Maison L’Arc-en-Ciel- Proving that Sustainability is Profitable

Currently, Maison L’Arc-en-Ciel Orphanage relies completely on external donations to remain afloat and while many individuals and business give generously to MAEC, it is not sustainable for them to rely solely on extrinsic donations. Organizations like ODEM International, Cross Catholic Outreach, the American Red Cross, the Society of Saint Vincent DePaul, and Catholic Relief Services each have contributed to the survival of Maison L’Arc-en-Ciel over the years, but each year, these donations are diminishing. This is a problem many non-profit organizations are facing around the world. Donations coming in from the public are on the decline worldwide and not-for-profits need to find ways to make ends meet to remain in operation.

The sustainable farm at Maison L’Arc-en-Ciel will be a strong solution to this problem. Operating at costs of about $250,000 each year, the directors of the orphanage must fight at the end of every fiscal year to receive enough donations for the following year’s budget. By working to implement sustainable farming techniques, efficient raising of livestock, switching to solar energy, launching an apiary, and education and installing recycling and composting initiatives, it is projected in less than three years that income from this projects can cover about 25% of orphanages yearly operating costs. By 2018, the estimated revenue from sale of poultry, eggs, pork, crops, and fish alone total 164,143 USD, and with expenses totaling only 113,451, this leaves MAEC with an income of 43,444 USD per year. This number does not include any income from the apiary, transition to solar, or composting/recycling initiatives, which have the potential to add thousands of dollars in savings and potentially thousands in supplementary income. By fundraising here in the US and implanting these projects at Maison L’Arc-en-Ciel, the Honey for Haiti Project and Arpin Strong can create real sustainable change that can be replicated at other organizations in Haiti and around the world.

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