An Antidote to Uncertainty in Times of Transformation

In a world where change waits for no-one, traditional models of philanthropy have fallen short and inequality remains an open wound in Latin America but new initiatives are emerging that dare to build something different. In Colombia, One Inversión Social has not only dreamed of a new path, it is walking it.

In 2024, this organization consolidated its commitment to a social investment model that combines purpose, strategy, and sustainability, connecting donors with revolutionary leaders who run organizations and social enterprises that respond to Colombia’s most important challenges, aimed at reducing inequality and poverty, improving quality of life, and protecting natural resources.

A model born out of urgency, but also of hope

Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries per square meter on the planet, rich in a variety of plants, birds, and ecosystems. However, it is one of the most unequal: 39% of its population lives in poverty, and 12% in extreme poverty. In this context, more than 200,000 social organizations struggle to survive, and more than 80% do not survive more than two years of operation due to the lack of sustainable models, the absence of monitoring systems, the high dependence on donations, and weak teamwork.

Barista School students. Photo credit: One Inversión Social.

With your help, we can break this cycle. Donate here today to learn more and to help strengthen the delicate social fabric of Colombia.

Faced with this reality, ONE is committed to a different form of philanthropy, moving from the traditional to the strategic, that is, developing a model that goes beyond the donation. Through its BeOne methodology, ONE offers patient capital, strategic accompaniment, capacity building, access to networks, and collective leadership.

During 2024, ONE allocated a total of $472,807 USD in patient capital and $70,926 USD in strategic capital backed by more than 400 hours of direct accompaniment.

Some of the stories that make the impact visible:

1. Coffee, education, and life projects

In Medellín, the One Forest project, in partnership with the Juguemos en el Bosque Foundation, has converted a tuk-tuk into a Mobile Barista School to train young people in situations of vulnerability or poverty. By 2024, 44 young people had graduated, 65% had access to jobs, and their income had increased by 550%.

The tuk-tuk was converted into a Mobile Barista School. Photo credit: One Inversión Social.

Imagine what we can achieve together. Every contribution you donate sows opportunities like this. Support here!

“With a cup of coffee as a symbol of hope, we show that when opportunities come along, lives really can be transformed.” – Lucas Velilla, director of Juguemos en el Bosque Foundation.

2. Light for the nights of La Guajira

In areas where electricity is a luxury, the Casa Grata project, in partnership with Tierra Grata, installed more than 886 solar systems, benefiting 4,000 users and generating a reduction of 733 tons of CO₂ (carbon dioxide equivalent from the use of clean energy).

The installation of more than 886 solar systems, benefiting 4,000 users. Photo credit: One Inversión Social.

One was a real and tangible driver of transformation. Beyond the investment, it gave us the strength to grow and bring dignity to thousands of homes where not only light is the protagonist, but also security, opportunities, employment, study, and well-being.’ – Jennifer Colpas, Co-founder of Tierra Grata.

3. Ballet FROM and FOR everyone

With the Ballet Metropolitano de Medellín, ONE supported the democratization of dance, reaching audiences that had never entered a theatre or seen ballet. The working conditions of the artists were improved, new jobs were created, and works such as BOTERO were brought to more than 4,300 people.

Ballet Metropolitano de Medellín. Photo credit: One Inversión Social.

“The financial and strategic capital provided to our organization represented an increase in quality and outreach indicators; we reached more people with their contribution. But, beyond this support, the value that we highlight today is the trust that allows us to believe in and create new possibilities for the professionalization of ballet in the country through dance.” – Juliana Acosta, director of the Ballet Metropolitano de Medellín.

Are you passionate about art with social impact? Donate and help democratize culture. DONATE NOW.

4. La Pascasia

In the heart of Medellín, La Pascasia has become a cultural meeting point. In 2024 more than 30,000 people attended its events with a strong component of cultural democratization with 569 artists benefiting.

La Pascasia is a cultural meeting point hosting events benefiting over 569 artists. Photo credit: One Inversión Social.

‘Thanks to ONE, we were able to expand our programming, open more days, offer more subsidized tickets, and improve remuneration to artists compared to 2023. Thus, art became more accessible. – Jaime Suárez, Administrative Manager of La Pascasia.

5. Strengthening businesses to strengthen communities

With the 4Impact program, in alliance with Créame Incubadora de Empresas, 172 companies were supported to improve their capacities and connect them to value chains. The result: more jobs, more income, and a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem.

‘They didn’t just add resources: they added purpose. That made the difference”. – Juan Manuel Higuita, director of Créame.

A better future is possible if we do it together

The 4Impact program. Photo credit: One Inversión Social.

ONE has shown that it is not necessary to wait for a political or economic miracle to transform the harsh reality that Colombia is living. With well-thought-out decisions, well-invested resources, and added to the conviction that a better country is possible, a more dignified life for countless Colombians is possible. In 2025, they will continue to seek strategic allies who share that vision both in Colombia and beyond. ONE is more than an organization: it is a community determined to be part of the solution.

‘The road ahead may present challenges, but I am convinced that together, we have the vision, passion, and determination to overcome them. Every investment we make, every partnership we forge, and every life we transform brings us closer to our goal of creating a more equitable and sustainable Colombia – Mónica Gil, CEO of One Social Investment.

You, too, can be part of this transformative community. Join ONE with a significant donation. Make it here!

Photos courtesy: One Inversión Social.