From one classroom in 2013 to a Pre-K – 12 school today.
The Dominican Joe Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to providing quality educational opportunities for children impacted by poverty in Las Terrenas, Samaná, Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Joe Foundation is committed to providing quality educational opportunities for children impacted by poverty — and to give these children an opportunity they may not have otherwise had.
Our goal is to provide all our students with the best quality education possible, by hiring excellent teachers and following a rigorous curriculum. Currently, we focus on providing the best possible education by equipping students with resources, training visionary educators, and applying engaging methodologies.
We've grown from supporting one small, community-based classroom in 2013 to providing innovative education-based opportunities to 266 children and over 500 community members — with 21 students progressing through to college so far.
Long-term, never piecemeal.
Most education nonprofits sponsor a year. We sponsor a journey — kindergarten through professional life. Four principles guide every decision we make.
Whole-child support
Tutoring, meals, transport, uniforms, mentorship, family liaison. We address every barrier to learning — not just tuition.
Decade-long commitment
When we accept a scholar in 1st grade, we commit through university graduation. No annual re-applications. No funding cliffs.
Local leadership
Our DR programs are run by Las Terrenas educators — half of whom are DJKF alumni. Decisions are made by the community, not from afar.
Ruthless transparency
Independent annual audits. Public Form 990s. Quarterly financials. Donors see exactly where every dollar lands — every quarter.
From a single classroom to a bi-national movement.
Six milestones across fifteen years.
First classroom opens
Joe and the founding team begin supporting one small, community-based classroom in Las Terrenas — the seed of everything that followed.
501(c)(3) status granted
The Dominican Joe Foundation is officially registered as a US tax-exempt 501(c)(3), unlocking our bi-national fundraising model.
Program scales to full school [date TBC]
From a single classroom to a multi-grade Pre-K through middle school program serving the children of Las Terrenas.
First college scholars [date TBC]
Our earliest students begin progressing into vocational training and university programs, supported by DJF scholarships.
Permanent campus campaign
The Foundation partners with construction firm Grupo Therrestra to build the first DJF School & Community Center — a permanent home for the program.
266 students · 21 in college · 500+ served
12 years in, the Foundation supports 266 students Pre-K through 12th grade, has put 21 graduates into vocational and university programs, and reaches over 500 community members.
The team behind the foundation.
Our governing board and on-the-ground operations team make this work possible. Full bios coming soon — in the meantime, reach Joe directly at joe@dominicanjoekids.com.
to be added
Joe
[Founder bio — client to provide. Should cover: when/why Joe started the foundation in 2013, professional background, ties to Las Terrenas, and current role.]
joe@dominicanjoekids.comFull Board of Directors — coming soon
Board member names, photos, roles, and brief bios will be published here. The Foundation is governed by a volunteer board with expertise across education, nonprofit governance, finance, and Dominican Republic operations.
Every dollar accounted for.
The Dominican Joe Foundation is a US-registered 501(c)(3) (status granted in 2015). We're committed to financial transparency — annual reports, Form 990 filings, and audit summaries will be published here as they're completed.
Where your gift goes
Detailed annual breakdown to be published with the 2025 annual report. Below: an illustrative breakdown of program priorities.
We don't do this alone.
Grupo Therrestra
Building the first DJF School & Community Center in Las Terrenas with us — designed to serve generations.
[Partner name — client to confirm]
Local schools, ministries, or curriculum partners we work alongside.
[Partner name — client to confirm]
Companies and foundations who fund scholarships, supplies, or meals at scale.
[Donor name — client to confirm]
Major donors and family foundations supporting our long-term work.
[Featured publication — if any]
Press, podcast, or media coverage of our work, when available.
[Partner name — client to confirm]
Las Terrenas community organizations, churches, or municipal partners we collaborate with.
Help us write the next chapter.
15 years in, we're just getting started. Become part of the next decade of impact.