The annual Grounds for Health green coffee and equipment auction, a cornerstone event for the non-profit organization, is set to return from September 23-24, 2026. This year’s auction arrives at a significant milestone, marking 30 years of Grounds for Health’s dedicated work in preventing cervical cancer within coffee-growing communities. The event provides roasters and coffee professionals with an opportunity to acquire high-quality, traceable green coffees while simultaneously contributing vital funds to life-saving healthcare initiatives.
This year’s auction promises a compelling selection of coffees and equipment, highlighted by the inclusion of what organizers describe as the auction’s first-ever coffee from Vietnam. This unique anaerobic natural-process robusta, sourced from producer Great Cherry in Dak Lak, has been donated by Crop to Cup and boasts a cupping score of 86, with a starting bid of $5.75 per pound. Further enriching the offerings are three distinct lots from long-time supporter Walker Coffee, including a washed-process coffee from Antigua, Guatemala; a wet-hulled, FTO-certified coffee from Sumatra; and a washed-process Kenya AA. A custom sample roaster from San Cristobal is also among the equipment being auctioned, with additional donations being accepted through September 18th.
A Legacy of Lifesaving Care
Grounds for Health was established in 1996 with a clear mission: to address the disproportionately high rates of cervical cancer among women in coffee-producing regions, where access to preventative care and screening is often severely limited. Over the past three decades, the organization has made substantial strides. Its programs have empowered over 265,000 women to undergo cervical cancer screening and have provided more than 22,000 women with essential preventive treatment. Currently, Grounds for Health operates its critical programs in Ethiopia and Kenya, focusing on sustainable healthcare solutions tailored to the specific needs of these communities.
The annual auction, which commenced in 2009, has become a significant fundraising engine for the organization. To date, it has generated over $1.05 million, directly supporting the expansion and continuation of these vital health services. In 2025, the auction successfully raised $28,424, demonstrating the continued commitment of the coffee industry to this impactful cause.
A Diverse and Coveted Coffee Selection
As in previous years, the 2026 auction lineup is characterized by its diversity, spanning a wide array of origins, processing methods, and lot sizes. This variety ensures that roasters of all scales and preferences can find exceptional coffees to suit their needs. The green coffees are generously donated by a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, including leading importers, dedicated producers, and other coffee companies, underscoring the industry’s collective support for Grounds for Health.
The 132-pound Vietnamese robusta from Crop to Cup is particularly noteworthy, representing a new frontier for the auction’s geographical reach. Walker Coffee’s contributions are equally significant, offering a nuanced selection that highlights different origins and processing styles. The inclusion of a custom sample roaster from San Cristobal further broadens the appeal of the auction, providing roasters with valuable equipment that can enhance their operations.
The comprehensive auction list, which can be accessed online, also features coffees from Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Honduras, and Rwanda. A robust roster of green coffee donors underscores the widespread industry backing for Grounds for Health. This esteemed group includes Balzac Brothers, Coffee Shrub, Crop to Cup Coffee Importers, Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee, Genuine Origin, La Minita Coffee, InterAmerican Coffee, San Cristobal Coffee Importers, Sucafina, Sustainable Harvest, and Walker Coffee Trading. The breadth of these partnerships signifies a deeply ingrained sense of social responsibility within the global coffee trade.
Connecting Industry and Impact
Justin Mool, Grounds for Health Auction Manager, emphasized the symbiotic relationship between the coffee industry and the organization’s mission. "For 30 years, the coffee industry has helped Grounds for Health provide access to life-saving care to coffee-growing communities," Mool stated in an auction announcement. "Our auction is one of the ways we keep that connection going, giving roasters and retailers the chance to buy exceptional coffee and equipment while directly supporting women at origin." This sentiment highlights the auction not merely as a transactional event, but as a powerful platform for fostering deeper engagement and shared purpose within the coffee community.
The online auction is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, September 23rd, at noon EDT, and will conclude on Thursday, September 24th, at 6 p.m. EDT. Bidding on green coffee lots is exclusively open to verified coffee companies. International bidders are required to obtain prior approval to participate. It is important for potential bidders to note that shipping costs are generally not included in the winning bids for green coffee lots, a standard practice that facilitates logistical flexibility for both the organization and the buyers.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The sustained success of the Grounds for Health auction is a testament to the growing awareness and commitment within the coffee industry towards corporate social responsibility and ethical sourcing. By directly linking the purchase of premium coffee products to tangible health outcomes for women in coffee-producing regions, the auction creates a powerful incentive for engagement. This model not only generates essential funding but also fosters a greater understanding and appreciation for the complex challenges faced by communities at the origin of coffee production.
The inclusion of new origins, such as Vietnam, indicates an expanding network of support and a growing recognition of the auction’s value by a wider range of producers and exporters. This geographical expansion has the potential to bring even more diverse and unique coffees to the market, further enhancing the auction’s appeal.
Furthermore, the long-standing partnerships with established importers and trading companies signal a deep-rooted integration of Grounds for Health’s mission into the operational fabric of the coffee industry. These enduring relationships are crucial for the consistent flow of high-quality donations and for the sustained financial support that allows Grounds for Health to plan and execute its programs effectively.
As Grounds for Health enters its fourth decade, the auction remains a vital component of its fundraising strategy. The continued participation of roasters and retailers signifies not just a transactional exchange, but a collective investment in the health and well-being of the women who are integral to the global coffee supply chain. The success of this year’s event will undoubtedly pave the way for future initiatives, reinforcing the coffee industry’s role as a catalyst for positive social change. The organization’s ongoing work in Ethiopia and Kenya, coupled with its expanding reach, underscores a commitment to sustained impact and a vision for a healthier, more equitable future for coffee-growing communities worldwide.
