By Anny Moreira | Director of Global Partnerships
The Brazilian favelas generate an annual income of R$300 billion, surpassing the GDP of 22 Brazilian states and the combined GDP of Peru and Uruguay, according to research by Instituto Data Favela, CUFA (BR), and Favela Holding. At Favela Inc., we harness this vibrant potential to deliver transformative opportunities to low-income communities in Brazil, with a focus on Favela do Vidigal. By leveraging data-driven solutions and partnerships, we connect resources to those who need them most, fostering education, employment, and cultural empowerment.
Here's a snapshot of our recent achievements:
"Mixtura" Cocktail School
In its inaugural edition, the Mixtura Cocktail School achieved remarkable success, empowering local residents with professional bartending skills to thrive in Rio’s hospitality industry. The program focused on hands-on training in mixology, customer service, and professional development. Key outcomes include 100% student graduation rate, 100% internal satisfaction (E-NPS), and strong employment rates, with 5 students having already obtained employment. This initiative not only builds skills but also boosts confidence.
Terra Fértil Store
Our Terra Fértil Store, located in Favela do Vidigal, has solidified its role as a hub for local entrepreneurship and sustainability. As of June 2025, our store has sold over 530 products made by local favela residents. Most of the items are purchased by international tourists who fall in love with our mission after they visit us. This is an important step toward their financial independence and professional development as entrepreneurs.
Co-Working Partnership
We’ve secured an exciting partnership with a main player in the co-working space. Teams from all over the world will be able to rent Brota, our local innovation hub, which will enhance our ability to manage the space's finances efficiently, maximizing resources for community projects.
Batucavidi
Batucavidi just recently completed eight years of existence, transforming lives in Vidigal through percussion and artistic education. As an institutional partner of Favela Inc., Batucavidi engages with Favela Experience’s community-based tours, showcasing the creative potential of the favela. Beyond music, the program fosters citizenship, responsibility, punctuality, self-esteem, and identity among children and teens, building the leaders of tomorrow.
Bolsa Brota
Our Bolsa Brota initiative provides scholarships for local students to access Brota, our innovation hub. These scholarships enable aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs to develop their projects, fostering innovation and economic opportunities within the community.
Favela Experience & Recicla Comunidade
Through Favela Experience, we host dozens of community-based tours each month, offering authentic immersions into Vidigal’s culture and entrepreneurship. In partnership with Jornada Brasil, we’ve amplified the impact of Recicla Comunidade, a Rio de Janeiro City Hall initiative promoting environmental preservation and economic opportunities. The project supports waste collection, recycling, and a community garden, enhancing sustainability and food security. Recently, Jornada Brasil brought global CEOs and their families to experience our work, strengthening ties and showcasing the power of community-driven change.
Impact Snapshot
Current Needs
Looking Ahead
Favela Inc. is committed to building a future where Vidigal thrives with opportunity, creativity, and sustainability. By investing in these grassroots initiatives, you’re supporting a model of change that amplifies the talents and resilience already present in the favela. Together, we’re creating a community that breathes possibility from the inside out.
Links:
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
