The Kkis Project

What The Kkis Project does

The KKIS Project (Keeping Kids In School) is a bi-national nonprofit founded in 2011 by schoolteacher Gayle Collins in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It operates as KKIS Inc., a US 501(c)(3) (EIN 47-3231264), and KKIS Project A.C., a Mexican Donataria Autorizada (RFC KPR1402124S7), enabling tax-deductible donations in both countries. The organization addresses the financial barrier driving post-9th-grade dropout in the Riviera Maya by providing high school scholarships ($750/year), university scholarships ($2,800/year), annual backpack distributions ($25/kit), structured English language instruction, and wraparound support services including biweekly Advisor Sessions for high schoolers, the Wings Program (life planning, financial literacy, career readiness) for university students, and the Conexiones career-networking program.

Programs are delivered through partnerships with 30+ schools and 16 universities across Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancún, and surrounding communities, with 144 active scholarship students in 2024-2025, 679 cumulative high school scholarships and 137 cumulative university scholarships since 2012, and a reported 98% graduation rate among recipients. The revenue model blends individual recurring sponsorships (Keep Kids in School Circle monthly giving program), one-time student sponsorships, corporate Give Back Events priced from $25 (backpack) to $25,000 (full school adoption), and an annual fundraising gala that contributes approximately 25% of annual funds. Disclosed corporate partners include Globe Life, Randstad Canada, Patch My PC, and Creo School USA. Technology stack is standard nonprofit tooling (Google Forms, Google Meet, web donation portal); there is no proprietary platform or AI/ML capability. The organization is governed by a ~14-person bi-national joint board and led operationally by Founder/US Board President Gayle Collins and Briar Loewen (President, KKIS A.C.), with Rick Toone as Director of Development.

Name

The Kkis Project

Legal name

KKIS Inc.

Website

https://kkisproject.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The KKIS Project is a bi-national nonprofit (US 501(c)(3) and Mexican Donataria Autorizada) founded in 2011 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, providing high school and university scholarships, English instruction, mentorship, and school supplies to economically vulnerable students across the Riviera Maya region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Education Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Foundation/NGO & Philanthropic Scholarships (EDAIAOAH), International Development & Donor-Funded Education Programs (EDADALAB)

Keywords

• Education nonprofit services
• Student scholarship programs
• School supply distribution
• Corporate CSR events
• English language instruction

Headquarters

HQ city

Playa Del Carmen

HQ country

Mexico

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations & Sponsorships: One-time and recurring donations from individuals sponsoring students. High school sponsorship at $750/year and university sponsorship at $2,800/year. Monthly giving program (Keep Kids in School Circle) provides predictable recurring revenue. Donations are tax-deductible in both the U.S. and Mexico.
2. Corporate Partnerships & CSR Events: Companies sponsor Give Back Events (backpack packing, bike builds, classroom adoption), fund scholarships under their brand or CSR strategy, and run workplace giving/matching campaigns. Pricing from $25 USD per backpack to $25,000 for full school adoption.
3. Annual Fundraising Gala: Annual gala generates approximately 25% of the organization's annual funding through ticket sales, auction items, and event sponsorships. Gala sponsorship tiers range from $5,000 to $25,000 USD.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The KKIS Project is a bi-national nonprofit that delivers scholarship programs (high school $750/year, university $2,800/year), annual school supply distribution, English language instruction, life skills mentoring, career readiness programming, and corporate Give Back Events to economically vulnerable students in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. It operates as a US 501(c)(3) and Mexican Donataria Autorizada, funded by individual donors, corporate CSR partners, and an annual gala.

Product overview

The KKIS Project is a nonprofit education organization offering a suite of interconnected programs centered on keeping students in school in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. The core offerings include the School Supplies Program (annual backpack distribution), the High School Scholarship Program, and the University Scholarship Program—all complemented by wraparound support services: the English Language Program (for both high school and university scholars), Advisor Sessions (biweekly life skills mentoring for high school students), and The Wings Program (monthly leadership and career development for university students). Additional programs include the Conexiones career networking program, Give Back Events (corporate CSR packages including backpack packing, bike builds, and classroom adoption), and the Annual Fundraising Gala. The model combines direct financial aid with emotional support, academic enrichment, and career guidance to address the full spectrum of barriers preventing students from completing their education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• High School Scholarship Program Comprehensive scholarship covering enrollment fees, uniforms, books, school supplies, monthly phone credit, English classes, and biweekly Advisor Sessions (life skills mentoring) for public high school students in grades 10-12 in Riviera Maya. Priced at $750 USD per student per year.
• University Scholarship Program Full university scholarship including tuition paid directly to the institution, laptop on loan (transferred upon graduation), monthly allowance, books, internship materials, psychological counseling, optional English classes, and participation in The Wings Program. Priced at $2,800 USD per student per year.
• School Supplies Program Annual backpack and school supply distribution program providing grade-specific kits (backpack, notebooks, pens, pencils, folders, glue, rulers, art supplies) to students in public schools across Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and surrounding communities. Each kit costs $25 USD and is delivered before the school year starts.
• English Language Program Structured English language instruction for scholarship recipients led by a dedicated English Program Coordinator. Serves third-year high school students (mandatory) and university students (strongly encouraged). Classes held weekly with both in-person and remote (Google Meet) options, covering written, spoken, and listening components.
• The Wings Program Signature monthly leadership and life skills track for university scholarship recipients covering life planning, personal development, financial education and budgeting, entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional networking and job readiness.
• Advisor Sessions Biweekly small-group workshops for high school scholarship recipients covering goal-setting, time management, emotional awareness, communication, career exploration, academic planning, responsible decision-making, and confidence-building, facilitated by trained professionals.
• Give Back Events Corporate Social Responsibility event packages for companies including backpack packing parties (50-500 backpacks, $25 each), bicycle assembly ($250/bike), classroom/grade/school adoption ($1,250-$25,000), art for education mural sessions ($1,500-$2,000), and student presentations. Full planning and bilingual coordination provided.
• Annual Fundraising Gala Annual signature fundraising event featuring dinner, open bar, live and online auctions, entertainment, and student stories. Sponsorship tiers range from $5,000 (Backpack Booster) to $25,000 (Presenting Partner). Typically held in February at resorts in Playa del Carmen.
• Conexiones Program Career connections and networking program linking scholarship recipients with professionals and job placement opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% scholarship student graduation rate
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Globe LifeflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Corporate partner that raised over $72,000 USD in a single afternoon at a Give Back Event. 100+ agency owners joined together to sponsor multiple university students in one afternoon. Globe Life is a flagship corporate sponsor demonstrating the impact of CSR-driven scholarship fundraising.
• Randstad CanadacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Corporate partner that conducted a combined bicycle assembly and backpack packing event. Built 13 bikes and packed 300+ backpacks for local students. Demonstrates the breadth of KKIS Give Back Events with international corporate teams.
• Patch My PCcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Corporate partner that raised over $30,000 USD through an internal company fundraising campaign, supporting KKIS scholarship programs.
• Creo School USAcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024U.S.-based school that conducted a cultural exchange event with CETMAR students, delivering 50+ backpacks and building cross-cultural connections with Riviera Maya students.
• First Tee MéxicocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGolf education organization that teaches KKIS scholarship students, providing character development and sports mentorship as part of the wraparound support model.
• Universidad Tecnológica de la Riviera MayacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor university partner where KKIS university scholars are enrolled. Partnership enables tuition payment, student tracking, and career connections for KKIS graduates.
• Local Schools & Educators (Riviera Maya)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner30+ schools and universities across Riviera Maya including CONALEP, CETMAR, CECyTE 1, CECyTE 2, and CECyTE Tulum. Schools identify at-risk students, facilitate enrollment, and provide academic oversight for scholarship recipients.
• Eloequest, PMI, Pinnacle Travel, SIMCA, Ah Cacao, Seaside Rotary, Foresters, Extranjería México, LADLEA, Gusa Capital, SkydiveMex, Movida Maya, Tranont, Tito's, BBG, Dive InnminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsors and supporters listed on the KKIS website. Various organizations contributing to KKIS programs through donations, Give Back Events, and community support.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• buildOn: Youth development nonprofit that builds schools in developing countries and runs service programs for US students. Comparable to KKIS through its combined education-access and youth-leadership model with corporate volunteer engagement.
• Room to Read: Global education nonprofit operating literacy and girls' education programs across Asia and Africa. Comparable to KKIS through its combination of scholarships, mentorship, and life-skills programming designed to keep students enrolled through secondary school and into tertiary education.
• Scholarship America: US-based nonprofit that manages scholarship programs for corporations, foundations, and individuals to help students pursue higher education. Directly comparable to KKIS's individual-sponsor scholarship model, though at much larger scale and primarily US-focused.
• Malala Fund: Global education nonprofit advocating for and funding girls' secondary education. Comparable to KKIS as both target the post-primary-school transition where dropout risk is highest, combining scholarships with advocacy and programmatic support.
• Pencils of Promise: Education nonprofit that funds school construction, teacher training, and student support programs in developing countries. Highly comparable to KKIS as both operate a wraparound model combining infrastructure, scholarships, and community partnerships to keep students in school.
• Big Shoulders Fund: Chicago-based nonprofit providing scholarships and wraparound support to K-12 students in underserved Catholic schools. Comparable to KKIS through its scholarship-plus-mentoring model and donor-funded program for low-income students at risk of dropping out.
• DonorsChoose: US nonprofit platform connecting individual donors directly to classroom needs. Comparable to KKIS through its use of low-dollar individual donations ($25 backpack) and corporate partnerships to deliver school supplies and educational resources to underserved students.

Regional players

• Fundación Carlos Slim: Large Mexican foundation operating education, health, and economic development programs. Comparable to KKIS as a Mexico-based education funder; far larger scale and operates multiple scholarship and digital learning platforms across Latin America.
• United Way Mexico: Mexico affiliate of United Way Worldwide, funding education and community programs. Comparable to KKIS as a Mexico-based nonprofit channeling corporate and individual donations into education programs; broader scope but similar CSR-partnership and workplace-giving model.
• Save the Children Mexico: Mexican arm of global nonprofit operating education, health, and child protection programs across Mexico. Comparable to KKIS as a Mexico-based education NGO; broader scope and scale than KKIS but similar target population and donor base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/thekkisproject
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thekkisproject
• Instagraminstagram.com/thekkisproject

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 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 The Kkis Project