What Hands For Peacemaking Foundation does

Hands For Peacemaking Foundation (HFPF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1985 by Dr. Leeon Aller and Virginia Aller, headquartered in Everett, Washington, with operational headquarters at Santa Cruz Barillas in the northwestern highlands of Guatemala. The organization promotes village-initiated self-reliance among rural Mayan communities by delivering four integrated programs: clean cookstoves (the proprietary Aller Stove), water security (2,500-liter rainwater catchment systems and EcoFilter water filters), education infrastructure (school buildings, desks, whiteboards, libraries), and economic development through the Aller Skill Center, a 6,000 sq.ft. manufacturing facility employing over 15 local residents with living wage jobs.

The organization's core technology is the Aller Stove, an improved wood-burning cookstove co-developed with Burn Design Lab in 2016 that reduces wood fuel consumption by more than 50% and decreases cooking time by approximately 40% compared to open-fire cooking. The stove is manufactured locally at the Aller Skill Center using improved combustion technology with chimney venting and child-safety protector bars. Additional products include the EcoFilter water filter, heavy-duty Aller Cots, latrines, school desks (over 11,000 manufactured), and a Carbon Offset Program releasing 20,000 tons of credits. Since 2010, HFPF has distributed over 5,000 Aller Stoves to families across more than 280 villages surrounding Barillas.

HFPF's business model is a multi-channel non-profit funding and service-delivery operation. Revenue is generated through individual one-time and recurring donations, an online gift catalog with items priced from $8 (Open Fire Riser) to $3,950 (Complete School Furniture + Library), Work Week Team participation fees of $1,500 per person (10–16 member teams from churches, Rotary clubs, and civic organizations), and Rotary International Global Grants. Customer segments include rural Mayan villagers as program beneficiaries and US-based churches, Rotary clubs (eight+ clubs across Snohomish County and West Seattle), and individual donors as funders and volunteers. The organization holds a Charity Navigator Four-Star Rating and a GuideStar Transparency Seal.

Name

Hands For Peacemaking Foundation

Legal name

Hands for Peacemaking Foundation

Website

https://handsforpeacemaking.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hands For Peacemaking Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, founded 1985, that delivers clean cookstoves, water systems, schools, and vocational employment to rural Mayan villages in northwestern Guatemala, funded by individual donations, Rotary grants, and volunteer mission teams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

International Development and Humanitarian Aid Services

NAICS

Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing (3331), Community Food Services (624210)

akta.pro primary industry

Infrastructure, Housing & Community Development (BPAGABAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) (BPAGABAC), Rural Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment (BPAGABAA)

Keywords

• Humanitarian aid services
• Clean cookstove distribution
• Rural development programs
• Water security systems
• Non-profit mission trips

Headquarters

HQ city

Everett

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations (One-Time): One-time donations from individuals supporting specific projects or general mission. Any donation of $10 or more receives an acknowledgement letter for tax deduction. Donors can give to specific campaigns (e.g., Heart of Guatemala, specific village projects) or general operations.
2. Recurring Donations (Monthly/Annual): Recurring monthly or annual donations from financial partners providing ongoing operational support. The organization states a small staff with lean overhead but resources needed monthly to keep operations going.
3. Gift Catalog Sales: Donors purchase specific items at set price points through an online gift catalog. Items include Aller Stoves ($319), EcoFilters ($50), school supplies, desks, latrines, water catchment systems, cots, fruit trees, and carbon offsets. All purchases are charitable donations supporting projects.
4. Work Week Team Participation Fees: Teams of 10–16 members pay $1,500 per person to participate in a Work Week experience in Guatemala. Fees cover ground transportation from Guatemala airport, hotel stays, meals in Barillas, and all village transportation. Does not cover airfare or meals in Guatemala City/Antigua.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Hands For Peacemaking Foundation manufactures and distributes the Aller Stove (improved cookstove reducing wood consumption by 50%+), Water Security systems (2,500-liter rainwater catchment tanks, EcoFilters, W.A.S.H. training), and Education infrastructure (desks, whiteboards, school supplies) to rural Mayan villagers in over 280 villages around Santa Cruz Barillas, Guatemala. The organization mobilizes volunteer Work Week Teams and operates the 6,000 sq.ft. Aller Skill Center, employing 15+ local residents to manufacture products while providing vocational training. Donor-funded village-partnership projects address indoor air pollution, unsafe water, lack of schools, food insecurity, and economic underdevelopment in northwestern Guatemala.

Product overview

Hands For Peacemaking Foundation operates as a nonprofit humanitarian organization offering a portfolio of physical products and programs for rural Guatemalan villages. The core offerings include the Aller Stove (improved cookstove reducing wood consumption by 50% and cooking time by 40%), water security systems (2,500-liter catchment tanks, filters, W.A.S.H. training), and education infrastructure (desks, whiteboards, school supplies). Additional products include Aller Cots for volunteer teams, latrines for sanitation, food security programs, and a carbon offset program. All products are manufactured or assembled at the Aller Skill Center in Barillas, Guatemala, which provides vocational training and employment for local residents. The organization also coordinates volunteer Work Week teams who travel to Guatemala to assist with installations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aller Stove An advanced wood-burning cookstove developed and manufactured in Barillas, Guatemala by local artisans at the Aller Skill Center. Recognized among Plancha-based stoves for efficiency, it reduces wood fuel consumption by more than 50%, decreases cooking time by approximately 40%, and incorporates chimney venting, protector bars for child safety, and tile finishes. Redesigned in 2016 in partnership with Burn Design Lab for improved combustion efficiency, better heating, and reduced fuel consumption. Over 5,000 units distributed to families since 2010.
• Water Security Program Program providing 2,500-liter rainwater catchment tanks, EcoFilter water filters, and W.A.S.H. (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) training to families in rural Guatemala. Tanks are sealed and collect rain runoff during the wet season for use during dry months. Items can be installed individually for families or communally for multiple tanks serving community water sources. Components priced individually: W.A.S.H. Training Material at $25, Support Water Security at $100, and Water Catchment System at $850.
• Education Products and School Furniture School supplies, student desks, teacher desks, whiteboards, computers/monitors, and complete classroom libraries manufactured at the Aller Skill Center in Barillas. HFPF has produced over 11,000 school desks, making it the largest manufacturer of desks in the Barillas area. Items include School Supplies ($14), Student Desk ($40), EcoFilter ($50), Teacher's Desk ($175), Whiteboard ($150), Computer/Monitor ($125), Classroom set of desks ($3,500), and Complete School Furniture + Library ($3,950).
• Aller Cot Heavy-duty sleeping cots manufactured at the Aller Skill Center, designed to provide Work Week team members with more restful evening accommodation during village service trips. Priced at $125 per unit.
• Latrine Construction Latrine construction as part of water security and sanitation work, helping families improve everyday health, cleanliness, and dignity. Includes materials and installation, priced at $540 per unit.
• Food Security Program Program addressing food insecurity in partner villages through collaboration with organizations such as AGROS International and Medical Teams International, providing support to vulnerable families affected by COVID-19, hurricanes, and food insecurity. Priced at $20 per family, with tiered support up to five families for $100.
• Carbon Offset Program Carbon credit program releasing 20,000 tons of credits to supporters, based on 14 metric tons CO2-equivalent per person per year multiplied by household size at $5.00 per ton. Priced annually from $70 (1-person household) to $420 (6-person household). Funds designated to stove manufacturing, tree nursery, and water security programs.
• Fruit Tree Planting Program Village fruit tree planting program supporting reforestation and providing food security for village communities. Priced at $2.00 per tree.
• Aller Skill Center / Economic Development Program
• Open Fire Riser Component accessory for improved stove installations serving as a replacement or upgrade part for open fire cooking setups. Priced at $8.00 per unit.
• Work Week Volunteer Team Program 10-day volunteer mission trip program in Guatemala, with teams of 10-16 members recruited from churches, Rotary clubs, and civic organizations. Participants pay a $1,500 per-person fee covering ground transportation from Guatemala Aurora Airport, hotel stays in Guatemala City or Antigua, transportation to Santa Cruz Barillas, all meals in Barillas, and all village transportation. Teams complete stove installations, school construction, water system installation, and other village projects. Does not cover airfare, meals in Guatemala City/Antigua, or souvenirs.
• School Construction Program Village school building program implemented in partnership with Rotary Clubs (notably Marysville and South Everett-Mukilteo), with 29 schools funded and built to date. HFPF supplies student and teacher desks, white boards, and libraries as part of these school projects in rural villages that lack educational infrastructure.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces wood fuel consumption by more than 50% and decreases cooking time by approximately 40%
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers9 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

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Burn Design Lab (BDL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016BDL, located in Vashon, Washington, partnered with HFPF in 2016 to redesign and improve the Aller Stove manufactured at the Aller Skill Center. The partnership resulted in improved combustion efficiency, better heating performance, and reduced fuel consumption. BDL's mission is to improve lives and environment through research, design, and development of outstanding cookstoves and fuels. The findings from the redesign were implemented in mid- and large-size stove manufacturing.
• Rotary Clubs of Marysville and South Everett-MukilteocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThese Rotary clubs have led school construction efforts in Guatemala, funding and building 29 schools to date. As part of funded programs, HFPF supplies student and teacher desks, white boards, and libraries. Long-standing partnership spanning multiple years and projects.
• Rotary InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRotary International provides global grant funding for village projects including the Blanca Flor water project (126 family water catchment systems). Multiple Rotary clubs in District 5050 (Pacific Northwest) and Rotary International Global Grants support HFPF's work.
• Rotary Club of ArlingtonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Snohomish County Rotary coalition supporting the Youth Engaged in Service team project that installed 58 Aller Stoves and EcoFilters in Jose Maria San Ramon.
• Rotary Club of EverettminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEverett Rotary Club supports HFPF projects through volunteer teams and grant funding.
• Rotary Club of MonroeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMonroe Rotary Club part of the Snohomish County coalition supporting youth service projects in Guatemala.
• Lake Stevens Rotary ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Snohomish County Rotary coalition supporting youth service projects.
• Stanwood Camano Rotary ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Snohomish County Rotary coalition.
• West Seattle Rotary ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWest Seattle Rotary Club led the Blanca Flor water project, securing Rotary International Global Grant funding for 126 rainwater catchment systems and a clinic water tank. Club members helped secure funding, supported the project from start to finish, and volunteered alongside local families.
• Rotary Club of Everett Port GardnerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with Barillas Rotary to write a grant for water storage tanks in El Porvenir village, funded through Rotary International.
• Marysville Sunrise RotaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPart of the Snohomish County Rotary coalition.
• South Everett-Mukilteo RotaryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLong-standing partner in school construction; has helped fund and build 29 schools. Part of the Snohomish County coalition.
• AGROS InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization working with HFPF to reach the most vulnerable populations in Barillas in food security programs. Coordinates with Medical Teams International and local relief agencies.
• Medical Teams InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization collaborating with HFPF and AGROS International to reach vulnerable populations with food security and health assistance.
• Healing the ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable US organization that arranged pro bono medical treatment for Felix, a Mayan boy born with encephalocele. Coordinated with HFPF's on-the-ground network in Barillas to facilitate his medical journey to the US.
• Marine View Presbyterian ChurchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChurch in Northeast Tacoma that has coordinated multiple mission trips to Guatemala over decades. Coordinated Dick and Elinor Shenk's 32 years of service trips. Vacation Bible School children raised $320 to install an Aller Stove for Petrona Diego Esteban.
• Dexter United Methodist ChurchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMichigan church whose congregation hosted Felix and supported HFPF through stove installation projects. Members have participated in mission trips.
• Faith Lutheran Church of EverettminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWomen of Faith Lutheran Church of Everett donated quilts for the local Barillas hospital during Rotary team visits.
• Fauntleroy Church, UCCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGreg Dirks served as past Council (Board) Chair and continues involvement, facilitating board governance and mission trip connections.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Wine To Water: Wine To Water is a nonprofit focused on clean water access in developing countries. Directly comparable WASH-focused model with similar donor-driven, volunteer-supported field operations.
• Global Brigades: Global Brigades mobilizes university and professional volunteers to support sustainable development in Central America (including Guatemala), Panama, and Honduras. Highly comparable volunteer-mission-trip GTM model.
• EcoZoom: EcoZoom designs and distributes clean cookstoves and solar products for households in developing countries. Direct competitor in the improved cookstove category serving similar bottom-of-pyramid customers.
• Healing the Children: Healing the Children provides medical care to children in need internationally and is already an HFPF partner for individual cases (e.g., Felix). Comparable in mobilizing volunteers and donor support for international aid.
• Agros International: Agros International develops rural land and economic opportunities for families in Central America, including Guatemala. Already a HFPF partner for food security; directly comparable rural Guatemala community development model.
• Trees, Water & People: Trees, Water & People partners with indigenous communities to distribute clean cookstoves, solar lights, and reforestation programs in Central America. Closely comparable geographic and programmatic scope to HFPF.
• BURN Manufacturing: BURN Manufacturing is one of the largest clean cookstove producers in East Africa, designing and manufacturing fuel-efficient cookstoves. Highly comparable to HFPF's Aller Stove product and mission of reducing indoor air pollution and fuel use.

Emerging players

• Practica Foundation: Practica Foundation is a Dutch nonprofit focused on research, design, and development of clean cookstoves and clean water technologies for low-income households. Comparable to the engineering/R&D work HFPF does with Burn Design Lab on the Aller Stove.
• AguaClara at Cornell: AguaClara engineers low-cost, sustainable water treatment plants for underserved communities. Comparable to HFPF's water catchment and EcoFilter programs in serving rural water access challenges.

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity International: Habitat for Humanity is a large-scale housing and community development nonprofit operating globally, including Latin America. Broader incumbent in community infrastructure with overlapping mission areas.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hands-for-peacemaking-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about Hands For Peacemaking Foundation