How to make a tax-deductable donation:

Donate securely online through Paypal by clicking here:

Checks can be mailed to:
SOIL
124 Church Rd.
Sherburne, NY 13460

Please make checks payable to SOIL.

SOIL is a new non-profit run entirely by volunteers. Although we have a grant from Stanford’s Presidential Fund for Innovative International Studies to construct the demonstration toilets in Milot this summer, all other funding at this time comes from individual donors. We are in the process of applying for foundation funding for large scale implementation of composting toilets and technology center activities but at this early stage of our organization we rely on our friends and supporters who are willing and able to help, every little bit makes a difference.

What are the organization's primary needs?

The technology centers will primarily serve an educational and organizational purpose. They provide a site for seminars and demonstration technologies focused on environmental and social sustainability. The centers will also be used as research labs for storing and analyzing soil and water samples. To effectively maintain the center and lab it is important to have a reliable source of power, not currently available in either community. As these centers are designed to demonstrate ecologically responsible technologies, we feel it is important that they be powered by the sun and not fossil fuels. We are seeking funds for solar panels and/or suggestions for suppliers who may be able to offer a discount or donation for non-profits. (Back to top of page)

2) Internet installation for technology centers in Borgne and Milot ($3000)

Having an internet connection is not only important for the community and staff of the technology centers, it is also a valuable way to encourage and compensate volunteers in the community who help with tech center projects. We do not have the resources to pay all of the community members that participate in projects. Providing access to internet services is a way to exchange services rather than dollars, and it has the added benefit of providing a powerful educational resource.

Internet installation in Haiti is not cheap (costing approximately $1500 for satellite connections in areas like Borgne and Milot), but its value is priceless. By donating to help fund an internet connection you are providing a community with a link to global educational resources, the same link that many people living in wealthy countries take for granted.

The solar panels are a necessary prerequisite for the internet connection as it will require a reliable source of power. (Back to top of page)

3) Laptops for technology centers in Borgne and Milot

Computers are very expensive and unavailable in rural Haiti. However, millions of functional computers are thrown away or stored in basements each year in the United States and other wealthy countries. These old computers can be a valuable resource for communities that do not have access to new computers.

We are looking for used (but working) laptops to be used in the technology center internet cafes. Laptops are ideal donations for our work in Haiti, as they are portable and can function on batteries without power when there are blackouts. We are eternally grateful for all laptop donations.

Laptops can be mailed to:

SOIL

c/o Carolyn Thompson
7241 Bedlington Rd.
Miami Lakes, FL 33014

4) Help build a public composting toilet

Although we have funding to build the 12 demonstration toilets in Milot we are currently seeking funds to build more demonstration toilets in other areas of the country, to broaden our impact and increase access to, and interest in, this innovative new approach to public health, sanitation, agriculture and environmental protection.

A public dry toilet serving approximately 35 people costs around US $700 to construct. This cost includes all materials, paying masons and other laborers, and miscellaneous costs such as transportation. Your donation for all or part of a public ecological toilet can have an incredible impact on a community, from providing clean and safe sanitation to creating jobs within the community. (Back to top of page)