About

Palms for Life Fund is a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing access to education, clean water, and sustainable opportunity in underserved communities.

Founded in 2006, the organization works through long-term partnerships with local institutions, investing in infrastructure, skills development, and community-led economic growth.

Mission

Our mission is to expand access to education, water, and sustainable livelihoods for communities facing structural disadvantage.

We strengthen local systems through multi-year partnerships, institutional collaboration, and long-term investment, prioritizing durability over short-term relief.

History

Hannah Laufer-Rottman held senior positions at the United Nations World Food Programme before founding Palms for Life Fund as a U.S.-based 501(c)(3).

Building on decades of experience in international development, Palms for Life was designed to support community-driven initiatives that integrate education, infrastructure, and income generation.

Programs are implemented through carefully selected local partners and developed in coordination with community leadership and relevant government ministries.

Our Approach

We prioritize structural investment over temporary intervention.

Our work focuses on:

  • Strengthening schools and vocational pathways

  • Expanding access to water infrastructure

  • Supporting income-generating initiatives

  • Preserving language and cultural identity

  • Building durable systems that communities sustain over time

Our Initiatives

Palms for Life supports both international development programming and cultural platforms that expand dialogue and awareness.

Ceres Food Film Festival operates under the Palms for Life umbrella as a media and storytelling initiative focused on food systems, sustainability, and cultural change.

Leadership & Commitment

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A Founder's Perspective

I have always been an unconditional supporter of human rights and tolerance. Because of this passion, I worked for the UN World Food Programme for 30 years. When I retired from the UN in 2006, I took with me my never-ending commitment to ending poverty.

I have seen poverty throughout the world. I know what it means for poor people to live a life with no hope for the future, and I know with complete certainty that we can make a difference by joining hands and working together.

The cycle of poverty can be broken; it takes vision, knowledge, persistence, understanding, commitment, and participation at the local level.

-Hannah Laufer-Rottman, Palms for Life Founder & Executive Director