The Daniel Casanova Memorial Fund
Honoring a Life Dedicated to Possibility
Daniel Casanova devoted his life to helping others. His philanthropic spirit was especially bright during his years as Executive Director of Global Partners for Development. For more than a decade, he worked to improve access to healthcare, clean water, nutritious food, education, and economic opportunity in East Africa.
His approach was unique. Daniel believed poverty alleviation had to be grounded in local partnership. This meant listening, understanding local challenges, and trusting East African community leaders to shape their own solutions. Daniel was humble and always quick to lift up others. This is why so much of Daniel’s work continues to thrive today.
Continuing Daniel’s Legacy
We created the Daniel Casanova Memorial Fund to continue the work Daniel cared about most: supporting community-led development projects that improve lives in lasting ways.
This fund will specifically support projects in African communities that:
- Expand access to healthcareÂ
- Provide clean water and nutritious food
- Improve education for children
- Strengthen economic opportunities for families
- Empower local leaders who know their communities best
Our Initial Project: Emergency Water Relief in Arkaria.
Our first project will support the community of Arkaria in northern Tanzania. Daniel has roots in Arkaria. Much of his development work was anchored here, which he did alongside his close friend and community leader, Alais Morindat. Daniel even married his life companion, Lori, in Arkaria with a traditional Maasai ceremony in 2018.
Arkaria is now facing a severe drought. The community’s main water source has completely dried up, leaving families and livestock without access to water. The government is preoccupied by upcoming elections, and little outside help is expected.
In Daniel’s honor, the fund’s first project will transport clean water from urban Arusha to rural Arkaria. The water will be stored in tanks that Global Partners previously helped install. This emergency effort will provide enough water for local schools, families, and livestock until rains return later this year.
Our Next Projects
Global Partners has already identified eight additional community-led initiatives we want to support in the spirit of Daniel. They include improving nutrition in Uganda, expanding girls’ education in Kenya, and bringing clean water to Malawi.
We need your help to build this fund
We are seeking donations of any size. Poverty-alleviation projects, on average, cost about $20K. Every dollar we raise gets us closer to undertaking the next one.
- Send a gift from your DAF (donor advised fund), family foundation, or otherwise make an electronic transfer. To do so, please get in touch with Nick Fusso, who is administering this fund.
- Calls/Texts: (415) 475-9024
- Email: info@gpfd.org
- Mail a check to our mailbox:
Global Partners for Development
1388 Haight St, #431
San Francisco, CA 94117
3. Make a contribution with your credit card using the online donation form below.
Daniel’s Enduring Impact
Daniel’s belief in people’s potential — no matter where they begin — continues to guide our work every day. This fund ensures his spirit of compassion and partnership lives on. We hope you will join us.
Read our full remembrance of Daniel here.