What we do
Vision
Together with our partners, we envision communities in the Andean region of Latin America where children and families thrive with dignity and hope, and where collective knowledge, culture and creativity are harnessed to build lasting, inclusive change.
Misson
We work with not-for-profit organisations and their local partners in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru to give children and families the chance to thrive. Through long-term collaboration, we strengthen community-led initiatives in education, health and family wellbeing, helping create lasting opportunities and brighter futures.
Our history
A partnership-led journey of lasting impact
LACT began in 2004 as the Latin American Children’s Trust, founded by Erland Karlsson and Rose Marie Játiva Karlsson, rooted in their close ties to the Andean region and a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for children and families.
From the outset, LACT was built on long term partnerships. Over two decades, we have worked with 19 direct partners in the UK and many more local partners across Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, some of whom continue with us today. Together, we have evolved our programming to address interconnected challenges across education, poverty, health and protection. Partners have strengthened education systems, delivered child protection programmes across multiple municipalities, and supported livelihoods and food security for thousands of families. This work has adapted to changing contexts across the Andes, from displacement and inequality to pressures on public services.
In 2016, Erland and Rose Marie established The Karlsson Játiva Charitable Foundation, creating a stronger platform to carry this work forward. In 2023, LACT transitioned from an independent trust into a programme within the Foundation, maintaining its purpose while strengthening its ability to support partners over the long term.
Today, our partnerships have engaged hundreds of schools and more than 100,000 children, while approaches developed by partners continue to influence wider systems. We continue to strengthen how we work together, creating shared learning spaces and launching Red LACT (LACT Network in Spanish) in 2026, an internal platform for partners to exchange experiences and build community.
Governance and team
Our Structure
The LACT Programme is implemented by The Karlsson Játiva Charitable Foundation (KJCF). The Foundation’s Board and team work across all KJCF programmes, including LACT, providing oversight, expertise and operational support.
Meet the KJCF Board and wider team
The LACT Programme is guided by a Board Committee and coordinated by a Programme Manager, all part of the KJCF team.
The Board Committee
Rose Marie Játiva Karlsson – Director of KJCF Trustees. Member of the LACT Programme Board Committee
Erland Karlsson – Director of KJCF Trustees. Member of the LACT Programme Board Committee
Pilar Bohorquez – Member of the LACT Programme Board Committee
Clare Dixon – Member of the LACT Programme Board Committee
The LACT team
Carolina García Marengo – LACT Programme Manager (Maternity Leave)
Michelle Karlsson – LACT Programme Manager (Maternity Cover)
Lin Richardson – KJCF Chief Executive
Claire Miller – Administrator
Willy Pedroso Aguiar – Communications Manager
Grantmaking
Partnerships at the heart of how we work, always open to new conversations
Long-term partnerships are a core principle of how we work. We build relationships by invitation, grounded in research, shared values and a strong alignment of purpose. At the same time, we remain open to conversations with like-minded non-profit organisations working in Latin America, and welcome opportunities to explore where our work might align.
Who we partner with
Organisations that truly listen to local needs
We partner with charities registered in the UK that have a demonstrated record of impact and the capacity to deliver meaningful, long-term change, in collaboration with local organisations
Strengthening the conditions for children and families to thrive
We work with organisations that address the many interconnected dimensions of children, young people and family wellbeing, including protection, education, health and poverty.
Working across the Andes through local partnerships
We partner with organisations working in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru through strong networks of local partners. We also welcome initiatives that connect across countries and operate at a regional level.
What we provide
Multi-year funding shaped by partner goals
We provide multi-year funding aligned with our partners’ goals, giving them the stability to plan, adapt and grow their work over time, rather than respond to short-term cycles.
A network for learning, exchange and collaboration
Our partners are part of a vibrant network. Through Red LACT (“LACT Network” in English), our internal platform, they connect, share resources and take part in learning spaces designed to strengthen their work and build community.
Opportunities for partner visibility
We use our communications platforms to highlight the work of our partners and connect them to our broader networks, helping open new opportunities for support and collaboration.
Interested in becoming a partner?
Contact LACT
Get in touch
If you are interested in exploring a potential partnership and want to tell us about your organisation, or if you have questions after reviewing our guidance, we would be glad to hear from you.