Over 90% of every dollar goes directly to Mako’s programs. Every US dollar has 15x the impact in Ghana, turning small gifts into big change. We provide quarterly reports, virtual site visits, and clear impact data that shows that our results speak for themselves.

We’re a grassroots team committed to lasting change. Our U.S. board works hand-in-hand with Mako’s leaders in Ghana, offering guidance and a listening ear for the tough decisions they make every week. With 20+ trips to Hohoe and a decade of on-the-ground experience, we’re a close-knit unit supporting children from early childhood through graduation and beyond — with education, meals, healthcare, arts, family engagement, and more. Ours isn’t crisis response; it’s resilience building.

The name Mako comes from a Ghanaian proverb that means ‘All peppers on the same plant do not ripen at the same time.’ This speaks to disadvantaged children needing more time, care, and support to grow. It also speaks to our belief that change takes root, child by child.

Children everywhere deserve care. Mako works with those in rural Ghana whose lives are endangered by poverty — yet where hope and progress are real. Your support fuels change strong enough to shape futures for decades.

Mako’s newsletter is a good place to start - you can sign up for that here. Check out our blog, and dive into our ongoing updates and child highlights via Instagram and YouTube.

The Opportunity Fund goes to building and operating our Community Centre: a permanent campus that will serve hundreds of children each year with a safe place where access to learning, wellness, and creative expression is offered.

Yes! Here are a few ways: • Join a donor vision trip • Get a governance briefing • Secure a corporate match or gift • Volunteer at a Mako event • Host a fundraiser with Makos’ Fundraiser Kick-Start Kit • Share your skills or networks through personal fundraising

You’re not just supporting us — you’re part of our team.

We don’t offer 1:1 sponsorships, and here’s why: experience has shown that scholarships create more meaningful, lasting change. Traditional sponsorships can unintentionally frame children as dependent on a single donor. Scholarships, on the other hand, honor every child’s dignity and give them access to education, nutrition, healthcare, and safety — without tying their success to one relationship. When you give to our Children’s Empowerment Fund, you’re fueling opportunity for all at-risk children in our care.

We’re both actually. Mako is a dual-entity structure: a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and a Ghanaian-registered NGO. Programs are locally led, and community voice shapes every decision. Our U.S. Board manages funds domestically, and transfers monthly funds with ongoing review by the U.S. Director of Finance and a third party accountant in Ghana. Mako’s U.S.-based 501(c)(3) can intervene and control local NGO operations if needed, but that’s an emergency policy.

The best way to get to know Mako is by exploring our website and taking a look at our Annual Impact Reports that are compiled to create transparency and accountability to you, our generous donors.

Email us at everyone@makochildren.org and someone from leadership will reach out.