CQI envisions an education system that will pave the path to self-sufficient, thriving, sustainable coffee communities by supporting a common language of coffee and the best scientific practices throughout the value chain to improve quality.

Coffee Quality Institute is expanding impact by providing increased access to education. In order to do that we must have unrestricted support to deliver targeted resources where they are needed.

We need your help.

Coffee Quality Institute works with coffee communities around the world. The Global Fund increases access to education and market connection activities.

CQI has used donations to our Global Fund to fund scholarships for producers to attend online processing education. Also, funds have been used to provide access to post-harvest processing best practices to  women producers in Jamaica, and also through the LOT program, which paired six producer- roaster groups to learn together about the coffee science and best practices that impact quality coffee production. 

Support from the industry, from individual donors or from anyone who appreciates fine and specialty coffee is essential for the benefit of coffee producers. Become a supporter today.

Please donate at the level that best represents the size of your organization and your desire for impact.

Looking for current Global Fund initiatives and calls for proposals? Click here.

Interested in volunteering as part of the CQI Global Fund? Click here.

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What is the Global Fund?

Since 1996, Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) has worked to improve the quality of coffee and the lives of the people who produce it. We deliver that mission through education and working in partnership with communities, local and national governments, and international agencies. We area non-profit, global organization that offers customized education solutions, informed by coffee experts and decades of experience, delivering long-term impact that builds self-sufficiency. CQI has created highly reputable coffee education programs in both Quality Evaluation and Post-Harvest Processing. With deep roots in the coffee industry, CQI also facilitates market connections to build healthier supply chains and thriving coffee communities.

In an effort to better support the coffee communities we serve, CQI established the CQI Global Fund in 2022. The Global Fund provides a way for the coffee industry to support activities that incorporate CQI’s education classes and courses, technical support and assistance, and global network of experts to advance initiatives that empower coffee communities that may not have access to educational opportunities either through the private sector or through other donor-funded programs.

Learn more about the Global Fund
GLOBAL FUND IN ACTION - higher ground

Higher Ground is a multi-year project focused on supporting sustainable farming and business practices at origin. The program delivers skills training and community leadership development, incorporating international coffee quality standards and enabling broader market connections. Coffee Quality Institute is working with JAWiC (Jamaican Women in Coffee) to help bring these ambitious plans to fruition. This effort began with introductory, virtual training in processing.

“This was the first step in a holistic plan we call ‘Higher Ground,’” said JAWiC President and Co-founder, Andrea Johnson. “Getting our members access to training is something we can do now during the pandemic, thanks to technology.”

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GLOBAL fund in action - Learning Online together

Coffee Quality Institute introduced a program designed to bring online training direct to producers at no cost. This project will work with producers focusing on specialty coffee and quality improvements through post-harvest processing techniques.

“CQI is focused on increasing our impact,” said Tina Yerkes PhD, CEO of the Coffee Quality Institute at the time of the program's inception. “The work we have done at origin has been through relationships with other entities, and that has been a good model, and we see opportunities to expand our reach with an additional, and slightly different approach. The LOT program, Learning Online Together, is an opportunity for us to identify coffee growing communities and offer training directly to them on their schedule at no cost – because we are a nonprofit, we want to give back in ways that we can.”

Read about LOT

CQI continues to develop innovative education and training, focused on targeting knowledge where it will benefit the most.

Please help by supporting our mission to improve coffee quality and the lives of those who produce it through the CQI Global Fund.

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