Grounds at Work
Grounds at Work: Empowering Education in Coffee-Growing Regions and Local Communities
Welcome to Grounds at Work
Grounds at Work, officially known as RTC Coffee's Grounds at Work, is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children in coffee-growing regions and underserved local communities through education. Our mission is to create pathways to education, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Our Mission: Empowering Children Locally and Globally
At Grounds at Work, our mission is to provide educational opportunities to children both locally and in coffee-growing countries. By partnering with schools, communities, and organizations, we support initiatives that increase access to scholarships, educational resources, and community development.
How It Works
Through our unique partnership with RTC Coffee, Grounds at Work receives a donation equal to one day of tuition for a child for every bag of coffee sold. This initiative directly links each coffee purchase to educational support, creating a meaningful impact on children’s lives. In addition, we collaborate with local schools to enhance educational programs and provide scholarships to students in need.
Key Points:
- Every Bag Sold = 1 Day of Tuition Funded
- Local Community Support: Partnering with schools to enhance educational access and provide scholarships.
- 100% of profits from designated fundraising initiatives go towards educational support.
The Founding Story: Brewing Change
Grounds at Work was born from a deep passion for education and community upliftment. After years of traveling to coffee-growing regions to source the finest beans, our founder, Calvin Harris, repeatedly witnessed the lack of access to quality education in these communities. Meeting families who could not afford to send their children to school sparked a vision: to create a direct link between coffee sales and educational opportunities. This vision led to the creation of Grounds at Work, where each bag of RTC Coffee sold funds a day of education for a child, ensuring that every cup makes a difference.
The Impact of Your Support
To date, Grounds at Work has sponsored the education of 2 children, with plans to add 4 more in 2025—two each in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Our goal is to provide scholarships that cover educational expenses, while also expanding our support to local schools in underserved communities.
Impact Metrics:
- Current Number of Children Sponsored: 2
- Target for 2025: 6 Total Sponsorships
- Total Days of Education Funded: [Live Counter to be added soon]
- Local Schools Supported: 2
How We Select Students for Sponsorship
Grounds at Work collaborates with local schools and community partners to identify children in need of educational support, both here and abroad. We prioritize children from low-income families or those facing significant barriers to accessing education. Our selection process is flexible, allowing us to adapt to the unique needs of each community we serve.
Get Involved: How You Can Make a Difference
There are many ways to support Grounds at Work:
- Purchase RTC Coffee: Every bag funds a day of education abroad.
- Support Local Schools: Your contributions help us provide scholarships and resources to local students.
- Make a Direct Donation: 100% of your donation goes directly to educational programs.
- Volunteer or Partner with Us: We are always looking for community partners to expand our impact.
If you would like to get involved, please reach out to Calvin at Calvin@rtccoffee.com.
About Grounds at Work
Grounds at Work, officially known as RTC Coffee's Grounds at Work, was founded on the belief that education can change lives. Our nonprofit is dedicated to empowering children by removing barriers to education, both locally and in coffee-growing regions. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, we are committed to transparency, ethical practices, and making a meaningful impact.
This is what happens when your morning ritual becomes someone else’s breakthrough.
This is More than coffee
Every Bag Sends a Child to School.
It started on the side of a mountain.
A Colombian coffee farmer told me he couldn’t afford dinner. That moment shattered me. I’d just left the military, lost my purpose, and was looking for something to believe in. I didn’t find coffee. I found people.
I was a rescuer. Then I became a builder.
I served in the U.S. Coast Guard for five years. When I was medically retired, I felt like I’d lost my identity. My father told me: “You can change more lives through business than you ever could in the military.” He was right.
Coffee should do more than wake you up.
We believe in education, equity, and impact. We believe the people who grow your coffee deserve to see their kids thrive. We believe that your purchase can be powerful. Every bag we sell funds a full day of education for a child in a coffee-growing region. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just good coffee doing great things.
Global Roots
And we’re just getting started. Every bag of RTC Coffee keeps this number growing.
Meet Arya — Our First Sponsored Student
Arya lives in Cambodia. Her father, John, drives daily to give her
a future he never had. She was the first student funded by RTC Coffee.
Arya now teaches her brother what she learns — and thanks to your purchases, he's in school too. Real stories. Real impact.
“Love the flavor, the mission, and knowing I’m helping growers.”
Jennifer L.
“Real coffee that actually tastes like coffee. So rich and smooth.”
Charles W.
“This isn’t just another brand. It’s a movement I’m proud to be part of.”
Justin K.
Our Values
Great Coffee. Greater Impact.
Your daily habit just became your greatest contribution.
Subheading
We're Not just roasters. we're bridge builders.
RTC Coffee began after a life-changing moment on a Colombian mountain,
when a farmer shared he couldn't afford dinner — even after selling his coffee.
That spark lit the fire for everything we do now.
Founded by a Coast Guard veteran, we exist to create real, measurable change
in the lives of farmers and children in coffee-growing communities.
For every bag sold, we fund a day of education.
Because good coffee should do good, too.