FORD
ENVIRONMENTAL GRANTS
CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN


Contributing to a better world has always been one of the main values at Ford, and the commitment to sustainability is a vital element of our company essence.


For this reason, the Ford Environmental Grants program was established, through which economic contributions are granted to projects that have a positive impact on the environment in the Central American and Caribbean region.


With this social responsibility program, Ford aims to empower communities towards a more sustainable future, by encouraging the multiplication of collective efforts that serve as catalysts for changes to achieve a better future for the planet.


Since its establishment in 2001, the Ford Environmental Grants program has contributed with more than 2.3 million dollars to hundreds of enviromental projects in Central America and the Caribbean.
If you have an environmental project in Puerto Rico, Panamá, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic or Guatemala that needs a boost to continue its development, we invite you to learn more about our program.
WINNERS
Puerto Rico
LimPiaR – Pop-Up de reciclaje
The project addresses the lack of accessible recycling infrastructure in Puerto Rico, which represents a significant barrier to the development of sustainable waste management systems. By establishing a monthly recycling drop-off and transfer point in Loíza
Puerto Rico
Apoyo Empresarial para la Península de Cantera, Inc.
This project was born from the conviction that, to conserve and recover biodiversity, it is essential to educate communities, and the best way to do this is through participation. The creation of a community garden seeks to generate a space where the community not only learns about local flora, fauna and vegetation, but also becomes directly involved in its care and recovery
Puerto Rico
Ponce Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.
In response to the crises caused by the impact of multiple climatic events in the southern region of Puerto Rico, this project promotes the use of energy sources based on renewable natural resources and sustainable water management in vulnerable communities affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, and the inefficiency of water and sewer systems in isolated and low-income areas. One of its key components is the installation of rainwater harvesting systems to supply communities during atmospheric disasters and when the drinking water system is not available.
Puerto Rico
Caras con Causa
The project provides marginalized communities with access to theoretical and practical education aimed at sustainable development, sowing and efficient use of resources for mitigation and adaptation of climate change effects, making them less vulnerable to it and facilitating that they can break out of the poverty cycle.
Dominican Republic
Banco de Alimentos República Dominicana
This project minimizes food loss and waste by utilizing agricultural by-products to create food rations. Through the Banco de Alimentos República Dominicana, these by-products will be collected and processed to be donated to individuals facing food insecurity, providing them with access to better nutrition.
Costa Rica
AsaOsa – Fortalecimiento para la gestión de residuos valorizables del cantón de Puerto Jiménez
This project seeks to improve the management of recyclable waste in the canton of Puerto Jimenez, where current conditions are insufficient. It focuses on strengthening the efficiency and operational capacity of the waste management center, promoting more sustainable management practices.
Costa Rica
Soy Conservación y la Asociación Ambiental Finca Cántaros
The project trains participants in restoration techniques and local biodiversity, working with key species to rehabilitate ecosystems, while empowering women and promoting sustainable development in their communities.
Panama
Fundación Tortuguías – Conservación de tortugas marinas en las comunidades costeras de Cambutal y Punta Chame
The project protects sea turtles and their habitats in Cambutal and Punta Chame through conservation, environmental education, and community development. It raises awareness about preservation with educational programs for local communities and promotes sustainable ecotourism as a source of income and employment.
Panama
Fundación Avifauna Eugene Eisenmann -Programa educativo: Conociendo el bosque natural
This initiative promotes sustainable development through biodiversity conservation by combining environmental education with sustainable tourism. By training guides at the Panama Rainforest Discovery Center, it seeks to empower them as advocates for the importance of protecting ecosystems for future generations.
Panama
Adopta el Bosque Panamá – Monitoreo comunitario de la biodiversidad para promover el ecoturismo
This project aims to conserve birds in Darien by training the community in monitoring techniques and sustainable ecotourism activities. It seeks to empower residents by promoting low-impact tourism while balancing environmental conservation with local economic development.
WINNERS
Panama
Asociación de Mujeres Artesanas Emberá – AMARIEResiliencia y Protección Forestal liderada por Mujeres e Indígenas [WILRFP]
This project focuses on improving food sovereignty, resilience, and socioeconomic and political participation of the Emberá people, especially women, in the Alto Bayano and Darién regions of Panama through development of capabilities, local food regeneration, the implementation of ecological agroforestry systems, innovative marketing methods, and advocacy.
Costa Rica
Wildlife Conservation AssociationCapacitación para el Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales con Soluciones Naturales enNosara, Costa Rica
The project consists of expanding access to wastewater treatment through the implementation of functional nature-based systems that will serve as public demonstrations, increase professional capacity by training local contractors and engaging the community through workshops. The project also includes the creation of educational videos and guides to promote replication, improve public health, and protect the ecosystem.
Panama
Fundación Nuestra Señora del CaminoCafé Robusta Mejorado: Producción sostenible y bienestar comunitario en la ComarcaNgäbe Bugle
The project seeks to strengthen the participation of agricultural producers in seven communities in the Ngäbe Bugle Region in sustainable coffee production, promoting food security, agroecological practices, market access, and economic autonomy, with the goal of fostering a production model that respects the environment, promotes community development, and preserves ancestral knowledge and gender equity.
Dominican Republic
Asociación de Mujeres ProDesarrollo de Sabaneta (ASOMUPRODESA)Producción y procesamiento de Café Artesanal Mimín
The project aims to strengthen the coffee processing center in Sabaneta, Mata Grande, by promoting sustainable production with a focus on the participation of rural women, adding value to coffee through its own brand, promoting responsible marketing, and strengthening capacities in processing and business management to generate economic, social, and environmental benefits for the community.
Puerto Rico
Wellkind Guatemala ONGReforestación de las montañas mayas Tz’utujil
The project consists of restoring the degraded ecosystems of Santiago Atitlán through community reforestation, environmental education, and the creation of a women-run nursery that generates sustainable income through the production and sale of native trees.
Costa Rica
Turtle Rescue CahuitaPrograma de Conservación de Tortugas Marinas basado en la Educación Ambiental
This project aims to protect endangered sea turtle populations on Playa Grande in Cahuita through the construction of an on-site nursery, environmental education, monitoring technology, and community engagement.
Puerto Rico
Servicio de Extensión AgrícolaLarga Vida a los Corales 2.0
This project seeks to counter the growing threats posed by climate change, pollution, and human mismanagement to coral reefs, ecosystems essential to marine biodiversity and coastal stability in Puerto Rico. To this end, it fosters environmental awareness and youth leadership through education, community action, and participation in reef conservation in the municipalities of Villalba and Coamo, with children and young people from the Youth Program and 4-H Clubs.
Puerto Rico
Mujeres de Islas Inc.SARGATOPIA: De la amenaza ambiental a la oportunidad socio-económica en Culebra
The record proliferation of sargassum in the Caribbean represents an environmental issue that damages coastal ecosystems by releasing toxic gases, reducing oxygen, and blocking sunlight. This harms corals, fish, and turtles, in addition to negatively impacting tourism, fishing, and the local economy.
Puerto Rico
Alelí Environmental, Inc.Expandiendo Comida sin Huella: Una Iniciativa que promueve la Economía Circular en elSuroeste de PR
This project seeks to significantly reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, reuse, and recycling.
Puerto Rico
Comité ProDesarrollo de MaunaboCertámenes ProDesarrollo de Maunabo
Through educational competitions in schools, Comité ProDesarrollo de Maunabo empowers future environmental leaders, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary for the conservation of Reserva Natural del Humedal Punta Tuna and for them to assume leadership roles that positively impact their community and their own growth.
Puerto Rico
UNA-USA PR CHAPTER INC.Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) PUERTO RICO
This project will create two Model UN Workshops and two Conferences for students from middle school to college and for Spanish-speaking educators.
Puerto Rico
Borinquen Trail, Inc.Ruta Borinquen en Guajataca
This project develops a main path for pedestrians and cyclists, reusing the heritage of a former railroad that will connect communities and urban centers in Quebradillas, promoting physical activity, accessibility for older adults and people with disabilities, and allowing the responsible enjoyment of natural resources.
Puerto Rico
Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Inc.Sendero interpretativo para el contacto verde en CASA: Proyecto para un bosque urbanosostenible
The project addresses key sustainable development issues such as biodiversity loss, the disconnect between communities and their natural environment, and the lack of comprehensive environmental education. The project aims to promote sustainable development by fostering a sense of belonging to the natural environment and encouraging communities to take action to protect it.
Puerto Rico
LimPiaR – Pop-Up de reciclaje
The project addresses the lack of accessible recycling infrastructure in Puerto Rico, which represents a significant barrier to the development of sustainable waste management systems. By establishing a monthly recycling drop-off and transfer point in Loíza























