Welcome

The Tandana Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports community initiatives in Ecuador's Otavalo Canton and Mali's Bandiagara District as well as offers intercultural volunteer experiences. Tandana comes from a Kichwa root meaning "to gather together" or "to unite" and it represents the spirit of our work. Learn more.





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Join Hands with Us

Our community initiatives support community members in Ecuador and Mali as they work toward their dreams of education, health, food security, water resources, environmental conservation, income generation, and more. Together, we are making those dreams come true.





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Travel with Intention

Our volunteer programs offer visitors the unique opportunity to be guests rather than tourists, form intercultural friendships, participate in a rich indigenous culture, and make a difference in the lives of new friends. Trips With Intention provide individuals, groups, and families with unforgettable experiences in Ecuador and Mali.




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Learn From Anywhere

Our virtual offerings allow individuals and groups who cannot travel with us to engage with our friends in Ecuador and Mali. From interactive remote cultural activities that give a glimpse into Kichwa life in Otavalo to remote speaker’s bureaus on real-life issues like the effects of climate change in Mali, and student exchanges, we offer many different ways to build global connections and awareness. Read more about our Remote Connection offerings.




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Mission & Values

We support the achievement of community goals and addressing global inequalities through caring intercultural relationships. Responsibility, respect for people and their culture, win-wins, inclusiveness, and organic evolution, are among our core values. Read more about our approach.




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Where We Work

We are committed to operating in areas we know well and working with people of longstanding and genuine relationships. At this time, our work is in highland Ecuador and Mali's dry plateau country, which not only offer amazing cultural and natural opportunities but most importantly are home to friends and communities we can collaborate with confidently. Learn more about our partner communities.





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Give With Intention

Our community partners have many initiatives that they are working on to strengthen their communities. Donors can make it possible for them to advance on one of these important projects or programs.






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Our Stories

One of the best ways to get to know us and our work, our partners and friends, volunteer opportunities, and what we can accomplish together is through the stories on External link opens in new tab or windowThe Tandana Foundation Blog. Check out our latest posts below and check back every Sunday for the newest blog post. We cover everything from our projects in Mali and Ecuador to staff and volunteers, as well as our guiding philosophy.






Jan
12

Tandana makes a world of difference with a novel approach

The following story was written by University of Dayton students who attended the roundtable event featuring members of Tandana. As a nonprofit, The Tandana Foundation isn’t putting all of its successes on structures built or money raised. Collaboration and relationships are what powers the organization, and that approach has paid off in Ecuador and Mali. … Continue reading "Tandana makes a world of difference with a novel approach"
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Jan
5

Hundreds of Miami University students engage with Tandana during campus events

On Nov. 13, more than 300 students of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, filled the large Heritage Room in the Shriver Center. These were students enrolled in classes offered by the department of Global and Intercultural Studies and they were gathered to attend a talk titled “Transforming Gender Norms: Opening Small Spaces for Big Change … Continue reading "Hundreds of Miami University students engage with Tandana during campus events"
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Dec
29

Discovering the heart and spirit of Tandana

Sometimes, the most life-changing opportunities come when you least expect them. My most recent collaboration with The Tandana Foundation happened entirely by chance. In mid-October, Anna Taft, the Founding Director, reached out to me with an email asking if I might be available to work with them. Her trust and the opportunity she extended set … Continue reading "Discovering the heart and spirit of Tandana"
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Dec
22

Looking back on my year supporting Tandana volunteer groups in Ecuador

When I started this new year, there were sad and happy moments. An excellent colleague finished his contract and had to return home, but I met a new colleague that I would work with to support volunteer groups throughout the year. English Français Recordando mi año apoyando a grupos de voluntariado Tandana en Ecuador Cuando … Continue reading "Looking back on my year supporting Tandana volunteer groups in Ecuador"
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Dec
15

Meet Omar Flores, Tandana’s Program Coordinator in Ecuador

My name is Omar Flores. I am originally from Nicaragua, although I consider myself a global citizen. My professional life has taken me to work in more than five countries and I have been able to work with people from all over the world on sustainable development projects. Travelling and working in Latin America, I … Continue reading "Meet Omar Flores, Tandana’s Program Coordinator in Ecuador"
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