[Devora]

In response to a post I made on a different thread, I received a number of requests for information about aid programs that are working in specific areas of Guatemala. So I put together a list of the organizations I know of. It's attached as a .pdf -- Note: There are 3 pages to the document.

There are, in fact, hundreds of organizations working in Guatemala. The ones I have listed here are ones that either I have personal knowledge of or that people whom I know and trust have personal knowledge of. These organizations emphasize sustainable, long-term development rather than mere charity.

Most of these programs are not set up for donations to be directed to individual families. So for those of you who are interested in helping your children's Guatemalan families or foster families, don't expect to be able to do so through these organizations. Although maybe they will be able to help in some way. For example, the education projects have scholarship programs and you may be able to designate a scholarship to go to a specific child. Additionally, some of these organizations do have child sponsorship programs. If your child's family lives in the area they serve you may be able to sponsor your child's siblings.

Even if they can't help you directly assist your child's family, these organizations should be well aware of other projects that work in the same area so they may be able to direct you to a sponsorship project or other organization that can help you. Just remember: These are dedicated organizations that have specific missions. So if you are trying to help your child's Guatemalan family directly, please be clear when you contact the organizations that you realize they do not provide that type of assistance but that you thought they might be able to point you in the right direction. Part of why these organizations are so effective at what they do is because they stick to their missions and capacities and don't spread themselves too thin.

As I said, there are hundreds of organizations in Guatemala. I would be thrilled if you chose to support one of these! I'm also interested to hear if there are other organizations that people recommend -- I'm always looking to expand my list! If you are doing internet searching to find other organizations, I suggest that you check out a few things:
* Are they a registered nonprofit organization?
* If so, they are required to have an annual report (including financial report) available to the public. Ask for their most recent report. See how they spend their money.
* Are they religiously affiliated? If so, do they evangelize/proselytize? Are you comfortable with that? Are you comfortable with the respect they show to indigenous cultures and religions?
* Do they provide services themselves or do they raise funds for other organizations working in Guatemala? If they raise funds, that's fine! Just be sure to check out the organizations for which they raise funds.
* How long have they been operating? Do they have a record of success?
* Do their projects build local capacity and resources? Are they sustainable?

Finally, based on my experience and research I would say that if you are looking for the most cost-effective ways to make a long-term difference in the lives of Guatemalan families (i.e., you want your small donation to have the biggest impact), consider supporting:
* Stove Projects (open-air woodburning stoves are a major cause of lung disease and eye damage)
* Scholarships and Literacy Projects (education will create before unheard of opportunities for children and will help to break the cycle of poverty)
* Micro-Credit Loans and Chicken Projects (these build the capacity for families to generate new sources of income; a small loan or a start-up on chickens can provide them long-term, sustainable income that will enhance their quality of life and make it possible to send their children to school)

[lmvsmom]

Thanks for the wonderful information!

[Anne1377]

Hi Stephanie,

You always have so much good information to share. We just returned from a stay in Guatemala. I was able to do some humanitarian work while I was there. It was a wonderful and rewarding experience and we are already planning our next trip!

We were also able to spend some time visiting with people who were very important in Annie's life before she came home. She really understands the meaning of these trips and was so excited to go back.

Diane

[dspakowsky]

Thanks for the list. You're right though, there are hundreds of organizations doing all kinds of great things in Guatemala. When I travel to Guatemala (very soon) I'll be meeting with some of these organization. I'm so excited!

[greytpaws]

What a wonderful resource! Thank you so much for compiling it!!!!! Excellent format too!

[tootsi20023]

Thanks for sharing, it's nice to have this all compiled on a simple list in one place.

[rdority]

Thanks so much for doing this research! I'll use this list to choose which to support.

[Devora]

Here is a Canadian organization that I just found: Wells of Hope, Welcome to the Wells of Hope

I generally limit my recommendations of organizations to those that either I know of directly or that people I know and trust know. I don't actually know anything about this organization. However, I'm posting them because they were in Jalapa. So many of the aid organizations are in the Highlands. There is certainly great need there, but some of the areas are underserved so I was looking for organizations working in other areas.

This organization primarily drills wells to improve access to clean, safe water. However, they also provide other support such as building schools, sending school supplies, and supporting orphanages.

[Susan12]

Have you ever heard or know anything about Common Hope? Common Hope - Our Work

I appreciate your list.

[Devora]

bumping b/c I had a couple more inquiries about aid programs

[JosieWales]

Thanks so much for this!!