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
3
14
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?
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.
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.
- 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.
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?
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.