Havana has the potential to become one of
the most sustainable cities in the world.
But it needs support.
Supporting Havana
Friends of Havana is a non-profit organization founded on the belief that Havana is one of the world’s most important cities—an urban landscape of extraordinary cultural richness, resilience, and potential. Like those who rally to protect Venice or Kyoto, we support Havana to preserve its heritage, but also because we believe the city offers vital lessons for the future—especially around sustainability, livability, and economic development through culture.
How We Work
FoH supports Havana by working with Cuban institutions to foster international cooperation, strengthen local capacity, and create opportunities for Cubans to thrive through culture. We work closely with partners such as the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana (OHCH), the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, the Antonio Núñez Jiménez Foundation, leading Cuban universities, and community-based organizations. Our programs span urban planning, renewable energy, and cultural programming. Since our founding in 2015, we have convened several major workshops in Havana; supported the transformation of public spaces; helped major Cuban institutions acquire energy equipment and become independent from the national grid and much more.
Our work
Planning for Havana
FoH supports the Office of the Historian of the City of Havana in its efforts to develop a long-term masterplan for Havana to ensure the city’s sustainability.
Culture and Economic Development
FoH supports Cuban institutions working to preserve and celebrate Havana’s extraordinary modern architecture and industrial heritage, and utilize them as economic engines for the city.
Public Space and Mobility
FoH supports the transformation of public spaces to improve the livability of Havana – including children’s play areas, public plazas, and bicycle parking.
who we are
Friends of Havana is both a non-profit organization based in Leipzig, Germany and also an international network based in New York City. The organization was founded as a project of the World Monuments Fund and incorporated as a non-profit association in Leipzig in 2019.
The association is led by six volunteer board members and has received funding from the Ford Foundation, Flora Family Foundation and other donors. Our network includes universities including Pratt Institute and the New School, and non-profit organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund, Foundation for a Civil Society, MediCuba and many others.
“We are a non-profit and a network.”
support our work
Friends of Havana welcomes support in numerous ways. Of course, we accept donations, and you can make a contribution through XYZ here. But you can also support our work with technical expertise, donations, and supporting our partners in Havana directly.