Fundamaya

I have been supporting Fundamaya for almost 14 years, since I was a volunteer there myself. They are the real deal -- An organization mostly run by local Indigenous staff (many women), providing direct and absolutely critical support to countless community members. Their leadership is heart-led and competent.

Sharon and her family have been angels on earth helping Guatemalan families in a sustainable way. Her non profit has thought of all avenues that will help all ages of the Guatemalan community; from the young children to the elders. Sharon, Zoe and Dwight all of whom I have met are selfless people working overtime to help this cause. My family is eternally grateful to them. We had adopted our daughter who is now 17 years old; and we knew she has the question of who her birth mother. We asked Sharon if this is possible to find her; and just a week ago, we had the good fortune to have found her; thanks to Sharon and her team. Our daughter will come in November to personally meet her and in the meantime Sharon is helping us make this encounter possible with interpreters etc. She has also been helpful in providing us with information what we could do to give back to this incredible woman who had no choice but to let go of her daughter for adoption; and now our daughter is trying to fund raise . Fundamaya is giving children an education which will help them become more financially stable. Our family wants to help out this organization as much as we can possibly can and plan on donating our services in November. I am a dentist and want to educate the children how to take care of their teeth; and the importance of good oral health how it relates to good overall health. I am forever grateful to this organization and the team for all they do for the Guatemalan community. They have given these community's a sense of pride and dignity. I continue to be impressed by all they have accomplished and are accomplishing. Bravo and God Bless Sharon and her organization and her family forever.

Fundamaya is a shining example of an NGO dedicated to empowering and uplifting communities in Guatemala through sustainable development initiatives. Their mission to enhance education, healthcare, and socioeconomic opportunities is truly admirable and impactful.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, Fundamaya's commitment to promoting positive change and self-reliance among indigenous communities is commendable. They understand that by investing in the growth and well-being of these communities, they are contributing to a brighter future for all.
Fundamaya's vision of a Guatemala where every person has the opportunity to realize their full potential and lead a life of dignity and empowerment is both inspiring and necessary. Their dedication to driving positive change that transcends generations and uplifts entire communities is a testament to their unwavering spirit.
Through their various programs, such as education, community aid, construction, and empowerment initiatives, Fundamaya is making a tangible difference in the lives of those they serve. Their commitment to responsibility and inspiring hope is evident in every aspect of their work.
Fundamaya's partnerships with supporters and the resilient communities of Guatemala are a testament to their collaborative approach. Together, they are creating a future marked by progress, equality, and lasting positive impact.
In conclusion, Fundamaya is a beacon of hope for Guatemala's communities. Their mission, vision, and dedication to sustainable development are truly inspiring. As an NGO, they are setting an example for others to follow, and their impact will be felt for generations to come.

Hello, David Pack here. I am a padrino in Guatemala and have been so for 14 years. For many years Fundamaya has been the go-between to allow assistance for my students and families.
In recent years I have been an independent benefactor, but Fundamaya has given me important support in dealing with cultural and financial and legal situations in Guatemala on many occasions. Most recently in August my kindergarten student had a very serious respiratory affliction and they saw that beneficial medical attention was provided.

I have had the pleasure of working with Fundamaya for several years, sponsoring children and giving as they have identified need. They have enabled me to send two children to school, provide their families with food and other resources, and to assist many in urgent need. The poverty in Guatemala is unlike anything we Americans can fathom; I’m grateful Fundamaya is prepared to help those in need.

What sets Fundamaya apart is how they directly connect us to the impact that our donations make. When we make a donation, Fundamaya sends pictures, thank you notes, and evidence of that a specific family has benefited from our support. Because they connect us to a specific family over many years, we get to know the family members and the specific impacts we are making.

Further, because we know the family we are supporting, Fundamaya makes us aware of specific family needs (a recent example was a health crisis), and requests reasonable and specific support to address those needs (versus other charities that make generic monetary requests). And, when we respond with a donation to address the specific needs, Fundamaya ALWAYS follows up with photos and letters showing the effect of our giving.

Through our communication with the 'management' of Fundamaya, we have come to know their personal passion and commitment for making a difference in the lives of the Mayan families that they support. And we can see how they bring that passion and commitment to life by efficient and effective 'hands-on' support of the families. We can trust that our money is making a real difference.

I met Sharon and Dwight in 2016, on my first trip to Guatemala. Fundamaya impressed me as an incredible non-profit totally dedicated to improving the lives of the Mayan community. It was clear how funds were being dispersed and the entire staff was committed to their work. We assisted with the installation of efficient wood-burning stoves and water filters. We also helped to deliver beds and wardrobes and other household goods to families. One year we helped to construct a small house for one family and a bathroom for another family.
I have been sponsoring a girl for eight years now and have watched her grow physically and educationally. I also sponsor a senior and send food monthly to both families. Fundamaya sends photos and letters of thanks from my student and senior each month.
Sharon and Dwight and their daughter Zoe are truly remarkable people who care deeply for others. My life has been enriched by the people I have met through Fundamaya.

I spent two weeks helping out at Fundamaya in June 2024, and was amazed by the authenticity of the organisation : a truly Guatemalan charity to its core, that fundamentally has changed the lives of so many people in the Lake Atitlan area ! I hope to be back sometime soon, and support them in anyway I can !

Bobbie :)

The Community Church of Poway has been working with Sharon, Dwight, Zoe and the Fundamaya staff for many years. We have sent several groups down and have seen the positive changes that have happened to the Mayan people who receive help through education, food sources and help with health issues. Many of our members continue to sponsor students and seniors, and have seen the amazing support that Fundamaya provides.

I have supported this organization for a couple years now. The communication is so clear and personal. I am able to email a pdf of letters and photos to those I support and receive photos of them holding my letter and responding. They have translators onsite. Needs of various persons and families are very well expressed and you can contribute to improving their situations through water filters, cooking stove, bed, shoes or clothing, schooling and education programs, hygiene, food, medicine and other areas of need. Costs of items are specific and you are provided with photos of your child/family receiving the items or show them installed in their homes. You are also able to donate specifically toward one-time needs of community members if you like. You are able to donate in a variety of ways depending on what is simple for you. You can communicate with the organization via email or a private Facebook chat group and Facebook page - Amigos de Fundamaya - just for the supporters. I love the personal feeling of really being able to make a difference in someone's life. I hope that if you are looking for a way to make a difference in the world you would choose this organization.

Such a remarkable organization. Top notch on every level. They meet the varied needs of so many. Great people to work with and its a joy to partner with them. One of the best ministries I have ever seen.

So grateful to all the staff and volunteers at Fundamaya for many years of dedicated service to the Mayan and Lake Atitlan communities in highland Guatemala. Personallyqq at and through my business, I am honored to support their many programs.

I love that this nonprofit has a majority indigenous board. It is truly a grassroots organization doing amazing work.

I have volunteered with Fundamaya --- and they do a WONDERFUL job of helping the families of Guatemala. They assist in healthcare / food distribution / school sponsorship / animal care and much much more. I Although I am not in a position to promise a monthly donation due to my own financial circumstances, I do donate as I can, from time to time... and I have shared the goodness of Fundamaya with at least two of my friends, who now sponsor students. Fundamaya is a blessing to all involved.

Fundamaya is an absolute wonderful organization that helps those families in Guatemala!! I sponsor a student and they are so good about communicating and sharing with me, how well he is doing! I love to see the photos and messages that they send. Their organization helps in numerous ways. The Fundamaya Families and Staff are a fantastic group of people.

I am coming up on my 14 th trip to Guatemala. I love working with Fundamaya when I get there. I sponsor a couple of children for school. We always get to go visit them and see how our students are doing in school. We also have gone to a few of the preschools and we bring projects for the young children to do with us. We also have gone to San Jorje to provide and serve lunch to the elderly. Sometimes we play bingo with them too.. Every trip is a new and fun experience. FUNDAMAYA is a very helpful group with an excellent staff and they are already courteous and willing to work with us. .

I have worked with this organization for 12 years. They never fail to impress me with their dedication and constant efforts to better the lives of those in extreme need. I am now on the board of a Canadian NGO https://www.fundamayacanada.ca/ and we work together with Fundamaya to do everything we can to help..whenever, wherever and whatever the need. Proud to be a part of this group!

Love supporting real people in need through this business. My student sends pictures holding printouts of the letters I send and her responses. So wonderful to be able to share a bit in her life!

My daughter and I have worked with Sharon and staff for +15 years. We have worked with them to volunteer in their preschools. In past years, we have brought others with us who in turn have become supporters of Fundamaya. We have just returned from another trip to Guatemala and volunteered for 2 days. We were so impressed with the entire staff. The work they are doing for the people around Lake Atitlan is so needed.

Love FundaMaya. Their mission of helping people is so inspiring. I have been involved with the charity for years...sponsoring 2 children who are now, both, in college. There is a human touch that can't be beat. Travel to Guatemala and you will be able to meet and spend time with your sponsored students and their families. FundaMaya - a reminder that there are good people out there, working tirelessly to help those, who are sometimes unable to help themselves. Sponsor a child, take a visit...prepare to fall in love.

My late wife and I have been sponsored to a little girl who is now a young woman of 22. It has been a wonderful experience for us to be able to make a difference in someone's life. We have been fortunate enough to be able to visit her and her family over the years and see her progress. Now I am sponsoring a young boy of 14 who lives in conditions it is difficult to describe. It warms my heart how he and his family are such a close knit family and are so appreciative of any assistance I am able to give.

We have sponsored 3 students through Fundamaya for several years now. As an organization they have been wonderful to work with. Our questions have always been answered promptly and we receive photos and reports about our sponsored students regularly. It is obvious how much they care about the families they serve and they have even helped us arrange some extra projects specific to the family we sponsor.

I have been working with Fundamaya for over 17 years. My 2 daughters came from Guatemala. My original feeling was I wanted to help an organization that helps an organization that helps the country and people that gave me my daughters. BUT they are so much more than that. They have developed a community where you can help people and learn about a beautiful culture . The workers at Fundamaya are extremely helpful and care about the donors and the people of Guatemala.

Spent two days with Fundamaya team and served so many! This organization has it together! They serve on many different and needed levels. I’m so impressed with the transparency and accountability of Fundamaya.

I've worked with them for years and could not have asked for a better experience.

This is an amazing non-profit. We have sponsored students and elders since 2003. We have been to Guatemala and volunteered with Fundamaya. The program is set up in such a way that you can see where your money is going. For example, if I buy 3 beds for a family or fix the roof, they will send pictures of completed work etc. The commitment and hard work of the founders and the people that are part of FundaMaya is truly amazing. They’re providing direct service - whether it be helping students attend school, monthly food allotments to families, emergency medical care and more. They go a step further and actually set up programs to help train individuals in a skill so as to become self-sufficient. They have programs for elders in the community and more. It’s amazing how such a small Organization can make such a huge difference.

I can say SO much about the people at Fundamaya. I could tell you that they work relentlessly around the clock or I could tell you how beautiful and limitless their hearts are OR I could tell you how they are impacting the villages in Guatemala. Fundamaya is by far my most favourite charity. Because of them families find hope, have essential lifesaving medical visits and Costs covered to go for Emergency hospital visits. I sleep better at night knowing that an organization like Fundamaya exists and that it is committed to education to fighting poverty and taking care of its elders. Fundamaya gets my vote from the dedication of its founders to the volunteers and staff and to all that goes on behind the scenes. I vote Fundamaya always ❤️

I have known/supported this non-profit since January 2014. The work they do shows outstanding love/support for the people. They are in it for the long-haul!

Fundamaya Is an organization that has been helping the people of Guatemala for many years. We are able to help a student and his family. They live in a small village called Chuk Muk. We have been helping them since 2014. Fundamaya is the reason we are able to help them and visit them when we are in Guatemala.

Fundamaya is a family based NGO in Panajachel, Guatemala. The executive director and her family have dedicated their lives to help the families of Guatemala. When you get to their offices you can really see the love given out to each family. It is a truly amazing experience

I have sponsored 2 children and an elder through this organizations for several years now and have very much appreciated how professional and caring this team is. I also work with them and found the organization to always be very transparent and accountable. I am honoured to have been associated with this wonderful organization for 7 years now.

Our family has been involved with this organization for numerous years now. We fully support the amazing work that they do in the community for children and elderly and for everyone involved.

I live in Guatemala and I see daily the help given by this caring foundation. I donate as I can, and commend those able to do more. Seniors, students, medically compromised, those in poverty — all benefit as a result of the hard work of fundamaya. I see it with my own eyes.

I have been involved with Fundamaya for many years now. We sponsor a girl to go to school through them. Their staff is caring and they go above and beyond to help the people they serve. I know when I send money it will go exactly where it’s supposed to go. I really enjoy getting pictures and letters from the girl we sponsor. A+ organization

We have been sponsoring our boy for about six years. We've gone and visited him and his family twice. It is such a joy to be able to go and meet your sponsored kid, in person. Getting to know the family and their needs is important to us and seeing how your money is being spent is important. Funda Maya is a GREAT non-profit to work with!

I started sponsoring a young girl so she could attend school after hearing about this organization from my veterinarian. I joined their Facebook page and donate to special causes when I’m able. I’ve spoken on the phone when I had an issue with my recurring donation, that was my fault, and the donation coordinator was very helpful and courteous. It is obvious that the folks in this organization deeply care about helping their Guatemalan friends. I am grateful that they offer this opportunity for me to help in a small way.

I was told about Fundamaya by someone who has lived there. She said Fundamaya is "boots on the ground". I contacted Fundamaya and received information right away. We sponsor 3 boys. We have had consistent communication and photos. It really warms our hearts that this organization is truly assisting the families. We are happy to be part of Fundamaya!

Have been involved with this organization for several years , and visited on site multiple times . They are very professional . Their interactions with their clients and the community are very respectful and kind .

FundaMaya has meant so much to our family. We have volunteered and made several trips. As well as sponsored several students. FM has always been wonderful to work with. They seem like family not only to us but to the special families they serve. I have been a donor to FM for 10 years and am honored to help in any small way I can.

I have been a donor as well as a volunteer for about 5 years now. This organization has never let me or the people they server down. It is a pleasure to donate knowing that my money goes to good use for many families. I like to receive the updates Fundamaya sends about the families I sponsor and also the general work that they are doing. Really an amazing nonprofit doing a tough job in the mountains of Guatemala.

Fundamaya is an impressive organisation, the staff, management & volunteers are very dedicated. They really do care about the work they do. Most of the staff are indigenous, which is commendable. The programs they run are much needed, they have made a huge difference in the quality of life for many indigenous communities. I especially love the education program that empowers children, giving them an opportunity to go to school. This makes a huge difference in their future prospects. I highly recommend this worthy organisation.

The non-profit is aware of every family, senior, individual, child's needs. They are able to support all different types of circumstances. They look for donors if a situation arises and extra support is needed. There is an animal offshoot as well. They are helping street animals. During covid they have to deal with complexity's that the world has not dealt with in decades. They have been able to adapt and find ways to support families and get food and education to all the children.

I have been associated with Fundamaya since 2015 first as a volunteer and over the last two years through my nonprofit. I have always been impressed with the indigenous leadership and the depth of knowledge and caring they have for the communities they support. This is an organization that works with the indigenous from the inside. They do not impose their own thoughts and ideas from the outside. From the start of the pandemic when others closed their doors, Fundamaya got to work distributing food to extremely vulnerable populations who no longer had work to buy food. This continues even now as the impact of the pandemic remains devastating for the majority of families they serve. I have nothing but praise and awe for this organization which has had to face many challenges and does so in a professional and respectful manner remaining focused on helping those who need it most.

I have been sponsoring a young lady since she was in the eight grade and now she is applying for University to be a teacher. Throughout these years I have had constant contact with my student via email and I always know what she is doing and her progress. This upcoming school year I will also sponsor her younger sister who will attend third grade,
Not only is it possible to sponsor students through Fundamaya but also to send the student and her family food. Very difficult to learn when your always hungry.
I have nothing but good things to say about this organization and the people who make it all work.

Ive had nothing but positive experiences with Fundamaya. They constantly update donors and provide photos of all donations being fulfilled. They have been a delight to work with and I look forward to working with them for years to come.

I have known the staff and director of Fundamaya for 15+ years! I have sponsored many students with them and have seen the amazing difference they have made in the lives of those living in and around the Lake Atitlan region in Guatemala. They are all native local people or very long-time members of the local communities (not new people just showing up and thinking they understand the culture/traditions/problems of the local people), so they understand how to properly assist those most in need. This, combined with their compassion, passion to help, and their transparency, makes them very special in what they do and how they do it!