MATTER

Target demographics: MATTER, a Minnesota-based global NGO, brings together the best companies, experts, problem solvers, dreamers and above all, doers, to kickstart big ideas that can change the world. This collaborative movement has inspired solutions in health access, activating healthy eating for children and families, regenerative agriculture, and student-centered education, collectively impacting more than 14 million lives. MATTER's guiding belief is encapsulated in the simple yet powerful expression that YOU MATTER. Learn more at www.matter.ngo.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 2,040,592 people in 2019

Geographic areas served: Minnesota and 30+ countries around the world

Programs: (1) Hospitals & Clinics, (2) MATTERbox/Healthy Food, (3) Education, (4) Agriculture ***** (1) HOSPITALS & CLINICS: ***** MATTER helps hospitals reduce landfill medical waste by repurposing medical equipment and supplies. This is being accomplished through the MATTER 360 Model of distribution to hospital and clinic partners, resale and recycling. In 2019, over one million pounds were repurposed. ***** Internationally, MATTER addresses barriers to health by giving hospitals and clinics the tools needed to care for patients in dignified ways. We source, allocate, and ship life-saving medical supplies and equipment to partners who lack quality healthcare on the front lines of scarcity. MATTER partners with governments and organizations to assess healthcare facilities and procures and ships the equipment & supplies needed to sustain programs, improve the health of the community, and save lives. In 2019, MATTER worked with 51 partner organizations in 21 countries, impacting over 1.9 million people via the Hospital & Clinic program. ***** (2) HEALTHY FOOD: ***** Locally, MATTER activates healthy eating for kids and families in Minnesota and around the U.S. via the MATTERbox program, an innovative solution to healthy food access and nutrition education. MATTERbox addresses the growing need for healthy eating education, especially in communities where poverty and food deserts persist. Each box is an intentionally procured meal kit that gives a dignified experience of healthier eating, as well as recipes, challenges, tools and tips for building sustainable eating habits. MATTERbox is not only an immediate response to hunger, but also a channel for creating new, healthy lifestyle habits, promoting long term change. In 2019, MATTER worked with 66 local partner organizations, impacting 139,560 people via the MATTERbox program – as well as over 6,000 volunteers. ***** (3) EDUCATION: ***** The MATTER Innovation Hub places solar powered classrooms with connectivity and iPads to prepare life-long learners with much-needed skill sets – such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and leadership for employment in the 21st century. Students in the MIH program progress through an app-based STEM/STEAM curriculum to help master valuable skills and learning methods. The MIH program seeks to bring a paradigm shift in education from simply learning functional knowledge to creating life-long learners who are fluid in learning, unlearning, and re-learning skills essential to their future success. Emphasizing the importance of gender equality in learning, the MIH is a safe, welcoming, student-empowering environment, providing equal opportunities for personal growth for tomorrow’s leaders. In 2019, MIHs were operational in 5 countries, impacting 875 children. ***** (4) AGRICULTURE: ***** MATTER designs solutions to create resilient and diversified farms around the world. From the development of sustainable farm designs to sourcing and repurposing farming equipment in the U.S. and farm implementation, MATTER partners with international organizations to provide farmers with the equipment, supplies, and practices needed to efficiently sustain and increase yields and profitability. Participating farmers and communities receive materials in modular increments, customized to the size of the operation, crops, soil and weather.