progress, learn from our mistakes, and share our achievements with the world. As a videographer, you’ll be responsible for capturing high-quality video content that tells the story of our project, showcases its impact, and highlights the efforts of everyone involved. Your work will be used to promote the GCAG’s mission, inspire more people to join, and educate farmers and coffee enthusiasts globally.
Why Your Role Matters: We believe that documentation encourages knowledge sharing, empowering our team to understand how processes work and what successful projects look like. Your work will enable us to “copy and paste” our success stories to other regions, industries, and causes, expanding our impact. Sharing original content will not only motivate others to join the cause but also provide valuable insights to farmers in regions we haven’t yet reached. The video content should demonstrate how collaborative efforts between businesses, nonprofits, and individuals can create sustainable change.
Impact of Your Work: Your video content will help GCAG leverage its impact by showcasing that when people and businesses come together, meaningful change is possible. Your work will be a testament to the potential of collaboration and a resource for those looking to replicate this success in their own communities.
- Role: As a Graphic Designer for the GCAG project, your role is to visually communicate our mission and bring the project’s impact to life. You’ll be creating a range of materials, from promotional graphics to educational infographics, ensuring that our message is clear, engaging, and accessible. Your designs will play a crucial role in connecting our audience with the story of the project, our partners, and the coffee farmers we support.
- Why Your Role Matters: Your creative vision will play a pivotal role in making our project more engaging and accessible. Through your designs, we’ll be able to connect people with our mission, raise more funds, and ultimately help more farmers in need. With your help, we can show the world that impactful charity projects don’t just happen—they’re designed thoughtfully, from concept to completion.
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Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Global Coffee Alliance for Good (GCAG)?
GCAG is a unique charity collaboration initiated by I’M NOT A BARISTA, designed to support international small-scale coffee farmers through coffee education, access to essential tools, and financial assistance. We aim to bring tangible, sustainable impact to the coffee community while fostering collaboration among businesses, individuals, and local partners.
2. Who are the main partners of the GCAG?
Our key partners include TIMEMORE, a renowned coffee equipment brand, and Fundación Federico, a Colombian foundation led by Maria Lucia that focuses on supporting local communities and small coffee farms. Together, we aim to improve the livelihoods of farmers in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
3. What is the goal of the Colombia #1 Project?
The goal is to provide small coffee farmers in Bucaramanga and surrounding areas with comprehensive training to enhance their coffee cultivation, processing, brewing, sensory, and farm management skills. We also aim to provide basic brewing tools and additional funding for the purchase of high-quality coffee trees to support long-term success and sustainability.
4. What makes GCAG different from other charity projects?
GCAG is built on fun and open collaboration with businesses and individuals. We believe in transparency, accessibility, and measurable impact. With continuous funds from initiatives like our coffee wristbands, we ensure that the support for our projects is sustainable and ongoing. We also document every stage of the project to keep all stakeholders informed and engaged.
5. Why did GCAG choose Colombia as its first project location?
Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers, but many small-scale farmers in the country face significant challenges due to limited resources, knowledge, and market opportunities. Bucaramanga, in particular, is home to many small family farms that struggle to sustain their businesses. With the help of our local partner Maria and Fundación Federico, we believe we can make a real difference in this region.
6. How will the funds raised through this project be used?
The funds will be allocated as follows:
- Education Program: Covering the costs of food, travel, and accommodations for educators and volunteers.
- Additional Needs: Addressing any specific needs of the farmers, such as infrastructure improvements for coffee drying or processing.
7. What is the role of TIMEMORE in this project?
TIMEMORE is a key partner of the GCAG. They have contributed $4,000 through the purchase of 2,000 exclusive charity wristbands and have committed to supporting the project further through equipment donations and potential future profit shares. TIMEMORE’s involvement also includes leveraging their network and events to promote the project globally.
8. How can I get involved in the GCAG project?
We welcome the support of businesses and individuals who share our vision of making a positive impact. Currently, we are looking for:
- Volunteer Coffee Educators: To design and implement courses during the education program in Colombia.
- Volunteer Designers: To help us use graphics to empower this project and its participants.
- Videographers in Colombia: To document the entire process and share the story of the project.
9. Are there any paid positions available?
No, all positions related to the GCAG are voluntary, as this is a charity project. However, we are willing to cover reasonable costs, such as transportation, accommodations, and food expenses, for those who join us in Colombia.
10. How will you measure the success of the project?
Success will be measured through both qualitative and quantitative means. This includes the number of farmers educated, improvements in coffee quality, and the feedback we receive from participants. Additionally, images and videos will be captured throughout the project to document the progress and impact.
11. How can businesses participate in GCAG?
Businesses can participate by becoming a partner in future projects, sponsoring tools or funds, or collaborating on product design and charity initiatives, like the exclusive wristbands. We encourage ethical businesses to reach out to us and discuss potential collaborations.
12. What is the timeline for the Colombia #1 Project?
- Preparation Stage (September – October 2024): Identify farmers, finalize curriculum, and begin promotional campaigns.
- Educational Program Launch (October – December 2024): Conduct courses and provide essential tools to the farmers.
- Tree Planting Stage (2025): Support farmers in purchasing and planting better coffee trees for improved crop yields.
- Promotion & Reporting (October 2024 – 2025): Regular updates, sharing success stories, and final project report.
13. How do the coffee wristbands support the GCAG?
The exclusive coffee wristbands were designed in collaboration with TIMEMORE and Fundación Federico. Each wristband purchase directly supports our projects, providing a sustainable source of funding for ongoing and future initiatives. This means that anyone who buys a wristband is contributing to making a tangible impact in the coffee community.
14. Is there a long-term vision for the GCAG?
Yes, our vision is to expand the GCAG to other coffee-growing regions globally, replicating the model of providing education, tools, and funding to small farmers in need. We want to create a global movement where businesses, individuals, and local communities come together to support coffee farmers and uplift their livelihoods.
15. How do I stay updated on the progress of the project?
We will share regular updates through our website, social media platforms such as Instagram, newsletters, and podcasts. Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about the project’s progress and new developments.
