Category: World Wide Initiatives

Earth Day 2026

“We will always choose Earth. We will always choose each other.” — Christina Koch, Artemis II, Mission Specialist Dear Friend, Earlier this month, we received stunning images of Earth from the brave crew aboard Artemis II. It showed our stark, beautiful planet and it was reminiscent of the iconic 1968 Earthrise photo taken by Apollo… Read more »

Earth Day 2026 – Water is Life

In partnership with Wine to Water East Africa, Grand Circle Foundation brought clean, sustainable water to the Njia Panda School and Changarawe Primary School in Karatu, Tanzania. In the video above, hear from the head teacher about the impact this work has had on the community. On Earth Day, it is important to remember that things… Read more »

Community service at the Latvian Movement for Independent Living Association

24 Trip Experience Leaders from different Nordic countries and 3 GCT/OAT office managers recently spent several hours at the organization learning about this movement and making candles. The Association provides day‑care services for adults with severe or profound mental and functional disorders. Their program focuses on meaningful daily activities, strengthening self‑care abilities, fostering communication and… Read more »

Technology. How is GCF helping to bridge the divide

Imagine being born intelligent, curious, full of potential… and still being left behind simply because no one gave you access to a smart phone or a laptop. That is the reality for far too many children. In a world driven by technology, digital learning is no longer a privilege. It is no longer a bonus…. Read more »

Water is life: Providing access to clean water in East Africa

“We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.” ~ Mother Teresa In partnership with Wine to Water East Africa, Grand Circle Foundation brought clean, sustainable water to the Njia Panda School… Read more »

An update from Dan Koster – GCF VP

Proud to share an inspiring update from the Grand Circle Foundation. In 2025, the Foundation surpassed its $1.1M donation goal — completing $1.4M in projects supporting education, WASH initiatives, community development and cultural preservation around the world. Even more meaningful: 100% of traveler donations go directly to these projects, with all overhead covered by GCC…. Read more »

When gratitude is transformational – a story from Cape Town

At Grand Circle Corporation, community service is a fundamental aspect of who we are and with the help of Grand Circle Foundation, our regional offices are able to share their efforts. “We are pleased to share the successful completion of the Good Hope Crèche community renovation project, which was finished on 21 November 2025. On… Read more »

Water is Life: Grand Circle Foundation & Wine to Water in East Africa

In partnership with Wine to Water East Africa, Grand Circle Foundation brought clean, sustainable water to the community of Karatu, Tanzania—but the journey wasn’t easy. Hear from Wine to Water, community leaders, the drilling team, and the Foundation’s own Sandra Vaughan in the video above. Did you know that more than 1,000 children under the… Read more »

Giving back in Thailand

Giving back is in the DNA of OAT associates as evidenced by the 55 trip leaders and associates who gathered at the Pu Ong Kha school in Thailand. Please read below the story shared with us by Khemvadee Maspiyawong, the OAT Program Services Manager in Bangkok. The school currently serves 103 students aged 5–12, including… Read more »

International Day of the Girl Child

“If one girl with an education can change the world, just imagine what 130 million can do.” ~ Malala Yousafzai Dear Friend, In many parts of Africa, improving girls’ access to education is the gateway to economic empowerment and breaking the cycle of poverty. But as a woman, mother, and former teacher, I believe it… Read more »