The Tanzanian Impact Fund (TIF)

Established in 2024 by the Lykes Family, the Tanzanian Impact Fund fuels Thrive Global Project’s local initiatives that empower communities and transform lives in Tanzania.

Every donation becomes a catalyst for hope, progress, and opportunity – building a future where communities thrive.

Donate to the fund

The TGP Tanzanian Impact Fund (TIF)

Giving Kids The Fuel to Thrive

The Tanzanian Impact Fund directly supports Thrive Global Project’s efforts in Tanzania, Africa.

The Fuel to Thrive

Together, We Thrive!

About the Fund

Fund Founder Johnson’s passion for Thrive Global Project’s mission grew from personal experience. He has traveled to Tanzania twice with TGP, first in 2018 for the Kilimanjaro Hike and again in 2022 for a Vision Trip with his mother. On these trips, he met the dedicated individuals working to improve education, as well as the students and families whose futures are being transformed by TGP’s mission. The impact was unforgettable.

Through these experiences, Johnson has seen firsthand how a simple school-provided meal can significantly improve student attendance, engagement, and performance. This sparked a desire to make a lasting impact.

The idea for the Tanzanian Impact Fund was born out of a conversation between Johnson and Thrive Global Project. With TGP’s recent merger with The Lunch Project, there was a unique opportunity to strengthen the newly acquired program while keeping the fund’s focus clear and impactful. Now in the 3rd year of the fund, the goal remains the same – to support sustainable, long-term change in the Arusha region of Tanzania.

Meet the Catalyst,

Johnson Lykes

"As we continue fundraising for Year 3 of the Tanzanian Impact Fund, I am deeply grateful to every supporter who has helped bring this vision to life. What began as a family-led initiative to boost Thrive Global Project's work in Tanzania continues to be led with that same dedication. We are grateful that so many others have joined us in driving lasting, community-driven change in a region that means so much to us.

It has been a joy to witness the fund's growth and to see its impact take shape through the Village Community Bank (VICOBA) microloan program, which supports the mothers who help prepare meals for students in Thrive schools. These women are central to The Lunch Project and to the daily life of the school communities they serve. By investing in them, we are supporting not only individual families, but the foundation that helps students learn, grow, and thrive.

Looking ahead, I invite you to join this mission for the first time, or to continue your generous support if you have already given. Together, we can help strengthen families, nourish students, and build sustainable opportunities in this remarkable region of Tanzania."

Goals, objectives and parameters of the Fund:

Every donation to the Tanzanian Impact Fund directly supports Thrive Global Project’s mission in Tanzania. By donating to the fund, you can personally fuel meaningful, lasting change in a region whose greatest potential is still ahead. We are committed to transparency and will keep you updated with real stories and measurable results, so you can see the tangible difference your support is making.

The fund is managed by Thrive Global Project, a registered nonprofit organization (501C3), making contributions tax-deductible as allowed by law. The fund is guided by a steering committee that includes members of the Lykes Family, with oversight and support from Thrive Global Project’s staff and Board of Directors. Investments are made with a risk-conscious approach to responsibly grow the fund’s size and amplify its impact.

Your gift strengthens the sustainability of TGP’s work in Tanzania, fuels future development, and enhances educational infrastructure. With your help, we can continue supporting more than 7,000 students daily.

Because of your radical generosity,

we are proud to announce that the Tanzanian Impact Fund will be empowering local women and mothers.

Because of YOU and your generous support, we have launched a VICOBA (Village Community Bank) loan program for 36 Maasai women from Arusha, Northern Tanzania. These “mamas” are the dedicated mothers who cook for TGP’s six schools as part of The Lunch Project.

This program will empower them economically by providing access to funds, helping them develop entrepreneurship skills, enhance financial stability, and better provide for their families.

Together, we aim to uplift individuals and strengthen entire communities across the region.

Donate Today

Now Accepting Stock Donations

Thrive Global Project makes it easy for you to support the Tanzanian Impact Fund.

Donations may be made using credit or debit cards, bank transfers, stocks, donor-advised funds (DAFs), or endowments.

No matter how you choose to give, thank you for being part of lasting change.

Interested in joining us on a trip to Tanzania?

We are in preliminary discussions to visit Thrive Global Project’s programs in Tanzania to witness and grow our impact.

TGP has hosted many trips since its founding in 2018, ranging from Kilimanjaro Hike Campaigns to safari trips, all of which are accompanied by school visits.

If you’d like to join an upcoming trip, please reach out to Johnson.

Learn More About Thrive Global Project's Mission in Tanzania dedicated to giving students the fuel to thrive here:

Learn more