Welcome to Cuso International where we share skills for better futures
At Cuso International, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration and action. For over six decades, we have partnered with communities worldwide to create sustainable change, fostering economic growth, social well-being, and resilience.
Our Global Impact
We work in partnership with governments, non-profits, and local organizations across the globe. From supporting small businesses to advancing equity and education, our initiatives have strengthened livelihoods and unlocked sustainable, economic opportunities.
Cuso Impact 2023 - 24
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Direct & Indirect Participants of our Programs
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Countries where we work
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Donors
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Volunteers
What's New
Program In-Focus
Celebrating U-GIRLS 2
Today, we celebrate the incredible impact of U-GIRLS 2 a program that has provided young girls support to complete their secondary education.
Momentum
Discover our brand-new monthly giving program
Welcome to a community of heart and mind, united by a belief in the power of global solidarity. Every month, we invite you to chip in to power skills, opportunities, and change in communities around the world.
Microgrants
Empowering Local Change
Cuso microgrants provide community groups with resources to launch projects that promote equality, resilience, and sustainable futures worldwide.
News
Stay Informed, Get Involved
Explore our latest news, stories, and upcoming events to see how Cuso and partners are advancing global cooperation and sustainable development.
Reports
Insights and Impact Reports
Access Cuso publications that highlight lessons learned, project results, and stories of resilience shaping communities across the globe.
Our Mission: Sharing Skills for Better Futures
We work alongside communities to address the root causes of poverty and empower individuals to achieve lasting prosperity. Through our innovative programs, dedicated volunteers, and strong partnerships, we support communities with tools and resources to build brighter futures for everyone.
Achievements & Commitments
Sustainable Prosperity
Our programs not only offer skills training – they also connect our participants to dignified jobs and/or entrepreneurial opportunities, leading to meaningful long-term employment and income stability benefiting generations to come.
Equity-Deserving Groups
All Cuso projects commit to empowering equity-deserving groups, individuals, and communities to contribute to society with dignity, creating opportunities for everyone to thrive and build a prosperous future. This includes, but is not limited to, women and girls, LGBTQI+, Indigenous Peoples, youth, people living with disabilities, people living in extreme poverty, refugees, and migrants.
Skilled Volunteer Programming
With more than 60 years of experience, Cuso expertly prepares, deploys, and supports skilled volunteers from Canada and around the globe. Evolving to meet real-time needs, we ensure every volunteer is equipped for success, wherever their journey takes them. As of January 2025, Cuso has mobilized more than 15,000 skilled volunteers.
Catalyzing Social Innovation
We foster innovation by investing in community-driven initiatives that prioritize local needs and are led by local actors, with the majority of funds going to local structures rather than staying with our organization.
Global Partnerships
Cuso extends its impact beyond development, fostering trade relations and sustainable partnerships between actors in Canada and abroad. By collaborating with organizations offering employment, funding and economic opportunities, we build global prosperity while showcasing Canada’s commitment to meaningful global engagement.
Guiding Communities Toward Prosperity
At the heart of our work is the belief that economic prosperity is attainable when people and communities are supported by inclusive systems. Our approach involves:
Our Volunteers: Agents of Change
Our volunteers play an essential role in strengthening local organizations and delivering impactful programs. They are carefully selected for their skills and knowledge, as well as their strengths in building relationships and partnerships. With expertise in diverse fields such as education, health, communications, finance, and economic development, they help build capacity and unlock potential.
Stories of Change
Every community we serve has a unique story of resilience and progress.
In Latin America, Maria turned her small business into a thriving enterprise with Cuso’s support. In East Africa, our youth entrepreneurship programs are creating new opportunities for young leaders.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support fuels our mission and helps communities thrive. Whether you become a volunteer, donate, or collaborate with us, your contribution advances sustainable solutions that change lives.
We can foster prosperity and build resilient communities that thrive for generations.