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In Portugal. For Portugal.

WHAT’S OUR IMPACT IN PORTUGAL?

In Portugal. For Portugal.

Friends of Portugal is an American nonprofit organization that exists to nurture economic opportunity, participate in significant social projects, build healthy communities, and share business and entrepreneurial knowledge with the Portuguese on many levels.

Who is Friends of Portugal?

Friends of Portugal partners and serves with secular and faith-based organizations, local governments, groups and individuals with a shared desire to influence and motivate the people of Portugal to pursue and create economic growth and development in the community.

Friends of Portugal interfaces with these partners and organizations to identify, propose, fund, and monitor partnered projects in Portugal. A team operating in- country allows local knowledge to be efficiently implemented when and where it’s needed most.

Internship Program

An announcement of a new Internship Program and strategic partnership will occur on September 28, 2023, where the co-space and business center Alcácer Hub joined by Friends of Portugal will host an evening event, entrepreneur spotlight and panel discussion titled “Building Hope and a New Future through Entrepreneurship.” Attending the event will be local Alcácer do Sal dignitaries and business leaders, a group of American leaders from various sectors and regions of the U.S., and members of FOP’s Board and leadership.

Our Impact

 

Social ● Business ● Connections

BUSINESS

 

A PONTE

Located in the heart of southern Loures, A Ponte is a modern co-working space and enterprise incubator founded by Friends of Portugal, located just ten minutes from the Lisbon airport. The multi-story property hosts more than twenty businesses and features offices for rent on an hourly or monthly basis, meeting rooms, seminar areas, and connections to international business leaders and universities.

 

O ENCONTRO

O Encontro (“The Gathering Place” in Portuguese) is a Friends of Portugal project designed to be a resource for local community, business, and social events in Loures. In collaboration with Friends of Portugal, PumpkinIdeas, Lda. a private partnership supportive of FOP, purchased the majority of the large multi-story office building where A Ponte, ShiftPT, and other businesses and entrepreneurs reside. O Encontro seeks to make the building available to the local community by renting it out for public meetings, conferences and seminars. O Encontro is recognized by the leaders of the community as a critical part of the fabric of the citizens of Loures.

 

CONNECTIONS

 

Business & Cultural Trips

Friends of Portugal offers exceptional connection and networking opportunities for American universities, business leaders, entrepreneurs, churches, groups, and individuals interested in entrepreneurship, social and sustainable projects, investing in Portugal, and connecting with this beautiful country, its history, and its people.

Our skilled and experienced leadership team works with participants to customize a Business & Cultural trip to suit attendees and maximize the experience for all! Trips generally take place in the Fall and Spring.

Trip Attendees typically meet with Friends of Portugal’s leadership, project managers, and partners, and hear about their exciting work and impact on the surrounding community. On the cultural side, attendees visit several cities rich with history, such as Lisbon, Alcácer do Sal, Évora, and Nazaré, and tour landmarks and historical sites along the way.

 

SOCIAL

 

ESPAçO VIDA MAIS (SECOND-HAND STORE)

Espaço Vida Mais is a brand of second-hand stores founded by Friends of Portugal. We now have stores in two locations: one in the working-class, immigrant neighbourhood of Massamá (a parish fifteen minutes northwest of central Lisbon) and another in Loures right below our partnering church Centro Evangélico de Loures.

Each store provides high-quality clothing, jewelry, and household items at affordable prices to its clientele.  Supported by a local group of volunteers from FOP and a local Christian Fellowship, the store has been a haven for those needing community. Residents actively support the store through regular donations and often gather there for coffee and a chat. 

 
 
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What drives us? Relationships.

We believe that true prosperity and well-being goes hand-in-hand with a sense of community and the steady nurturing of deep relationships. Our goal is to cultivate relationships within the community through business, economic and social outreach initiatives that address physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the communities we work with.

Learn More

Why Friends of Portugal?

Our deep connections with people and organizations throughout Portugal, have created a unique opportunity for direct personal impact.

We believe in helping our brothers and sisters in Portugal in ways that contribute to their sense of dignity and self-worth. All our partnerships, projects, and initiatives are designed to create personal participation and commitment, developing a sense of accomplishment, empowerment, and sustainability.

1

Invest in a cause you believe in

Do you believe that every human being should have the opportunity to achieve their goals and prosper? We do too! Join us in helping the Portuguese find confidence, encouragement, hope and economic prosperity.

 

2

Help people feel happier and more empowered.

Portugal has incredible talent, but sometimes all they need is a boost. With your support, Friends of Portugal is able to provide the necessary contacts, encouragement and support to budding entrepreneurs through our various projects and initiatives.

 
 

3

Join a network of people who love portugal: be a part of our TRIPS.

Do you love to travel and are interested in getting to know Portugal? Each year, Friends of Portugal hosts a trip that gives you the chance to get to know our projects and this wonderful country.

 

Get Involved

BECOME AN AMBaSSADOR

Support Friends of Portugal by following us on social media and telling a friend about us! 

Make a Donation

Your financial support is crucial in helping the Portuguese be empowered.