Welcome to Vital Crest Foundation

We are a women-led organisation building a future where climate action, leadership, and community power go hand in hand.

At Vital Crest, we connect people, ideas, and action to tackle the climate and ecological challenges shaping Africa’s future.

From restoring nature and advancing green livelihoods to driving civic dialogue and youth leadership, we support solutions that are inclusive, practical, and rooted in trust.

Our Mission

We ignite sustainable, inclusive change through dialogue, leadership, and action, building resilient communities for generations.

Our Vision

We are building a thriving, interconnected community of leaders driving impact across communities, generations, and sectors.

Big changes start small; in collective efforts, everyday actions, and shared hopes.

Our Principles

Dialogue

Inclusive Leadership

Solidarity

Fairness & Accountability

Our Work

— Leadership & Community Resilience

We nurture, train and skill communities, youth and local leaders to strengthen people-led efforts in driving change from within. Our work amplifies the agency and creativity of youth, women, girls, migrants, displaced communities and civil society actors, enabling them to organise, advocate, and lead development pathways that reflect their needs and aspirations. These efforts build resilience that is sustainable and self-propelled.

— Sustainability

We promote regenerative development and environmental justice rooted in local knowledge and collective stewardship. Our work supports equitable access to land, energy, food systems, and climate solutions that benefit both people and the planet. We recognise the interconnectedness of biodiversity, ecosystem health, and community wellbeing, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inclusive and people-led environmental action.

— Human Mobility & Inclusion

We work in solidarity with migrants, displaced people, and diaspora communities to expand leadership, inclusion, and rights-based development. Our initiatives support people to reclaim their voice, participate fully in community life, and lead solutions that foster equity.

— Policy & Advocacy

We convene and advocate for people-centred policies and systemic shifts that prioritise dignity, access, participation and real action. We equip and facilitate communities to influence decisions, strengthen civic space, and shape narratives around justice and equity.

— Community Support

We mobilise practical support and no-strings-attached solidarity-driven care during moments of urgency or despair. Our giving work is reciprocal and rooted in dignity, recognising that everyone has something to contribute. We especially focus on children, seniors, orphans, people with disabilities, street children and other community members living in precarious and disadvantaged situations.

Our Impact

Trained over 500 youth and women in leadership, advocacy, and sustainable livelihoods.

Facilitated policy dialogues in Kasese District that resulted in community-generated recommendations on migration, environment, and education.

Expanded education access for children affected by displacement in partnership with grassroots educators.

Co-produced a documentary amplifying voices from the climate frontlines, launched at COP29.

Pipeline Projects

Restore River Mpanga Initiative – Fort Portal

The Restore River Mpanga Initiative aims to restore the ecological integrity of River Mpanga across the five districts it flows through and mostly within the pollution hotspots of Fort Portal City through community engagement, pollution reduction, and sustainable practices.

Grassroots Disaster Action- Kasese and Mbale

This project focuses on enhancing community resilience by developing localised disaster preparedness and response strategies, focusing on capacity building and early warning systems.

Youth for Renewable Energy

This initiative aims to engage Ugandan youth (aged 18–35) by providing them with skills and opportunities in the renewable energy sector, focusing on solar energy and its productive uses.

School Environmental Clubs Program - Kabarole, Kyenjojo and Kampala

The Restore River Mpanga Initiative aims to restore the ecological integrity of River Mpanga across the five districts it flows through and mostly within the pollution hotspots of Fort Portal City through community engagement, pollution reduction, and sustainable practices.

Our Team

Our team is comprised of full-time and part-time passionate, enthusiastic and experienced professionals and volunteers. 

Rose Kobusinge

Director

Henry Kihika

Outreach and engagement

Racheal Basemera

Administration Officer

Media & Publications

Stay informed with the latest updates from Grains Foundation. Our publications include research reports, policy briefs, impact stories, and blog articles highlighting key issues in leadership, climate action, migration, and development. Our media section features press releases, interviews, and news coverage of our initiatives.

Contact Us

If you have questions or want to collaborate, contact us for general inquiries, partnerships, or media requests. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our work and upcoming events.

Washington DC

Support Us

Want to be part of the change? You can support our work by donating, volunteering your skills and time, or partnering with us to amplify our impact. Every contribution helps us expand our reach and create meaningful change.