D e t e r m i n a t i o n - G r a c e - R e s i l i e n c e - T r a n s f o r m a t i o n -
D e t e r m i n a t i o n - G r a c e - R e s i l i e n c e - T r a n s f o r m a t i o n -
OUR WHY
THE VISION
South Africa’s legacy of land dispossession, labor exploitation, and structural inequality continues to shape the lives of farm laborers and their families. The Velisa Foundation is committed to building a future that is more equitable, more fair, and more just.
THE MISSION
The Velisa Foundation exists to ensure that the children of South Africa’s wine farm workers have the resources, support, and education they need to chart their highest, best path in life. We believe that brilliance is equally distributed, but opportunity is not — and we are committed to bridging that gap.
We envision a South Africa where the children of farm workers are no longer constrained by circumstance but are uplifted by opportunity.
OUR VALUES
The Velisa Foundation is driven by the belief that changing one life can change a family, a community, and ultimately, a generation.
Our work is guided by the following values:
Determination: The drive to succeed in the face of adversity.
Grace: Leading with empathy, patience, and respect for all, no matter their circumstances.
Resilience: The strength to endure, adapt, and overcome.
Transformation: Supporting the positive growth and transformation of everyone we touch — from our staff and partners to the students and families we serve
THE ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT
CARMEN STEVENS FOUNDATION: Feeding Hungry Learners
Too many children arrive at school hungry, unable to focus, learn, or thrive. We believe no child should have to choose between hunger and education.
That’s why we support organizations like the Carmen Stevens Foundation, which provides nutritious breakfast and lunch daily to over 35,000 learners across 125 schools in 50 communities in the Western Cape.
Well-fed children perform better in school, have improved behavior, and are more likely to graduate. And when they do, they gain access to greater educational and professional opportunities — unlocking the ability to support themselves, their families, and uplift entire communities.
The Velisa Foundation: Providing Scholarships & Monthly Edible Education Experiences at Velisa Wine Farm
The Velisa Foundation offers immersive monthly programs that connect children from farmworker communities with the land, cultivating imagination, confidence, and a sense of possibility in the next generation.
Each month, we host a 4-hour hands-on farm experience at Velisa Wine Farm, complete with a nourishing lunch and guided exploration across key learning areas:
Together, these programs plant the seeds of empowerment and environmental stewardship, while honoring the heritage of the land and the families who work it.
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Interactive lessons on soil health, composting, pollination, water cycles, and sustainable farming practices.
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Nature-based art projects using grape skins, leaves, and soil to encourage creativity and connection to the earth.
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Children harvest, prepare, and share meals while learning about food systems, nutrition, and balanced eating.
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Planting, tending, and journaling about crops to understand how food grows—from seed to plate.
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Exposure to careers in agriculture, winemaking, and hospitality through guest speakers, demonstrations, and skill-building activities.
PEBBLE PROJECT: SPONSORING FULL EDUCATIONAL JOURNEYS
Through a “Sponsor a Child” model, the Velisa Foundation will support children of farm workers from early childhood through high school, providing consistent, age-appropriate educational and developmental support at every stage.
We partner with the Pebbles Project, whose education programs are tailored to each age group, from foundational learning in early childhood (the most critical years for long-term success) to academic enrichment, math & literacy tutoring, after-school care, and life skills for older students.
These young people are full of untapped potential. With the right skills and support, they can secure employment, care for themselves, and uplift their families. Velisa will be proud to recruit from this pool of trained young adults — investing not only in hospitality excellence, but in a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem for the broader community.
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SOUTH AFRICA RESIDENTS
UNITED STATES RESIDENTS
FAQs
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The Foundation is based at Velisa Wine Farm in South Africa and is supported by a dual nonprofit structure: registering for a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and a South African NPO.
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If you are a US Citizen then yes, your tax donations are currently tax deductible as The Velisa Foundation is fiscally sponsored by SYRV [MakeGoodHappen] a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization. We are currently in the process of registering our organization in the US and South Africa. {as of July 7, 2025]
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Funding comes from three main sources:
Individual and institutional donations (U.S. & South Africa)
Grants and philanthropic partnerships
A portion of Velisa Wine sales ($1 or 5 ZAR per bottle)
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Children and youth from historically underserved farmworker communities in South Africa. The program focuses on hands-on, nature-based learning and food literacy.