About

LemonAid Fund

LemonAid Fund

Dr. Nancy Peddle established LemonAid Fund as a 501c(3) charitable organization in 1999. She is driven by the belief that every individual holds the power to enact meaningful change in the world. Her inspiration stems from her firsthand experience in war-torn Sierra Leone during the Bloody Coup of 1996, vividly depicted in the 2006 film Blood Diamond.

Witnessing the devastation of conflict and its lasting impact on communities, Dr. Peddle was compelled to act for those unable to escape the violence. Recognizing the potential for even modest support to significantly improve lives, she sowed the seeds of what would become the LemonAid Fund.

Dr. Peddle has been a dedicated CEO of the LemonAid Fund since its inception. She generously foregoes a salary, ensuring that every donated dollar is directly allocated to the organization's programs. Her commitment underscores her profound dedication to the Fund's mission. Transformation can occur in just one day, as LemonAid's research-backed activities have clearly demonstrated.

LemonAid collaborates with individuals, communities, and organizations globally to empower self-sufficiency and foster resilience amidst adversity.

Mission

LemonAid Fund empowers individuals and communities to create enduring, positive change through the transformative power of forgiveness, gratitude, and appreciation (FGA). We support locally driven projects to enhance health, education, and economic development, foster resilience, and pursue peace amidst adversity, violence, poverty, and war. Our commitment extends to long-term engagement, partnering with communities every step of the way to ensure sustainable progress and continuous growth.

Together, we thrive. Let’s turn “lemons” into “lemonade.”

Join Forces, Multiply Impact: The Power of Collective Action

By prioritizing community-led initiatives and efficient resource allocation, we amplify the impact of every contribution toward building a brighter, more compassionate future for all.

What we do & How we do it

LemonAid Fund is dedicated to empowering communities facing extreme hardships, including the scourges of war, violence, and poverty. We support locally driven initiatives that prioritize children, families, and communities' health, education, and economic advancement to rectify injustices and foster a more peaceful existence. Central to our belief is the innate capacity of every individual to rise above adversity and positively transform their lives when provided with opportunities for support, engagement, and collaboration.

We actively seek inspired ideas and innovative practices that demonstrate tangible results rooted in community involvement. By minimizing overhead costs, we ensure that most donated funds directly benefit the individuals and communities we collaborate with. This approach not only maximizes the impact of each contribution but also empowers those on the ground to drive sustainable change and create lasting solutions to the challenges they face. We would love to work with you.

At LemonAid Fund, we believe in the transformative power of community-based initiatives and the collective strength of partnership in building a brighter, more equitable future for all. We join forces to amplify impact.

The areas we serve are:

  • Sierra Leone, West Africa

  • Rwanda, Central Africa

  • Columbia, South America

  • Bhutan, South Asia

We are also working in the United States and expanding to the Middle East.

Our LemonAid Fund Board

  • Nancy Peddle - Chicago, IL

    CEO (Volunteer)

  • Cheryl Grandy - Washington, DC

    DIRECTOR

  • Rev. Martha Ross Mockaitis - Arlington Heights, IL

    DIRECTOR

  • Fabienne Swanson - Crozet, VA

    DIRECTOR

  • Ann Leonard - Chapel Hill North Carolina.

    DIRECTOR

OUR CHAMPIONS

  • The Romano Memorial Fund was established to celebrate the spirit of Umberto Romano (1954–2008), husband of LemonAid Fund Founder Nancy Peddle and a steadfast supporter of the LemonAid Fund's mission. Umberto passionately believed in making a positive impact through LemonAid Fund, and his final wish was to ensure the continued growth of the organization to help those living in injustice and violence, yet still holding onto hope and a willingness to change. Thank you for your generosity in allowing Umberto to leave a profound legacy.

  • Luc first arrived in Sierra Leone in 2008 as an IT volunteer with World Computer Exchange. He set up over 100 computers and visited many programs, including LemonAid Fund and Mission4Salone. Falling in love with the country, Luc became a dedicated champion for its people.

    Here is his story in his own words:

    "When I went to Sierra Leone in 2007, I visited an orphanage and noticed the children finding pleasure and comfort in such small things as singing, dancing, and playing soccer with an old flip-flop. Support from a few incredible people who provided some basic needs, such as two meals a day, water, and shelter, made it possible. I realized putting smiles on so many faces is not so hard and can make the world a better place, 1,000 kids at a time. I am privileged and humbled to be working with people like Pastor Peter Kainwo, Mrs. Francess Browne, and Dr. Nancy Peddle, bringing joy to so many people. It's incredibly rewarding and satisfying to see and experience. I am committed to raising funds for Mission4Salone's annual psychosocial children's camp."

    Luc helps to raise over $3,000 annually through LemonAid Fund to support Mission4Salone's psychosocial camp for over 1,000 children. In 2017, the camp was held in Moyamba Town. One participant shared,

    "Since day one of the camp, I felt lively mainly because I made new friends." She, who had previously reacted violently to negative comments, learned to forgive and move on, thanks to the camp. She expressed her gratitude to Uncle Lucas, Dr. Nancy, and the entire staff of Mission4Salone and LemonAid Fund, appealing for more support in other communities. The children gain confidence, make new friends, enjoy three meals a day, and learn about forgiveness and gratitude.

    In 2022, the camp was held on Bonthe Island.

  • David Tormo-Sanchez, a bilingual elementary teacher from Spain with over 10 years of teaching experience in Illinois Public Schools, has been volunteering for several years in Medellin and Popayan, Colombia. He holds a degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an ELL/Bilingual endorsement from Concordia University Chicago. Through his volunteering in Popayan, he has forged connections with city officials and spent countless hours observing and improving the conditions in local schools. He now continues his invaluable work in San Andres de Pisimbala, located in the mountains of Colombia.

    David's dedication and efforts exemplify the spirit of service and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and communities in need.

    Thank you to all our champions for their unwavering dedication and impactful contributions. Your efforts inspire us all to strive for a better, more compassionate world.