Our Vision

We fuel community-led projects. Through InteRoots, communities design and carry out projects to meet self-identified needs - on their own terms. Led by the communities we serve, our goal is to break down barriers for funders and communities alike. What is for the community, should be by the community.

How InteRoots Innovates

At InteRoots, our Board is comprised of representatives from partner communities as well as individuals with manifold perspective and knowledge. Projects are run by Community Boards, which set priorities, methodologies, and timelines. This model, which we call non-colonial philanthropy, flips the traditional nonprofit framework on its head. True equity is not given, it rises from the roots.

Project Spotlight

The TaSCA Project

InteRoots is honored to be working with the community of Kasasa, Uganda to realize their vision of the Tat Sat Community Academy (TaSCA) project.

Our Story

InteRoots was founded by our Chair, Ronald Kibirige, and our Executive Director, M. Scott Frank. Ronald and Scott’s friendship was sparked in 2008 when they led a musical collaboration between students from Stanford University and children of the Peace Africa Children’s Ensemble, a nonprofit from Uganda. The music was an inspiration, highlighting the innate human ability to connect and communicate beyond barriers of language and history. But the experience also provoked a larger discussion regarding the barriers between us, especially those implicit in our partnerships despite the best of intentions. Over the next decade, the conversation developed, ultimately focusing on how nonprofit work could evolve to address inequity and better serve communities. In 2018, Ronald and Scott founded The InteRoots Initiative to put this conversation into action.

The InteRoots Five Pillars

Any conversation about change must have a point of departure. Through our pillars, we are able to cultivate a conversation based on core community values, and begin the process of developing projects that are built to sustain.

Economic Development

Uplifting through economic opportunity.

Education

Facilitating access to educational opportunities.

Culture

Cultural preservation, continuation and innovation.

Health

Enhancing physical and mental well-being.

Environmental Health

Improving habitats.

DONATE TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY LED PROJECTS

Every dollar you donate seeds an investment in community that will compound in value for years to come.

Founders and Major Supporters of The InteRoots Initiative

Individuals who are making our mission possible through generous financial support.

Hellen Boyer French
Mary Jo Martin and Tom Abood
Chris and Jezabel Chavez
Sue and David Dunn
Lisa and Steve Friedman
Rick and Mary Anne Shube
Cambria and Brian Reinsborough
Julie and Chuck King
Katherine Boyer

Molly and Michael Frank
Tim and Caroline Denison
Tim and Kelly Harrell
Edie and Greg O’Connor
The Hanawa Family
The Mankoff Family
Jerry and Helen Frank
Eddie Lederman and Maggie Jensen
Jill and Brian Corrigan

The Edward and Helen Oppenheimer Foundation
The Denver B’nai Havurah Congregation 

Nick and Katy Raffensperger
Barbara Snook
Jill and Spud Van de Water
Yves Mulowayi
Michelle Frank
Tish and Christian Onsager
Woody and Mary Emlen
Anonymous Founder
Marco Cummings

Corporate Support