My Nonprofit Reviews

I have been watching Friendship Bridge for over 15 years. They have personally connected with their 25,000+ clients, evaluating their needs and priorities. - from microcredit to education, health to leadership potential. They are constantly enhancing their offerings and responding to the current local crises (Covid, earthquakes, health...). They consistently gather feedback from clients and continue to have highest ratings from clients and staff (Best place to work in Central America 2022!). They are always educating clients about marketing strategies and opportunities. This is indeed a partnership. The Frieneship Bridge staff is mostly indigenous and local, speaking the many languages of our clients. The Board is committed to updating their strategic plan to repsond to changing economic conditions and current needs. They rank the highest in being transparent and accountable. I am a proud supporter of Friendship Bridge - a model for how to empower women as well as inspire and train future indigenous leaders in the community.

Why do I support Friendship Bridge?

1. Mission of educating and empowering women - with the women having a vital role in expressing needs and providing feedback for what is working.
2. Fiscal reporting is totally transparent. Every penny accounted for
3. 97% payment on loans - higher than any lending agency in USA.
4. I have been to Guatemala, seen our clients work, seen them receive the education that ranges from how to support kids in school and business/finance lessons to health and nutrition and what are women’s rights in Guatemala. All lessons are in native indigenous languages of clients and very interactive.
5. Our clients receive education on consequences of crossing into the USA illegally - which they pass on to their kids, extended families and neighbors.
6 Our clients have options for advanced artisan classes and agricultural classes. The quality of craftsmanship has skyrocketed.
7 More and more of our clients are having access to health screenings and understanding the importance of preventative care which they are passing on to their families.
8. I have heard many stories IN PERSON of women whose lives have changed for the better. Not only are their kids in school longer but their families are healthier, their homes are safer and they are speaking out in their communities to support an improved quality of life.
9. Meticulous records are kept on each client as to how the education and micro loans are improving the lives of their families. Friendship Bridge is focused on results - that are traceable.

This is a start for why I support Friendship Bridge and help raise funds so we can expand our reach for who we serve.

The people I have worked with and seen in action are effective, kind and dedicated. They are highly skilled team builders.

My experience in working with the Circles here in Denver is always an upper. Not only do we support the clients in Guatemala, but we have fun doing it. Very rewarding, thanks to the competent leadership of the Director Karen Larsen and the skilled team she has put together - in the USA and of course Guatemala.

Molly Niven