A Maru Foundation volunteer in a high-visibility vest plants a seedling beside women from the community in Kasese

Maru Action Development Foundation (MADF)

More Actions, Real Change

Community-led climate action, conservation and livelihoods for women, youth and children in Kasese District, Western Uganda.

Promoting inclusivity and sustainability
Focusing on environmental stewardship
Empowering Women
Creating just and climate-resilient communities

Donate Our Programs

Since 2020Founded August 1, 2020

CE/CBS/274Kasese Municipality registration

CBO/2069Kasese District registration

Kasese, UgandaRwenzori Region, Western Uganda

Background

Rooted in Kasese, driven by community

The Maru Action Development Foundation (MADF) is a non-profit Community-Based Organization (CBO) deeply rooted in the Kasese Municipality, within the Kasese District in the Rwenzori Region of Western Uganda. The organization is designed to operate on the principles of inclusivity and sustainability, focusing on environmental stewardship and the empowerment of vulnerable groups within society, including women, youth, children, and individuals with disabilities. The organization was informally founded on August 1, 2020 and formally registered on August 1, 2022.

MADF is driven by a profound commitment to addressing fundamental community needs, advocating for rights and development, and promoting an inclusive, peaceful, and poverty-free society. The organization has been structured to foster collaboration among all community members, irrespective of their social status, to cultivate a just and equitable society.

About Us

School children in uniform bend over a planting site to put a tree seedling in the ground

Our Programs

Five programs, one goal: just and climate-resilient communities

Women plant and water seedlings at a community tree-planting site

Environmental Conservation and Climate Change

Tackling climate change through community-led conservation efforts and education.

Learn more

Community members stand around a prepared vegetable bed edged with sacking

Climate Justice Agribusiness

Promoting sustainable agricultural practices that are climate-smart and gender-inclusive.

Learn more

Women hold crafts during a skills session in front of a Maru Foundation banner

Skills Empowerment and Livelihoods

Enhancing vocational training and entrepreneurship to break cycles of marginalization.

Learn more

Young volunteers in matching blue shirts stand in a line outdoors

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Improving health and well-being by ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

Learn more

Participants hold up an Action 2 Million Trees Campaign banner reading Our Earth needs us, every tree counts

Research and Advocacy

Engaging in evidence-based research to influence policies and advocate for inclusive development practices.

Learn more

Our impact

Real change, counted

Operating across at-risk and disaster-prone communities within the Kasese district, MADF strives to reach and positively impact the lives of the underserved and vulnerable. Its initiatives are designed to be inclusive and equitable, aiming to leave no one behind.

10,000+Beneficiaries

100,000+Trees Planted

50+Completed Projects

Strategic Approach

Local challenges, indigenous knowledge, community-led methods

The foundation’s strategy hinges on leveraging local challenges and community needs, integrating indigenous knowledge and employing community-led methodologies. This approach ensures that the programs are not only adaptive to local conditions but also sustainable and driven by the beneficiaries themselves. It fosters a sense of ownership and involvement among community members, enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of the interventions.

Completed Projects

A participant writes on flip-chart paper in front of the Intergenerational Solidarity banner

Ongoing Projects

What we are working on now

A man pumps water from a borehole while yellow jerrycans wait to be filled

Ongoing

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)

Project details

Volunteers tend seedlings in a shaded tree nursery

Ongoing

Seeds of Resilience: Strengthening Community and Ecosystem Resilience in Kasese

Project details

Participants seated around a table during a Climate Café discussion in the office

Ongoing

Climate Café Jazz

The jazz sits once every month, bringing together open discussions and interaction of children, youths and adults including indigenous peoples and people with disabilities. Discussions leverage on generating indigenous knowledge and practices on climate disruption and human behavior in informing locally-led climate actions.

See ongoing projects

All ongoing projects

Reports and news

Transparent about our work

Read our annual and quarterly reports, our strategic plan and news coverage of our work in Kasese.

Funders and Partnerships

Working with global and local partners

All partners

Support Us

Help us build climate-resilient communities

Join us in empowering communities and protecting the environment. Your support helps us drive sustainable, eco-friendly, and community-led initiatives, creating climate-resilient livelihoods.

Donate online

Your contribution brings hope and positive change. Together, we can create thriving communities and a healthier planet.

Donate on GoFundMe

Bank transfer

Bank Account Name: Maru Action Development Foundation (MADF)
Bank Name: Absa Bank Uganda Limited
Location: Rwenzori Road, Kasese Municipality, Uganda
Bank Account Number: 6007756885
Swift Code: BARCUGKX