2025 Grantees

  • Elijah’s Retreat - Jacksonville, TX

    The Novum Foundation has supported the construction of a net-zero cabin at Elijah’s Retreat, a sanctuary for families raising children with autism. With the cabin now complete, the Foundation’s funding helps subsidize stays for families, making it more accessible to those seeking rest and renewal. The sustainable design allows the retreat to welcome an additional 80 families each year, while also serving as a model for environmentally responsible growth.

    Houston Grand Opera - Houston, TX

    Through the Novum Foundation's funding, the Houston Grand Opera's Butler Studio Feeder Program is fostering the next generation of Latin American opera talent. Over three years, this grant will support the recruitment and training of nine young singers, providing coaching, professional resources, and performance opportunities that amplify Latin voices on the global operatic stage.

    Mission Success of Houston - Houston, TX

    Novum's support empowers students from under-served communities in Houston, USA, through intensive, year-round academic, wellness, and enrichment programs. Our collaboration with Mission Success includes programming on academic intervention, high school access, college matriculation, and college persistence. To date, 100% of Mission Squash's 72 scholars pass their academic classes, 100% apply and are accepted to a four-year college or university, and 100% have matriculated into a post-secondary program.

    Monte Azul - Puerto Rico, TX

    A 2025 grant from the Novum Foundation is supporting Monte Azul’s continued work to strengthen Puerto Rico’s local food system. With 85% of the island’s food imported, Monte Azul is building a pipeline of sustainable farmers to reduce reliance on external sources and improve long-term food security. The grant will help expand the Yabucoa Food Hub, which will include a commercial kitchen for value-added food production, farm-to-table events, and hands-on agronomy education. Over the next five years, the program aims to train 500 new farmers, increase local food production by 2%, and contribute an estimated $144 million to the local economy.

2024 Grantees

  • Fundación Integrar - Buenos Aires

    The Novum Foundation grant supports the IntegrarTEC bootcamp to provide updated IT training for 25 low-income graduates of their yearlong program. This intensive bootcamp equips participants with the skills needed to thrive in the evolving IT industry. By securing jobs in this sector, graduates can break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures for themselves and their families, thereby paving the way for economic empowerment and success.

    Fundación Multipolar - Buenos Aires

    Novum collaborates with Fundación Multipolar to build their new center in the North Corridor of B.A., helping over 1,700 additional people. This initiative assists homeless individuals, providing immediate and comprehensive support including food assistance, mental health support, occupational therapy, digital literacy, job training, and job placement. We are excited to see how this new center will further extend the reach of Multipolar’s work throughout the larger Buenos Aires province.

    Mensajeros de la Paz - Buenos Aires

    The Novum Foundation's support empowers the Colibríes project by Mensajeros de la Paz, benefiting 25 children from diverse backgrounds. The project enhances infrastructure, implements therapeutic programs, provides educational resources, and ensures access to healthcare services. Additionally, in June 2024 we committed funds to help renovate Meraki Home, a home for teenage girls in the foster care system in Buenos Aires. This renovation includes improvements to the home such as a homework room and outdoor space!

    Sumando Manos - Buenos Aires

    With funding from the Novum Foundation, Sumando Manos is transforming lives in Argentina's Guarani communities through sustainable beekeeping. This project equips families with beehives, training, and honey-processing facilities, boosting incomes by 50% while supporting local schools with nutritious honey donations. Together, we are building a path to economic independence and sustainability.

  • The Bienvenido Project FUNFONAVI - Bienvenido, D.R.

    The Novum Foundation is honored to fund Construyendo Sueños (Building Dreams), an initiative of The Bienvenido Project in the Dominican Republic. This grant supports 135 children and youth with scholarships, school supplies, and holistic development programs in music, art, and English, helping to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures for the Bienvenido community.

  • Fundación John Langdon Down - Mexico City

    The Novum Foundation is proud to sponsor FJLD’s Mexican School for Down Art. This innovative adult art program empowers individuals with Down Syndrome, providing them with professional training in various art forms. Participants are not only nurtured as artists but are also compensated for their creative work. The stunning artwork they produce is transformed into prints and products, generating income to support the Foundation's broader programs. The ultimate dream is to showcase all these creations in the world's first Museum of Down Art, celebrating the unique talents and contributions of these remarkable artists.

  • Autism Speaks -Houston, TX

    The Novum Foundation supports Autism Speaks by donating half of the proceeds from our annual trivia night fundraiser to help meet their general operating needs. This contribution enables Autism Speaks to continue its mission of advancing research, increasing awareness, and providing resources for individuals and families affected by autism. Through this partnership, we help ensure sustained support for vital programs and services, fostering a more inclusive and understanding community.

    Elijah’s Retreat - Jacksonville, TX

    The Novum Foundation has funded the construction of a net-zero cabin at Elijah's Retreat, a sanctuary for families with children facing autism. The sustainable cabin will accommodate an additional 80 families annually, maximizing the retreat's capacity and providing a model for future environmentally friendly developments. This support enables the retreat to offer respite and support to more families, creating a nurturing environment for those affected by autism.

    The Menil Collection -Houston, TX

    The Novum Foundation is proud to support The Menil Collection's What Drawing Can Be: Four Responses exhibition. This innovative project, featuring installations by renowned artists like MacArthur Fellow Teresita Fernández, explores the dynamic medium of drawing while fostering creativity, inclusivity, and accessibility. Free to the public, this program will engage over 12,000 visitors through artist talks, sound activations, and bilingual materials.

    Mission Success - Houston, TX

    Novum's support empowers students from under-served communities in Houston, USA, through intensive, year-round academic, wellness, and enrichment programs. Our collaboration with Mission Success includes programming on academic intervention, high school access, college matriculation, and college persistence. To date, 100% of Mission Squash's 72 scholars pass their academic classes, 100% apply and are accepted to a four-year college or university, and 100% have matriculated into a post-secondary program.

  • African People & Wildlife - Tarangire-Manyara Region, Tanzania

    African People & Wildlife partners with local communities to deploy Human-Carnivore and Human-Elephant Coexistence Officers who respond to conflicts and implement conservation solutions. These efforts include installing Living Walls to protect livestock and training over 100 community members on conflict mitigation. The project, funded by the Novum Foundation, combines action and education to ensure long-term success​.

    The Amani Foundation - Mto wa Mbu, Tanzania

    The Amani Children's Home cares for children in Tanzania who have been abandoned or removed from their families. The Empowered Farms & Families project will provide sustainable food and fuel by improving farm infrastructure, expanding biogas capacity, and launching a livestock exchange program, increasing crop and livestock productivity by 25%, boosting food security and energy access for the children’s home and surrounding community.

  • The National Autistic Society - London, U.K.

    The National Autistic Society provides comprehensive services and education for individuals with autism in the U.K., including Radlett Lodge School. Radlett Lodge offers free, specialized education for children with significant learning and communication needs, from pre-k through high school. This Novum Foundation grant will expand the school’s capacity from 12 to 18 students by funding critical renovations and facility upgrades, enabling more children to receive the support they need for their education and development.

    The Nucleo Project - London, U.K.

    Nucleo empowers children living in poverty by offering free, intensive music education that is often out of reach for low-income families. The Junior Programme serves 64 children aged 4-7, providing instruments, 2-5 group lessons per week, and weekly music theory classes. This grant will support 30 weeks of programming, ensuring these young learners receive consistent, high-quality musical instruction, fostering both their artistic and personal development through accessible education.

    Tiny Tickers - United Kingdom

    The Novum Foundation supports Autism Speaks by donating half of the proceeds from our annual trivia night fundraiser to help meet their general operating needs. This contribution enables Autism Speaks to continue its mission of advancing research, increasing awareness, and providing resources for individuals and families affected by autism. Through this partnership, we help ensure sustained support for vital programs and services, fostering a more inclusive and understanding community.

2023 Grantees

  • Elijah’s Retreat- Jacksonville, TX

    The Novum Foundation has funded the construction of a net-zero cabin at Elijah's Retreat, a sanctuary for families with children facing autism. The sustainable cabin will accommodate an additional 80 families annually, maximizing the retreat's capacity and providing a model for future environmentally friendly developments. This support enables the retreat to offer respite and support to more families, creating a nurturing environment for those affected by autism.

    pARTnerschools- Houston, TX

    The innovative collaboration between the Novum Foundation and pARTnerschools, a Houston-based nonprofit, is a concerted effort to combat the unfortunate reduction of art programs in Houston's public schools. By uniting with seasoned artists and instructors, this project invites students aged 6-12 to unleash their creative potential through the creation of unique artistic buckets, followed by immersive drumming lessons. This initiative promises to benefit 500 children over the course of a year, rekindling the flame of artistic expression in their education.

    Instituto Nueva Escuela - Puerto Rico

    The grant awarded to Instituto Nueva Escuela (INE) in Puerto Rico is dedicated to launching the "INE en el Oeste" Center (INE in the West), a visionary project aimed at tackling the educational challenges in the Western region of the island. The core of this initiative is to empower 15 public school teachers through Montessori certification courses and transform the educational landscape by outfitting classrooms with essential Montessori materials. The ultimate goal is to expand the Montessori model in an underperforming region. The grant funding will be strategically allocated for procuring Montessori classroom materials and facilitating certification courses, resulting in the establishment of 15 new Montessori classrooms in public schools. Anticipated outcomes encompass a substantial surge in Montessori school enrollments and the enhanced satisfaction of families with the quality of education provided. Rigorous evaluation methodologies, including surveys, interviews, observations, and statistical analysis, will be employed to gauge the success and impact of this transformative endeavor.

    Mumas Renaciendo- Puerto Rico

    Fueled by a Novum Foundation grant, the Mumas Emprenden Program empowers economically disadvantaged women in northwestern Puerto Rico. Its goal: train 10 proficient seamstresses, providing opportunities for employment or entrepreneurship. The program aims for participants to earn $15,000 to $20,000 annually by July 2024, fostering financial independence. Through skill-building and an entrepreneurial approach, Mumas Emprenden strives to break the cycle of dependency, uplifting women and fostering positive community change.

    Monte Azul - Puerto Rico

    A grant awarded to Monte Azul by the Novum Foundation will fully sponsor the “Incubating Sustainable Farmers” program. This program is pivotal in addressing Puerto Rico's demand for sustainable food sources by providing participants with essential skills in farming practices. The 8-week Agricultural Entrepreneurship 101 course as a key component of their Academy of Sustainable Agriculture and Innovation. Supervised by a licensed agronomist, the course targets five cohorts of 35 participants each in 2024, with the aim of achieving a high graduation rate and facilitating a smooth transition to the Farm Incubation or Accelerator Program.

    Mission Success-Houston, TX

    The Novum Foundation supports Mission Success's general operating funds through our annual Trivia Night fundraiser. Each year, 50% of all proceeds from the event are donated to Mission Success to support the academic, college access, and wellness programs.

    Autism Speaks- Houston, TX

    The Novum Foundation supports Autism Speaks by donating half of the proceeds from our annual trivia night fundraiser to help meet their general operating needs. This contribution enables Autism Speaks to continue its mission of advancing research, increasing awareness, and providing resources for individuals and families affected by autism. Through this partnership, we help ensure sustained support for vital programs and services, fostering a more inclusive and understanding community.

  • The Bienvenido Project - Santo Domingo

    The Novum Foundation’s partnership with Bienvenido promises full educational scholarships to 85 disadvantaged children and teenagers aged 3 to 21 in Bienvenido. The project aims to break the cycle of poverty and limited opportunities, addressing challenges such as undernutrition and a lack of quality education. In addition to financial support, the project focuses on enhancing educational facilities and resources to create an environment conducive to growth and learning. The ultimate goal is to ensure that each child and teenager reaches their educational potential and is well-prepared for the competitive world beyond their community. The grant plays a pivotal role in realizing this vision by funding scholarships, essential materials, and educational space improvements, ultimately paving the way for a brighter future for these resilient young individuals.

    Innovación Ortopedica - Santo Domingo

    The Novum Foundation has awarded a grant to Innovacion Ortopedica Sin Límites to provide prostheses and orthotics services in the Dominican Republic. Our grant covers imported components, materials, and social assistance. This funding addresses the regional shortage of such services, offering tailor-made devices for diverse needs. Thorough patient evaluations ensure financial barriers don't hinder access. Beyond physical assistance, the foundation supports patients' reintegration into society through training and mentoring. This grant is crucial for expanding impact, helping individuals regain self-esteem, mental health, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The Novum Foundation is proud to support this transformative project and looks forward to its positive outcomes.

  • Fundación John Langdon Down - Mexico City

    The Novum Foundation’s partnership provides comprehensive educational, medical and psychological care to 65 children and youth with Down syndrome who come from economically disadvantaged families. This initiative revolves around creating an all-encompassing educational environment that focuses on nurturing the students’ physical, intellectual and social development. Through engaging classes and activities, supplemented by psychological support and medical attention, the project aims to enhance the overall well-being of these individuals. This grant is not only transforming the lives of the recipients but also supporting their families with critical education on proper Down syndrome care, contributing to a brighter and more promising future.

    Ojos Que Sienten - Mexico City

    Novum Foundation's support for Ojos Que Sienten's "Training for the Social Inclusion of Individuals with Visual Disabilities 2023" project is making a meaningful impact. By empowering 44 individuals with visual impairments through sensory photography instruction, job training and personal growth sessions, the project is fostering their artistic expression, inclusion and equal opportunities. The grant covers specialized materials, dedicated instructors and public engagement activities, all of which contribute to a society that embraces inclusivity and values the unique skills and contributions of individuals with visual disabilities. Through assessment and public showcases, the project strives to create a more integrated and accepting community.

  • Fundación Multipolar - Buenos Aires

    In collaboration with Fundación Multipolar, Novum is dedicated to advancing the "Centro de Formación para el Empleo" program in Buenos Aires City. This initiative is geared towards assisting 100 homeless individuals by not only providing immediate support but also developing a replicable model that can be extended to other locations. By combining resources for program funding, research, data analysis and the training of a proficient team, this partnership seeks to directly enhance the lives of program participants. The ultimate goal is to pave the way for potential global implementation, thereby playing a crucial role in addressing homelessness on a larger scale.

    Mensajeros de la Paz - Buenos Aires

    Through the backing of the Novum Foundation, the Colibríes group home, spearheaded by Mensajeros de la Paz, is creating a powerful impact. Focused on 25 foster youth in Buenos Aires City and Province who have experienced family separation due to human rights violations, this project is deeply committed to their well-being. Through a comprehensive strategy, it enhances infrastructure, introduces therapeutic interventions, supplies vital educational tools and secures essential healthcare services.

    Sumando Manos - Misiones

    In partnership with Sumando Manos, the Novum Foundation is driving transformative change across four communities with an ingenious apiculture initiative. This project not only provides essential beehives and equipment but also imparts comprehensive training in honey production. This freshly harvested honey serves as a valuable commodity that can be sold, thereby fostering self-reliance and simultaneously replenishing vital bee populations. This approach paves the way for economic progress and empowers these communities to flourish independently while nurturing the growth of their local ecosystems.