Courtney Jordan Foundation
We work alongside communities to expand access to education, strengthen enterprise and create the conditions for lasting independence.
Help One, Save Many.
The idea behind our work
For more than a decade, the Foundation has handed up rather than out: investing in the education, enterprise and access that allow people to shape their own futures and, in turn, lift those around them.
Discover Our Approach
Teach someone to dig a well, and more than thirst will be filled.
Our mission
The Courtney Jordan Foundation is a global advocate of poverty prevention. Our programmes enable the individual to earn and save money, improve health and well-being, influence decisions in their home and community, and connect to networks for support.
We believe that lasting change comes when communities are enriched with the skills and resources to build the individual: with self-confidence, an understanding of their rights, an ability to earn an income, and the respect of their family and community.
Our work
Each area of work is designed around one central theme: to equip the under-resourced with the tools needed to build opportunity for themselves and the people around them.
Where we work
Regional foundations lead the work in their own communities, guided by a shared mission and coordinated from London.
London, United Kingdom
Re-established in 2022 to nurture economic empowerment, cultivate educational opportunity and connect people to real economic opportunity across North America.
Rosie Alvarez, Interim President, North American Operations
Visit the regional page CJF America cjfamerica.org (opens in a new tab)
Empowering the people of Bangladesh through microfinancing, entrepreneurship and education, and offering aspiring entrepreneurs a pathway to turn their dreams into reality.
Dr. Mahmudul Hasan, President, Bangladesh Operations
Visit the regional page CJF Bangladesh cjfbangladesh.org (opens in a new tab)
Resources For All: investing in people who have been marginalised so that they can produce essential goods for others, offering a hand up, not a handout.
Aruna Perera, President, Sri Lankan Operations
Visit the regional page CJF Sri Lanka cjfsrilanka.org (opens in a new tab)
Driving initiatives that foster sustainable development and empower communities across the Philippines.
Maria Lourdes Santos, President, Philippines Operations
Visit the regional page CJF Philippines cjfphilippines.org (opens in a new tab)
Addressing key challenges in education, healthcare and economic empowerment across India.
Dr. Rajesh Sharma, President, India Operations
Visit the regional page CJF India cjfindia.org (opens in a new tab)
Reimagining giving
We believe lasting progress begins when people have the knowledge, resources and opportunity to determine their own futures. True giving comes from the heart, and its intention is not to increase dependency but to increase independence.
Our history
2011
A community organisation dedicated to providing viable solutions to complex problems, working to prevent poverty locally through three programmes: education (The Wellington School), youth development (Durham Youth Alliance) and homelessness prevention (2nd Chance 180).
2016
Under the vision of Courtney Jordan and the direction of the acting President, Mandee Woodard, the Courtney Jordan Group transitions into the Courtney Jordan Foundation, investing in communities around the world to help people rebuild their lives from the ground up.
2017
A new name, mission, structure and governance, with the same heart and the same goal. Three programmes are consolidated into one brand, operating under a new motto: Help One, Save Many.
2018
The Foundation moves its base of operations from the United States to London, engaging more closely with multilateral partners, international development agencies and the wider Commonwealth network.
2019
Dr. Mackenzie Robinson and Noah Burch address guests for the first time as Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, marking the beginning of a new era for the Foundation.
2020
A joint statement from Venture Beyond Capital, Courtney Jordan Holdings and the Courtney Jordan Foundation announces relief for entrepreneurs during unprecedented times.
2022
The Foundation’s American branch is re-established, and the Board of Directors is expanded to include the Chief Executive and five distinguished independent experts.
2023
A seed fund for mission-aligned start-ups in underserved regions of Latin America and the Caribbean, focused on sustainable agriculture, digital access and youth empowerment.
2025
The Foundation family gathers in Mayfair to celebrate Executive Director Noah Burch’s doctorate and his lifelong commitment to purpose.
Our impact
Figures as reported by the Foundation, each shown with its reporting period and source.
£12m+
Directed to community development initiatives in Bangladesh
18,000+
Children and young people served each year by three education hubs in Bangladesh
2,500+
Women entrepreneurs supported through microfinance and skills training
14,000
Students benefiting from a trauma-informed education model in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province
29
Rural communities in Mozambique reached by clean water infrastructure
19
Ventures funded in the first round of the Startup Fund in the Americas
Md. Anamul Haque's Success Story In the world of entrepreneurship, the journey from an idea to a successful business can be filled with challenges. For many aspiring business owners, securing the necessary…
Read the story: Md. Anamul Haque’s Success Story: A Grateful Entrepreneur’s Journey with the Courtney Jordan FoundationA message from Raka in Dhaka:I want to express my deep gratitude to the Courtney Jordan Foundation in Bangladesh for their generous grant that is turning my business dreams into reality. This support isn't…
Read the story: A Heartfelt Thanks to the Courtney Jordan Foundation in BangladeshThe Courtney Jordan Foundation, through its microfinance assistance program, has been a beacon of hope for individuals facing special needs situations. Microfinance is a powerful tool for alleviating poverty…
Read the story: Empowering Dreams: The Courtney Jordan Foundation’s Microfinance MagicIdeas, announcements and perspectives from the people and programmes shaping our work.
In the heart of London’s Mayfair district, the Courtney Jordan Foundation family gathered for an intimate evening of celebration in honor of a major milestone: Noah…
From Noah Burch, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director In 2019, I stood beside Dr Mackenzie Robinson at the Courtney Jordan Foundation Gala in Durham, North…
In the discourse surrounding the developing world, the conversation often centers on aid—the critical provision of resources, infrastructure, and support to alleviate…
For over a decade at The Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF), we have operated at the intersection of global philanthropy and local empowerment. Working across countries…
No fertilizer, no food? Sri Lanka's farmers say foreign aid is repeating Rajapaksa's mistakes. By: Noah Burch, Chief Operating Officer & Executive Director In the…
Abstract: In recent years, the convergence of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and peacebuilding initiatives has garnered attention as a potential catalyst for…
Featured film
Entrepreneurs supported by CJF Bangladesh describe, in their own words, what an opportunity made possible.
Get involved
The Foundation is not accepting individual online donations at present. There are other meaningful ways to take part.
Organisations can share their story and request; a member of the team will respond by phone or email.
hello@courtneyjordan.org
Send a CV and a letter of request to the volunteer team.
reese@courtneyjordan.org
Email a list of clothing or products you wish to donate and a shipping label will follow.
shaon@courtneyjordan.org
General enquiries, media and regional questions.
