SCA Grant to Support Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) Development Fund

SCA Grant to Support CQI's Development Fund

Status: Active grant agreement announced April 2026

Funder: Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)

Recipient: Coffee Quality Institute (CQI)

Overview:
The Specialty Coffee Association provides ongoing financial support to the Coffee Quality Institute to fund its development work and advance its mission to improve the quality of coffee and the lives of the people who produce it.

Funding Structure:

SCA contributes a percentage of its annual education revenues to CQI

Provides ongoing, recurring funding (not one-time)

Funding supports CQI's project work in coffee-producing regions

Geographic Focus:
Coffee-growing countries worldwide

What It Funds:
CQI's development work including:

Training programs in coffee-producing and processing

Projects in 30+ coffee-growing countries

Educational initiatives for coffee professionals

Development assistance in origin countries

Focus Areas:

Improving coffee quality

Enhancing lives of coffee producers

Inclusive, sustainable development

Producer-centered initiatives

Background:

CQI has trained people in coffee production and processing for over 20 years

Works with funding from public and private-sector donors

Partnership reflects shared commitment to center producers, recognize full value of coffee, and make coffee better across the value chain

This partnership is part of historic collaboration announced April 24, 2026, which also includes evolution of Q Grader Program content and transition of its management to SCA

Key Quotes:

SCA CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos: "The Specialty Coffee Association is honored to support the Coffee Quality Institute's Development Fund and its vital role in advancing inclusive, sustainable development across the coffee sector."

CQI CEO Michael Sheridan: "At a time when traditional sources of funding for development assistance are being eliminated, SCA is stepping into the vacuum and demonstrating real leadership."

Contact:
Specialty Coffee Association
505 Technology Drive Suite 340
Irvine, California, 92618, USA
Website: https://sca.coffee/