Diabetes Empowerment International

What Diabetes Empowerment International does

Diabetes Empowerment International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in New York City that supports underserved adults living with insulin-treated diabetes in resource-poor settings. Co-founded by endocrinologist Dr. Jason Baker and dietitian/diabetes educator Sandy Narayanan, the organization was established in 2012 under the name Marjorie's Fund and later rebranded to its current identity. It operates a small team (1-10 employees) and runs programs across two primary geographies: Kasese, Uganda and Rwanda, with all services provided free of charge to beneficiaries.

The organization's portfolio is built on a three-pillar model of healthcare access, diabetes education, and economic empowerment, delivered under the unified Thriving Care Model. Core programs include the Diabetes Education Center in Kasese (weekly clinics serving 30 patients with HbA1c testing, plus 8-week HCP seminars attended by 55 providers), the Rwanda Health & Tailoring Project (annual enrollment of 5 young adults with diabetes education, healthcare coordination via Rwanda Diabetes Association, and vocational tailoring training via Urukundo Foundation), the Hands Project income-generation initiative distributed through Myabetic, and a Partner Grants sub-program. Clinical supply is supported through a core partnership with Insulin for Life USA, and program delivery is layered across community health workers and peer educators.

Revenue is generated entirely through philanthropic channels — individual donations processed via the Network for Good platform, corporate sponsorships (including Cure Thrift Shop), employee matching gift programs, and stock grant donations. The organization does not sell products or services commercially; the Hands Project artisan sales represent the sole revenue accruing directly to beneficiaries. Geographic reach is limited to East Africa (Rwanda and Uganda) with U.S.-based fundraising operations.

Name

Diabetes Empowerment International

Legal name

Diabetes Empowerment International

Website

https://diabetesempowermentinternational.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Diabetes Empowerment International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a three-pillar program — healthcare access, diabetes education, and economic empowerment — for underserved adults with insulin-treated diabetes in Rwanda and Uganda, funded by donations and delivered via local partner organizations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Healthcare Programs

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rural Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment (BPAGABAA), Diabetes Education & Insulin Management (Home-Based) (HSABACAJ), Nutrition & Food Security (Global Health) NGOs (HLAJAKAH), International & Global Public Health Aid Administration (Government Donors) (HLAJALAO)

Keywords

• Diabetes healthcare access
• Diabetes education programs
• Economic empowerment services
• Nonprofit humanitarian programs
• Community health initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible contributions from individual donors supporting programs to provide supplies and education to people living with type 1 diabetes in resource-poor settings. Donations can be made through Network for Good platform.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Partnership with Cure Thrift Shop and other corporate sponsors who support the mission through financial contributions and matching gift programs.
3. Stock Grant Donations: Organization accepts stock grant donations as an additional giving mechanism for supporters.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Diabetes Empowerment International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides healthcare access, diabetes education, and economic empowerment programs to underserved adults with insulin-treated diabetes in resource-poor settings, primarily in Rwanda and Uganda. Programs include weekly diabetes clinics, healthcare provider training seminars, vocational training, and income-generation projects delivered through local partnerships. All services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries and funded by donations, corporate sponsorships, and stock grants.

Product overview

Diabetes Empowerment International is a nonprofit organization (formerly Marjorie's Fund) that develops and implements programs focused on three areas: healthcare access, diabetes education, and economic empowerment. The organization operates a unified program called the Thriving Care Model, which includes a Diabetes Education Center (DEC) in Kasese, Uganda, the Rwanda Health & Tailoring Project, and the Hands Project income-generation initiative. Programs include weekly diabetes clinics, HCP training seminars, Partner Grants, and vocational training. The organization does not offer technology products; its offerings are social impact programs delivered through partnerships with local healthcare providers and international organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Thriving Care Model Unified program combining healthcare access, diabetes education, and economic empowerment pillars for adults with insulin-treated diabetes in resource-poor settings. Includes weekly clinics, HCP training seminars, and vocational training.
• Healthcare Access Program Provides diabetes healthcare and testing/treatment supplies by organizing clinics equipped with medical supplies and staffed by healthcare providers, with community outreach through community health workers and peer educators.
• Diabetes Education Program Provides diabetes education to patients, healthcare providers, and support networks including family and community, with the goal of preventing health complications associated with poorly-controlled diabetes.
• Economic Empowerment Program Supports income generation projects, vocational training, and partnerships with international groups to bring income directly back to patients for sustainable access to diabetes testing and treatment supplies.
• Diabetes Education Center (DEC), Kasese Uganda Dedicated diabetes education center in Kasese, Uganda operating weekly diabetes clinics serving 30 patients per week with diabetes care, education, and quarterly HbA1c testing and health questionnaires.
• Rwanda Health & Tailoring Project Annual program partnering with Rwanda Diabetes Association providing 5 young adults with diabetes education, healthcare access through Mutuelle de Sante national program, and vocational training in tailoring at the Urukundo Foundation.
• HCP Diabetes Seminar 4-hour diabetes seminar hosted every 8 weeks at the Diabetes Education Center, attended by 55 local healthcare providers, featuring pre-recorded lectures from international diabetes experts with live Q&A via Skype.
• Hands Project Income-generating project training beneficiaries to create art, textiles, and jewelry sold on local and international markets, with products distributed through partnership with Myabetic.
• Partner Grants Grant program providing funds in US dollars to assist individuals or organizations whose work aligns with DEI's mission of general or project-oriented support in healthcare access, diabetes education, and economic empowerment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30 patients served weekly at Kasese Diabetes Education Center with ongoing monitoring
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cure Thrift ShopcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCure Thrift Shop is a non-profit thrift store in Manhattan's East Village that benefits type 1 diabetes research, advocacy, and awareness. Consistently ranked as one of Manhattan's top second-hand businesses. Founder Liz Wolff serves on DEI Board.
• Access AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization collaborating with DEI on diabetes programs and initiatives.
• Agri EximminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting DEI initiatives.
• NextGen Diabetes Initiative LTD (formerly DCA/Diabetes Consultation Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization formerly known as Diabetes Consultation Association.
• International Social Work SolutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supporting DEI's social work and community-based programs.
• Insulin for Life USAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCritical partner supplying insulin and glucose testing supplements for beneficiaries at the Diabetes Education Center in Kasese, Uganda.
• Life for a ChildminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational diabetes charity partner supporting diabetes programs for young people.
• RDA/Rwanda Diabetes AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary local partner in Rwanda operating the Rwanda Health & Tailoring Project. Provides diabetes education seminars, healthcare coordination, and program support for 5 young adults annually.
• T1 InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerType 1 diabetes advocacy and support organization partnering with DEI.
• Sonia Nabeta FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation supporting diabetes initiatives and awareness.
• MyabeticcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner helping distribute jewelry created through the 'Hands Project' income-generating initiative. Helps ship and sell products with proceeds going directly back to the artists (beneficiaries).
• Urukundo FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partner in Rwanda providing vocational training facilities where young adults learn sewing skills as part of the Rwanda Health & Tailoring Project.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Beyond Type 1: Large U.S.-based type 1 diabetes nonprofit with global programs, advocacy, and grantmaking; overlaps on awareness and T1D community support but with broader scope and larger budget than DEI.
• JDRF International: Major T1D research and advocacy funder with international footprint; comparable beneficiary population but focused primarily on research rather than direct care in resource-poor settings.
• American Diabetes Association: Large U.S. diabetes nonprofit focused on research, advocacy, and education; comparable education pillar but with a domestic, research-heavy orientation rather than resource-poor international service delivery.
• International Diabetes Federation: Umbrella organization for national diabetes associations globally; overlaps on international diabetes advocacy and member-association model, with Rwanda Diabetes Association as an affiliate.

Direct peers

• Insulin for Life USA: Collects and redistributes insulin and testing supplies to people with diabetes in developing countries; operates in the same supply-and-access niche and is a core DEI supply partner.
• Life for a Child: International diabetes nonprofit providing insulin and care to children and young people with diabetes in resource-poor countries; directly comparable mission, beneficiary overlap, and listed DEI partner.
• Rwanda Diabetes Association: National diabetes association in Rwanda operating patient programs; serves the same population as DEI's Rwanda Health & Tailoring Project and is a core local partner.
• T1 International: Type 1 diabetes advocacy and access organization focused on affordability and rights for people with T1D globally; closely aligned mission on insulin access and a listed DEI partner.
• Sonia Nabeta Foundation: Foundation supporting children and young people with diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda; overlaps with DEI in geography and beneficiary focus, and is a listed partner.

Regional players

• Urukundo Foundation: Rwanda-based NGO operating the vocational training facility where DEI's Tailoring Project beneficiaries learn sewing skills; comparable community-development model with overlapping Rwanda geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/DiabetesEmpower
• Facebookfacebook.com/diabetesempower
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/diabetesempower

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Diabetes Empowerment International