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About Us

We believe every child deserves a future.

Self-Help International

Alleviating hunger by helping people
help themselves

Founded by Vern Schield in Waverly, Iowa in 1959, Self-Help initially manufactured and shipped small “Self-Helper” tractors to farmers in 48 countries. In 1989, in collaboration with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, Self-Help shifted to sustainable development programs that work with rural families and community leaders to improve lives with dignity.

Today, Self-Help employs local staff in each country to coordinate programs that enhance food security. Self-Help International gives people access to knowledge as well as the resources to put their knowledge into action.

Examine the facts.

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increase in farmers yields after training &input loans from Self-Help

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women received loans to start up or expand their businesses in 2023

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people have gained access to clean water since 2012 through SHI

What makes us different?

Partnering With Communities

Self-Help International’s local professionals to partner with communities. We believe in empowering individuals and communities to truly build sustainable development.

Interconnected Programming

All of Self-Help’s programs work together to build sustainable rural development. Everyone’s lives are multi-faceted and our approach to alleviating hunger and poverty must also be multi-faceted.

Empowering People and Communities

When you not only give resources but believe in people, they are able to achieve amazing things. Having someone believe in you can make all the difference in making an impact in your life.

Projects You Can Trust

Self-Help International is independently audited annually and consistently named top-ranked and effective organization by Global Giving and Candid GoldStar.

Evidence Based Programming

Our programs are modeled after evidence based models including work from World Food Prize Laureates like Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Jan Low, Dr. Surinder Vasal, and Dr. Evangelina Villegas.

Sustainability

Our programs transfer knowledge, equipping communities with the skills they need to thrive independently in the future. By prioritizing locally driven, culturally relevant initiatives, we ensure long-term sustainability and meaningful impact.

What We Do

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207 20th St. NW Ste. A Waverly, IA 50677
3100 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
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EIN- 42-0844679
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Self-Help International, a US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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