Our Story

The inspiration for the Foster Foundation was born out of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, when we witnessed just how drastically the world - and the lives of ordinary South Africans - had changed. It became clear that holistic financial wellbeing needed to extend far beyond debt management, savings, and planning for the future. We needed to help people sustain themselves, their families, and their communities through hands-on, lasting support.
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This realisation planted the seed for Summit’s Subsistence Community Farms Pilot. The goal was simple but powerful: to equip vulnerable communities with the knowledge, skills, and tools to grow their own community gardens using nourishing, low-cost crops. The pilot proved a huge success, culminating in the establishment of a thriving community farm in Mabeskraal. This farm now supplies vegetables to local schools and empowers residents through food security and skills development.
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With South Africa’s unemployment rate sitting at a staggering 33%, the crisis deepened. Households struggled to service debt, incomes dropped, and food insecurity increased. Recognising this urgent need, the Foster Foundation was formally launched in 2024 to expand the impact of our pilot and reach communities across the country.
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We focus on financial literacy, debt relief, and entrepreneurial development - particularly through sustainable agricultural practices and basic business training. Our aim is to offer both immediate relief (food, toiletries, and debt aid) and long-term empowerment through skills and education. Our key focus is on hard-to-reach rural communities, especially targeting youth and women.