Laughing Man Foundation

The Laughing Man Foundation is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting coffee-producing families in Africa and South America. It was founded in association with Laughing Man Coffee, a company co-founded by actor Hugh Jackman.

History

The foundation's genesis can be traced back to Jackman's visit to Ethiopia in 2009, where he met a farmer named Dukale. This encounter inspired Jackman to create a business model that would help farmers improve their economic conditions through fair trade practices. Laughing Man Coffee began selling fair trade coffee from farmers in several countries, including Ethiopia, Peru, and Guatemala, in 2011[2][4].

Mission

The Laughing Man Foundation focuses on providing a "hand up" rather than a "handout" by supporting farmers through fair trade, enabling them to improve their lives and communities. The foundation supports education, social entrepreneurship, community development, and emergency aid. Its mission emphasizes personal initiative and collective action as keys to building resilience in communities[2][3].

Programs and Activities

• Healthcare and Housing: The foundation has provided healthcare and safe housing in regions such as Ethiopia and Colombia.
• Education and Scholarships: It offers college scholarships to family members of coffee farmers.
• Business Training: The foundation provides economic training to coffee farmers to enhance their livelihoods.
• Emergency Support: It also offers emergency support during challenging times.

Partnerships

Laughing Man Coffee has partnered with companies like Keurig Green Mountain, which distributes Laughing Man Coffee K-cups nationwide. A portion of these sales supports the foundation. Additionally, Laughing Man Foundation collaborates with other organizations to expand its impact globally[2][3].

Impact

By promoting fair trade practices, Laughing Man Foundation helps reduce poverty among farming communities. It fosters an environment where economic empowerment and social welfare are intertwined, ensuring sustainable improvements in farmers' lives[3]. The foundation's motto, "All Be Happy," reflects its commitment to creating shared moments of joy that build stronger bonds between communities[4].