Case Study: Color of Coffee Collective
The Color of Coffee Collective is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to driving equitable change throughout every facet of the specialty coffee supply chain.
The Color of Coffee Collective envisions a global coffee community where diverse voices and talents are celebrated, uplifted, and empowered. Our mission is to break down barriers to access, representation, and resources within the coffee industry, ensuring that underrepresented groups have equitable opportunities for growth and success. Through community engagement, educational programs, and creative partnerships, we aim to cultivate a thriving, inclusive coffee culture that reflects the richness of our shared human experience.
The
Challenge
Color of Coffee Collective wanted to expand its Coffee Camp program, which had successfully launched in Houston, to the Austin market. Coffee Camp provides comprehensive education about the specialty coffee industry, equipping participants with essential job skills that open doors to success in coffee and beyond.
Our
Solution
Rose Social Impact connected Color of Coffee Collective to Austin-area coffee businesses, government leaders, recreation centers, and schools to pitch the program, get buy-in and participation from industry leaders, and identify funding opportunities for Coffee Camp in Austin.
The
Results
Color of Coffee Collective received grant funding to expand Coffee Camp into Austin in the fall of 2024. They partnered with a local high school to enroll ten minority students in the Coffee Camp program, teaching them about the history of coffee, brewing methods, roasting, marketing, and much more.
Coffee Camp engaged several local businesses, including Epoch Coffee, which hosted two field trips for Coffee Camp participants.
“Kevin went above and beyond. We would not have been able to launch our Coffee Camp program in Austin without him.”
Keith Hawkins, Color of Coffee Collective Founder and CEO