EcoLogic Development Fund

EcoLogic stands out for its hands-on approach to conservation and community empowerment. As a donor, I am impressed by their commitment to integrating environmental restoration with sustainable livelihoods. Their focus on forest conservation and climate resilience provides a holistic model that addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges. What sets EcoLogic apart is its emphasis on local leadership, ensuring that marginalized communities are active participants in shaping their futures. EcoLogic’s dedication to lasting change, through community-driven solutions, makes it a worthy investment for anyone passionate about the environment and social justice.

This is a great organization with a powerful mission. They focus on protecting and healing the tropical ecosystems of Central America and Mexico through a number of effective means - conservation and reforestation, sustainable agriculture, education, providing financial incentives for conservation, and building fuel-efficient stoves to reduce the amount of trees being burned. This organization partners with the communities they serve to help them benefit from the services and also helping the important ecosystems stay/return to health. I am so impressed by the local leads who support the efforts. They are so knowledgeable and devoted to making their community and planet thrive. Thank you EcoLogic!

Ecologic Development Fund is a remarkable non-profit organization that fosters sustainable labor and social practices in Mexico and Central America. Their mission is to empower indigenous and low-income communities by improving their standard of living and promoting responsible resource management.

As a member of Ecologic's board, I am privileged to work alongside passionate individuals committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized communities.

If you are looking for an organization that is making a real impact on the world, I encourage you to learn more about Ecologic Development Fund. Their work is a testament to the power of human compassion and innovation. Share their inspiring story, spread awareness about their work, and contribute financially. Together, we make a difference.

Noemí

EcoLogic is an amazing non-profit organization that works to strengthen sustainable labor and social practices in Mexico and Central America. It seeks to improve the standard of living of indigenous and low-income people, and promotes the training of society from a young age to learn how to take advantage of all its natural resources. It is a pride to be part of Ecologic's board because each of the members that are part of Ecologic are people concerned about changing the lives of the people who have less and have the possibility to improve.

Our group has had the privilege of partnering with EcoLogic on organizational development and fundraising initiatives over the past three years. Throughout our partnership together, we’ve been consistently impressed with their commitment to advancing their mission and the professionalism they bring to every aspect of the work we do together. Their leadership team in particular is not only passionate about the work but also highly skilled in implementing impact - mission-aligned and sustainable strategies that drive growth, all to effectively strengthen the output from their community and regional partners.

What truly sets EcoLogic apart is the way they partner with the community and regional partners. EcoLogic implements a trust-based strategy with the partners in the ares served and truly acknowledge that the local communities understand what is needed. We are proud to support their mission and look forward to continuing our partnership as they build on their success and reach new points on their organizational growth trajectory. We highly recommend EcoLogic as a trusted name to anyone looking to support an organization that delivers the value they promise.

I am a researcher who recently received a Fulbright US Student Grant to do work in Guatemala. During my application process I was looking for an affiliate organization that could help further my research and which embodies the spirit of what I hope my Fulbright can accomplish. My research focuses on how coastal communities throughout Latin America, Guatemala in the case of my grant area, are responding on a social level to the threats of climate change and ecological loss. EcoLogic quickly rose to the top of my list of possible collaborators. They have done exceptional work along the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, working across all levels of communities to realize projects that protect the natural environment and establish an environment for increasing opportunity and quality of life across the region. They have been a necessary part of my research strategy, connecting me with important individuals and groups on the ground and sharing valuable first-hand knowledge of the region and people that I intend to write about. The authenticity and care that they bring to their work should serve as a model for any group trying to find and implement social/economic development solutions that center the wellbeing of the earth and its people.

I was a graduate intern and I truly appreciate the time working with Ecologic and the team. While I was studying sustainable development, Ecologic gave me a wealth of knowledge and experience in environmental conservation, and more importantly, what true empowerment is. I experienced their passion and amazing work that enhances the capacity of the sector to make our society more prosperous and peaceful.

I had the incredible opportunity to advise and volunteer with Ecologic in Guatemala on a project dedicated to supporting fisher families and enhancing the management of the Guatemalan Caribbean's marine ecosystems. My experience was truly remarkable. Ecologic's local team in Central America is outstanding—they share experiences and best practices and work directly with communities, amplifying their impact. I deeply admire Ecologic and its staff for their persistent dedication to conserving ecosystems and implementing sustainable practices that support local livelihoods. Your work is truly admirable. Congratulations on all you've achieved, and please continue being the force for good that you are, making a significant difference with your devoted efforts.

Ecologic Development Fund is a bare bones operation with extremely low overhead in the US. Almost all of their resources go to support partner small farmer organizations in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. With a small field staff they have significant impacts in program areas like community-led restoration and conservation, sustainable agriculture, fuel-efficient stoves and other activities that help improve the lives of marginalized communities that are rich in community and natural resources.

This organization is a bottom up community development non-profit that has worked with local residents on many ecologically friendly projects. Some of them use cutting edge technologies to plant and protect forests, water supplies, and agro-forestry crops to help local liviehoods. This is often done with endigenous knowledge with an emphasis on inter-generational learning and doing. Community participation and decision making are highly valued.

Working closely with EcoLogic as a consultant, I've been deeply impressed by their commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. Their approach, marked by genuine community engagement, ensures that projects are both effective but and sustainable. EcoLogic's work has a transformative impact, improving living conditions, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding vital water sources. What truly distinguishes them is their ability to forge partnerships and collaborations, recognizing the power of collective action in addressing complex challenges. Their commitment to transparency, accountability, and resource stewardship is exemplary. EcoLogic's work actively shapes a more sustainable and resilient future, and it's been an honor to collaborate with them on this inspiring mission!

I'm a retired MD and for the past twenty years have done volunteer work in the general field of
environmental sustainability.Early on for Boston Harbor National Park then, in NGOs in the climate and
sustainability areas. I first came to know EcoLogic Development Fund in 2001 and have been a hugely
strong advocate for the organization, the personnel working in the head office, in-country staff and its
projects and board of directors. As a frequent visitor and volunteer in Guatemala, and to a lesser
extent, as visitor in Mexico and Honduras, I and numerous board members have had the enlightening
experience of on-site observation and involvement in all these countries as well as in many of EcoLogic’s
in-country programs. I cannot imagine a more responsive, resourceful and beneficial environmental
organization than EcoLogic. This is, I'm happy and proud to say, a totally five, if not six, star operation.

Ecologic is a passionate organization that is fully committed to the transformation of rural communities in Central America with know how and technology that protects renewable resources and their living.
The administration collaborates with professionals worldwide in order to tap their experiences and knowledge with similar projects.

It has been great working with EcoLogic and its website. I learned more about their mission and how its making a difference on the lives of small communities in Central America. Everyone I have worked with are dedicated, hard-working and passionate about preserving the environment and culture.

EcoLogic empowers rural and Indigenous peoples to restore and protect tropical ecosystems in Central America and Mexico. However, its broader impact touches so many important causes including biodiversity, climate change, environmental justice, immigration, women's rights, and food security. The organization is led by a passionate and talented executive director, who is committed to the mission and leading a well-run organization. It is a pleasure to serve with other members of the Board of Directors and I look forward to being involved with the organization for many years to come.

It has been an honor to work with such an amazing organization and talented executive director. EcoLogic's mission and commitment to conserve important habitats through partnering with and resourcing local oversight stands out as a positive and inclusive example of cooperation and collaboration for the greater good. Thank you EcoLogic for all you do and how you do it.

I began volunteering with EcoLogic several years ago when searching for a meaningful opportunity to learn new skills, and I am honored to be playing my small part in this nonprofit organization’s work empowering the rural and indigenous residents of Central America and Mexico to steward their local ecosystems. The staff at EcoLogic are hard-working, collaborative, and dedicated to the organization’s mission. EcoLogic does not impose its own priorities on communities, but rather, listens closely to their expressed needs and priorities, focusing on capacity building and equipping communities to take the lead in conserving their local ecosystems. EcoLogic’s approach focuses on deep partnerships with local people and organizations with an eye towards long-term sustainability instead of quick solutions. This small and mighty organization does impressive work while staying true to its mission and values.

I've been connected to EcoLogic in one way or another almost since the beginning (we are celebrating our 30th anniversary this year). As someone with a deep connection to Guatemala and Central America over decades, I believe EcoLogic does work that truly makes a difference in the lives of small communities of rural famers and indigenous people, while protecting valuable natural resources. We work from the ground up, listening to and learning from and responding to the people closest to the "problems" we are trying to address. Our partnership model means we work to support, strengthen and enhance the local organizations in their leadership in providing solutions. We work long-term with partners because we appreciate that change can be slow and challenging, but also provides opportunities. We work very hard to be efficient and accountable with the funds that are entrusted to us by our donors. We are grateful for any and all financial contributions, as we work hard to help sustain the local people as they strive to protect the often threatened ecosystems in which they live.

I started with EcoLogic as an intern last summer and have since continued working with them as a volunteer. Since before I started working with them, EcoLogic and their mission has always struck me. As a student of international relations and environmental policy, I was immediately drawn to EcoLogic’s holistic model, that truly seeks to empower individuals and individual communities within the fight for a more sustainable world. They have expressed deep care, sensitivity, and empathy towards the wide range of issues, cultural contexts, and norms that affect each community they work with — presenting a model for community-based climate solutions that centers the client, the community, the people— who know their land and their needs better than anyone else. As a social media and communications intern I witnessed firsthand how important, and genuinely centered EcoLogic’s “voices from the field” are to their content. Through interview with local field staff in Central America, and with the community members and individual with whom they work, we always prioritized those on the ground in our content production.

EcoLogic is an organization with strong values that consistenkt seeks to better themselves and their work to be more holistic, considerate, efficient, and impactful for the long term. They’re made up by a kind, passionate, and endlessly inspiring staff who have reignited my own hope and passion for our future on this planet.

EcoLogic works to support communities and their local organizations, providing financial and technical support and empowering local communities to manage, protect, and restore their local ecosystems. Their work is done with a strong commitment to local empowerment and using a landscape approach. The staff have high integrity and they get the job done. If you want your donor dollars to have maximum impact, give them to EcoLogic! They will be well spent and provide many personal rewards as well.

Deeply committed staff, focused on impact and direct work with rural communities.

While the group makes good things happen for deserving people and places, they proceed with a high level of inefficiency and much less cost effective than many of their peers in $/impact. Overhead rate is chroncially high, dollars translating into concrete change on the ground has become a diminishing portion of total expenses with US staff related expenses likely absorbing half of total expenditures.

At CoreSpace, giving back to the community is a big part of our culture here, we stand behind the work that Ecologic is doing and we are constantly impressed by their continuous achievements. The staff that I have met is dedicated, hard-working and inspirational individuals who care deeply in EcoLogic's mission to preserve the environment and the much important culture.

Ecologic does an excellent job proving its progress based on quantifiable achievements while showing tangible accomplishments throughout the year and we can't wait to see what they will do next! Keep up the great work and thanks for the important reminder of how cultures and nature are all tied together and dependent on each other for success. We will happily be a long term donor to Ecologic.

EcoLogic Development Fund serves as a model for small to medium sized nonprofits around the world. The organization focuses on empowering local communities and local leadership, and is successful because of the passionate and talented staff both in Cambridge and Central America. EcoLogic is one of the most well run and impactful nonprofits I have had the opportunity to engage with, and I highly recommend their cause, people, and current and potential impact!

My time as an intern at EcoLogic was wonderful. I greatly appreciated working and learning from staff who are so passionate about community based rural conservation and development. EcoLogic is a one of a kind organization who believes in on the ground environmental projects at the community level specifically with Indigenous peoples. EcoLogic is one of the only NGOs in the northeast doing this kind of work and it was an honor to work with them. The skills and things that I learned there were invaluable. My work with Dave Kramer allowed me to help the organization branch out through the introduction of new networks based on my background in conservation and rural development. If you don't know about know about the organization yet please learn and get involved.

EcoLogic is a great organization with wonderful staff and an exceptional commitment to working with local communities to protect and sustain the environment.

I had been looking for awhile for a place to volunteer and since I have always been interested in the environment and saving trees and forests. When I heard about Ecologic through a friend of my families it peaked my interest. I have been volunteering here 1 day a week since August. It has been a lot of fun to listen to the everyone here talk about what they do with a smile. It is also fun learning from people who know what they are talking about and are always willing to answer questions.

I am a college student studying environmental issues and sustainability through the lenses of biology and politics. EcoLogic puts what I study into action and creates positive, meaningful change. EcoLogic is unique in its ability to address issues sustainably in every sense of the word, especially in giving local people the tools and knowledge to make a difference in their communities long after a project is over. One of the best things about EcoLogic is the people--this is a small organization with tons of passion. Every member of the team gives 100% and believes in the organization's mission and goals. EcoLogic is building long-lasting connections and does an incredible job of connecting people to opportunities and to each other.

EcoLogic is an incredible nonprofit organization that works to educate and strengthen sustainable and fair labor and societal practices in Central America. As an intern last fall, I worked with the Institutional Development Team and got a hands on look at the inner workings of such an agency. Not only does the staff enjoy their work, but they strive to surpass their goals each day and are some of the most driven, hardworking people I've ever met. EcoLogic is unique in its mission and the people that carry that mission out everyday. I am honored to have worked with such an organization.

EcoLogic Development Fund is a non-profit committed to implementing effective and comprehensive conservation and development programs in Central America and Mexico. As a donor, I feel confident that EcoLogic directs my donations to the greatest need to produce the most efficient results. Their focused, pointed approach to development gives me confidence that they are working intimately with rural communities and basing their projects on community desires and needs. This aspect is what is most important to me when I consider organizations to donate to.

EcoLogic is an amazing nonprofit with a wonderful mission. As an intern, I have truly enjoyed my time working with EcoLogic staff. It is incredibly gratifying to work with an organization that is such a positive force for development and conservation in Central America. As a student studying sustainable development in Latin America, it is really inspiring to be a part of a group that is implementing conservation and development concepts that I have learned about in the classroom. The staff of EcoLogic are an inspired, enthusiastic and driven group of people and I have already learned so much from them in my short time working here!

EcoLogic is an incredible organization which is working to empower marginalized communities in Central America and Mexico. Since beginning to volunteer here in September I have been extremely impressed with their holistic approach to conservation, as well as their respect for community sovereignty which enables them to work with, not in place of, local communities in Central America and Mexico. The people who work at EcoLogic are driven, thoughtful, and compassionate. This is truly a wonderful organization, both in terms of what they do, and who they are.

We (Small Planet Institute) share office space with Ecologic's Cambridge, MA office. We interact with their staff daily and also collaborate on projects whenever our work overlaps in theme. Our director, who is an author and leader in the food movement, touts EcoLogic, both in print and in person, for empowering communities to become stewards of their land.

EcoLogic is an organization I know better than any other environment/development group I support. They have hosted my students as interns, and some members of their staff have participated as invited speakers in my courses here at Brandeis. I have attended their fund raisers and sought out their staff for advice on my own project ideas in Nicaragua. One of my former students is full time there, and her experience there, now keeping in touch with me as a true insider, has only strengthened my impressions: EcoLogic has strong leadership, the morale and skill set of the staff make for an effective and enthusiastic team, and the culture of the organization is such that they are consistent in approach to the projects they choose to take on.

I studied ecology for decades in Costa Rica and lived there for over 2 years, and I often now travel to Nicaragua, so I am somewhat familiar with the kinds of environments and challenges and communities that EcoLogic has chosen to focus on. Their approach of working with in-country groups on projects that link social benefits to local environmental services (water, carbon, forests, biodiversity, among others) is not just a good approach among several options, it is the only way we know truly works over the long term.

A fantastic organization that truly understands the holistic nature of sustainable development in rural areas of Central America.

As the global environment continues to deteriorate, one questions with increasing urgency: What can we who live in relative affluence do to help slow and even reverse the devastation in the many remote environmentally sensitive and high priority biodiversity areas of the planet? What can we do that will have an immediate and lasting impact both on those threatened environments in the less well-off parts of the world and on the people living there? Is there any question? It’s EcoLogic Development Fund that answers that challenge!

I am a retired librarian with a great interest in environmental sustainability. I hold this organization in very high regard because I know Shaun Paul, the founder and head, spends a lot of his time implementing EcoLogic's mission, serving local communities and really knowing the people who benefit from the sustainability work they do. This is a small organization with high integrity and great local effectiveness.

EcoLogic is an impressive nonprofit that truly walks the talk in realizing its mission, making every dollar count. EcoLogic understands the complexity of environmental issues like no other nonprofit that I've worked with--and their attention to detail is excellent. It has been a pleasure working with EcoLogic during the past 4-5 years and I look forward to our continued collaboration.

I have been pleased to share the work of Ecologic with members of my Philadelphia community and raise money for several projects in Guatemala in particular. Because of the collaborative way in which Ecologic works to support local culture and local leadership while improving economic life in threatened habitats, over the years I have seen amazing successes in rural communities in Central America. Success in protecting waterways and forests while supporting economic sustainability. We know when we give our hard earned money to Ecologic they will deliver the respect, knowledge and support needed to make these cross cultural partnerships productive from the perspective of both the indiginous communities and the donars. I believe they have evolved a way of working cross culturally that is truly commendable! With deep respect I encourage eveyone to find out more about the serious and challenging work Ecologic is doing. They live up to their mission statement!

I have really enjoyed my time spent at EcoLogic. Through the work I've done, I feel like I have helped to make a difference. The team at EcoLogic is very passionate about their projects and work well collectively to reach their common goal. I've especially observed this during their regular team meeting and workshops. I also admire EcoLogic's efforts to stay current with environmental issues through their lunch discussions drawn my weekly chosen environmental articles. I really not seen anything that would raise criticisms of the organization. They seem to be making real progress and their system seems very efficient.

My experience with EcoLogic has been nothing but positive. While interning with them, I learned more in depth about their holistic conservation model which targets not only a specific community problem, but instead works with community members to identify any and all existing environmental and human rights issues. It is not often that you come across an organization which puts the necessary time, energy, and resources into helping a community address multiple issues at the same time, valuing localized problem-solving, personal interaction with community members, and following through with a project allowing time to create a comprehensive solution. I greatly appreciated the existence of this organization and being able to play a part in their work. Thus this spring my college's Forest Justice club, of which I am the president and founder, held a large benefit event and raised over $1,000 which we chose to donate to EcoLogic's Agrforestry Project in Guatemala. During the event one of EcoLogic's staff members was able to speak about the organization as well as the project. After the event I spoke with many people present who particularly stated how impressed they were with EcoLogic's presentation and how much they appreciated being able to connect directly with the organization they were donating to.

I have had the opportunity to get to know the work that EcoLogic does by attending various EcoLogic events and being updated through eNews, appeals, newsletters and etc. The staff that I have met are dedicated, hard-working individuals who care deeply in EcoLogic's mission to preserve the environment. I am continually impressed by the work that they are able to accomplish. Through intersting stories and lively testimonials from the people they help in Latin America, I have learned about the many issues affecting our planet. I truly look forward to staying abreast of their work and will continue to donate to such a worthy cause!

Here are a few reasons why we continue to invest in the organization’s work: 1. Ecologic Development Fund’s efforts to address the conservation, social, and economic needs of Central American communities represents a new era in international development work, shaped by the 1992 UNCED meeting and the global commitment to “sustainable development.” Ecologic staff understands that core values of participation are essential to successful partnership. The group champions a participatory development style that goes beyond the initial definition of sustainable development to emphasize the central role that local communities must have in natural resource decision making. 2. Shaun Paul, Ecologic’s Executive Director is a creative and thoughtful leader. He is humbled by the people he works with in Central America, and believes that Ecologic can only be successful and strong if its partners grow stronger. Shaun’s entrepreneurship and creativity leads Ecologic in innovative directions. 3. Ecologic does an excellent job documenting its progress based on quantifiable achievements. The organization is not interested in “feel good” development work; it tracks protected acres, watershed health, and income generation in communities where it works. Such results are essential in order for the organization to work more collaboratively with national governments in Central America. Ecologic Development Fund is a shining example of sustainable, participatory development that enables communities to chart their own futures. Ecologic balances environmental protection and restoration, economic development and democratic participation.

EcoLogic is a remarkable non-profit in my book. Raising money for economically viable resource conservation projects in Central America with local partners, their work brings well-being and the dignity of truly collaborative work with local organizations and individuals. I am eager to tell people about EcoLogic - just last week I did so at length at a dinner party! My own work with EcoLogic was highly engaging and dynamic. They were taking a leap to create meaningful outreach in the Boston area to potential donors by providing a valuable service- green education to grade-school children. The curriculum they hired me to tailor to the local market and strategize their campaign for implementation was brilliant. They are working with great effort and tirelessly to reach folks in the Boston area to create logical connections for them with the work EcoLogic is doing in Latin America. To do this while providing school children with needed education is really genius. They deserve all the support they can get to keep on with all their amazing work; water and forest conservation, tree farms and low-fuel stoves and more!

My experience at EcoLogic has been great. I have seen how EcoLogic has helped poor rural communities in Central America and Mexico become environmental stewards and how this has also contributed to improve many of these people's living conditions. I have personally been part of this effort and have been surrounded by an awesome group of people who are eager to help conserve forests and water, while helping the people who depend on these resources organize and improve the ways they manage the latter. I have also met several of the donors, incredible people without which all this work might not have been possible. I was very happy to be part of this team effort to make the world a better place.