BUILDING APPRECIATION ACROSS CULTURES

Founded in 2018, The Culture Connection Project (The CCP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to build appreciation among people of diverse cultures. We believe the strongest connections begin with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to listen.

Across borders and backgrounds, we create space for empathy — moments of exchange that honor identity, spark reflection, and celebrate diversity in all forms; cultural, religious, ethnic, nationality, and beyond.

From immersive travel experiences, to podcasts, school partnerships, and global storytelling, everything we do reflects a simple truth: difference isn’t a barrier — it’s a bridge.

A NONPROFIT
BUILT ON PURPOSE

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OUR PROGRAMS

People having a picnic on a hillside with lush greenery in the background, featuring a tray of bananas on a small wooden table and various bowls and items on a blanket.

UGANDA TRIP

Live alongside change-agents on a 17-day journey through Uganda. You’ll support, learn, and connect—gaining a deeper appreciation for the people, history, and culture that make this country unforgettable.

A woman in traditional attire sitting on a mat next to a hanging basket containing a baby, inside a rustic wooden structure. A man stands in the background wearing a "The Culture Connection Project" T-shirt. The roof is made of woven materials and corrugated sheets.

INDIA TRIP

Explore rural India through the eyes of tribal leaders and grassroots organizers. This 14-day experience blends culture, support, and connection for a powerful perspective shift.

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THE POWER OF APPRECIATION

At The CCP, appreciation is at the heart of everything we do. Appreciation is more than gratitude — it’s a way of seeing. When we truly appreciate, we recognize the value in people, in moments, and in ourselves. That recognition has the power to transform us.

Appreciating others inspires empathy and motivates us to support them — not out of obligation, but from genuine care. Appreciating our own lives — what we have, who we are — cures greed, softens comparison, and creates space for real joy.

When we learn to appreciate, we don’t just see the world differently — we begin to move through it with more compassion, clarity, and connection.

“I’ve been to Africa 5 times. Never before had I been so moved, connected, and immersed as I was on The CCP Trip.”

-Sidney Fumbanks, Barber in Chicago
2022 Uganda Trip Participant

Our Values

Classroom scene with teacher and students sitting at wooden desks, colorful educational posters on the walls, bright natural light from a window.

We are all teachers,
We are all students.

All of programs are designed to be exchanges that promote equality and understanding of one another. Everyone who participates in our programs plays both role of student and teacher.

A diverse group of people are posing for a photo on a balcony at night. Some are wearing "The Culture Connection Project" t-shirts. The background shows a cityscape with lights and trees.

Diversity is a strength,
Not a weakness.

Our aim is never to change the values, cultures, or other belief structures of anybody involved in our program. While we want to build relationships, we also want to maintain diversity.

Two men standing next to a decorated tree stump with colorful artwork and a portrait under a canopy of trees.

Aim to understand,
Not to judge.

We aim to listen, learn, and are thoughtful in our approach. We try to look beyond surface explanations and instead find a more profound understanding.

What our community is saying

  • Smiling man wearing a black baseball cap and black T-shirt

    "The CCP saved our orphanage during COVID by raising money for the food to feed our children and the community."

    - Series Denis
    Founder, Home of Hope
    CCP Ugandan Partner

  • A person smiling and wearing a black T-shirt with "The Culture Connection Project" text, standing in a busy outdoor market area with people in the background and a bus visible.

    “I’ve never grown so much in such a short span of time.”

    - Jeanette Gonzalez
    2022 Uganda Trip Participant

  • "This is an experience you can't get anywhere else. It's once in a lifetime. It's something special."

    - Alayssia Townsell
    2023 Uganda Trip Participant

  • "I've never felt more included by strangers, more reflective of my personal opinions, or more engaged to discuss cultural views openly."

    - Sara Mosadegh
    2018 Uganda Trip Participant

  • "The CCP is more than just a partner. They're family. They've been supporting us for years and we love them!"

    - Grace Nakimera
    Founder, Feed The Streets
    CCP Ugandan Partner

  • “I’ve never felt more welcome, challenged, appreciated, and connected all at once.”

    - Curran Robinette
    2018 Uganda Trip Participant

  • "There is no shortage of wisdom and appreciation on this trip."

    - Tyler Hobbs
    2023 Uganda Trip Participant

  • "The greatest trip I've taken so far in my 24 years of life!"

    - Taijai Slaughter
    2022 Uganda Trip Participant

  • "We receive so much support from The CCP - from donations to purchases to spreading our mission. We're so thankful."

    - Ssekitto Emmanuel
    Founder, Faces Up Uganda
    The CCP Uganda Partner

  • "I'm definitely coming back. Yes, I'll be back."

    - Sydnie Hudson
    2023 Uganda Trip Participant

  • "This experience ran so deep. It was absolutely life chnaging for me and I loved every second of it."

    - Jasmin Jiwani
    2022 Uganda Trip Participant

  • "I've been to Africa 5 times. This was, by far, the most impactful and touching experience - not just of those 5 times - but of my life."

    - Sidney Fumbanks
    2022 Uganda Trip Participant

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