Written by Allie Hidy-Lukacs
Greenheart believes in connecting people and planet through fair trade, personal development, environmentalism, and volunteerism. Our cultural exchange programs help create global leaders by building mutual understanding and fostering diplomacy. Greenheart further encourages our alumni to give back to their communities through our Global Impact Grant.
A Greenheart Global Impact Grant is a financial award of up to $3,000 given to exemplary members of the Greenheart community. It provides current participants and alumni with the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain a community-focused project abroad or at home. As the Greenheart alumni network continues to expand, more and more of our participants are working towards an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and peaceful world.
Please join us in congratulating our THREE Spring 2026 Awardees:
- Edwin Onyango // Kenya
- Christopher Tai // Papua New Guinea
- Egshiglen Zendmene-erdene // Mongolia
Edwin Onyango is a Greenheart Work and Travel 2025 alumnus who travelled all the way from the county of Kisumu to Wisconsin, United States. He is a male ally for menstrual health and aims to end period absenteeism and restore dignity for young women in his community.
His Project: From Brother to Sister: Male Ally for Menstrual Hygiene and Dignity Project in Kamgwa, Kenya
“As a young man growing up in Kamgwa village, I have watched my younger sisters, cousins, and neighbors struggle in silence every month. They miss 3-5 days of school because of their families not being able to afford sanitary towels. I see how ashamed they are and scared of being laughed at in class and slowly lose interest in school. My project will provide a sustainable solution by training 5 jobless mothers from Kamgwa village in sewing and entrepreneurship, so that they can educate 60 young girls in making low-cost, hygienic, reusable sanitary towels. I aim to restore dignity to 60 girls, give income to 5 jobless mothers, keep classrooms full and teach my community that educating a girl educates the whole village.” – Edwin Onyango
Christopher Tai is a 2025 alumnus of Greenheart’s Summer Work and Travel Program in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA. He is a Political Science and International Relations graduate from the University of Papua New Guinea and a Greenheart Exchange Scholar, and Treasurer of Sari Community Development Inc.
His Project: Mini Solar Project
“The main aim for the Mini Solar Project is to bring light to every household in my community by providing 130 solar sets. My community, called “Sari Community,” does not have electricity. We usually charge our phones at one central generator. Power is one of the needs for my community to live happily and succeed in education. My community has two elementary schools and a primary school. When there is no light, people go straight to sleep, and students do not have the option to study at night. This project will support marginalized youths to succeed in education through the ability to study after dark.” – Christopher Tai
Egshiglen Zendmene-erdene is a three-time alumna of Greenheart’s Work and Travel program, having participated in the summers of 2023, 2024, and 2025. She is currently a senior at the University of Finance and Economics of Mongolia, pursuing a double major in law and finance. She aspires to apply the knowledge and skills gained from her exchange program to address challenges in Mongolia and create meaningful opportunities for others.
Her Project: Bridge to Opportunity Water, Climate & Health Education for Govi-Altai Youth
“The project aims to improve access to safe drinking water and strengthen environmental and health awareness among approximately 150-200 children in Biger, Mongolia. Located in an arid region characterized by limited rainfall, extreme summer temperatures, intense solar exposure, and scarce water resources, Biger faces environmental challenges that directly affect community health, livelihoods, and children’s well-being. The project will provide children with practical, age-appropriate education on water conservation, drought, desertification, climate change, safe drinking water, hygiene, hydration, and protection from heat and excessive sun exposure. A key component will be assessing water needs at a local school and kindergarten and, where feasible, installing appropriate water purification systems to improve children’s access to safe drinking water.” – Egshiglen Zendmene-erdene
Congratulations to our Fall 2026 grant recipients! We can’t wait to share how their projects continue to develop.
Have a project in mind? Earn up to $3,000 for an opportunity to create, improve, or maintain a community-focused project abroad or at home. Follow Greenheart on Facebook and Instagram to see when the next application window opens.
Click here if you’d like to donate to help Greenheart fund Global Impact Grants like these.
Thank you!