Partners in Conservation funds the yearly operating expenses at Imbabazi, which includes food, clothing and health care for 75 children as well as the salaries of 24 workers who help care for them. During 1996, PIC also contributed money for the center's medical supplies. Partnerships with artisans Partners in Conservation's special niche is working directly on projects that benefit local people which in turn helps to support PIC's funding of gorilla conservation programs and the Imbabazi Orphanage. The result of this innovative approach is a partnership with artisans living near the Parc National des Volcans. The project is called Terimbere Uzigamiru Kinigi or Conservation and Development of Kinigi.
All profits go back to Rwanda to help fund the established projects listed above.
In the fall of 1996, two women's co-operatives, one based in Kigali and the other in Gisenyi, were included in this artisan program. The women, almost all of whom lost their husbands during the war, make beautiful cards, embroidery work and dolls. Partners in Conservation are trying to establish a shipping company that will be owned and operated by Rwandans and that will handle the export of artisans' work for sale in America. PIC is working closely with Rwanda's Minister of Transportation and Communication, Isidore Munyakazi, to achieve this goal. Partners in Conservation are continually exploring new projects and approaches that will benefit both the gorillas and the people of Rwanda.