Partner With Us
Join efforts to strengthen Indigenous-led solutions
Make a donation
By donating to Natün Guatemala, you are helping to facilitate community-led development projects in Education, Nutrition & Health, and Economic Development in the Maya communities surrounding Lake Atitlán.
International Projects
Our international projects are designed and implemented in close collaboration with the communities, ensuring that their voices and needs drive every initiative. We foster an environment of knowledge sharing, where local experiences are combined with global perspectives. By prioritizing community guidance and expertise, we create sustainable solutions that address local realities and generate meaningful change. We partner with University groups, Rotary Clubs, and other interested groups to co-design and collaborate in these impactful community-led projects.
Local Alliances
Partner with Natün to advance community-defined goals and ethnodevelopment, strengthening local leadership and organizational structures. We partner with local NGO’s, foundations, governmental agencies and institutions working in Sololá who share our vision to support culturally rooted, sustainable outcomes.
Speaker at Events
Invite members of Natün’s leadership (in person or online) to share our journey and emphasize community-driven solutions rooted in Indigenous strengths, knowledge, and leadership as the foundation for meaningful, locally guided ethnodevelopment.
Where We Work and Why
Natün works in the department of Sololá, in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, where 96% of the population is Indigenous and the region is rich in Maya culture. Despite this strength, generations of historical exclusion, underfunded systems, and deep inequities have limited opportunity – particularly for Maya women and youth – and 76% of the population lives in poverty. That’s why we work alongside rural Indigenous communities as they lead efforts to build opportunity, equity, and dignity.
Preserving Maya Traditions:
Integrating Maya ancestral knowledge and practices into every program to guide sustainable, community-rooted ethnodevelopment.
Capacity Development:
Expanding local leadership, skills and capacity to drive long-term Indigenous led systemic change.
Community-Led Approach:
All programs are co-developed and implemented with Maya leaders, and other regional stakeholders, centering community priorities and decision-making.
Resource Optimization:
Strategic resource use maximizes impact and supports community priorities through accountable, efficient partnerships and processes.
Holistic Development:
Advancing interconnected strategies addressing root causes and strengthening education, health, economic, and cultural wellbeing.
Our Partners
Our programs
Nutrition & Health Program
Improves the nutrition and health of women and children through a holistic approach that strengthens prevention, self-care, and the availability of healthy foods.
Education Program
Fosters the personal, community, and social development of children and adolescents by strengthening their leadership, communication, identity, science and technology skills, through culturally relevant curricula and the active participation of families.
Economic Development Program
Improves community economic autonomy, through capacity building in entrepreneurship and business skills, with technical and financial support.
Our Core Values
Cooperation
We work as a kind, effective and supportive team in collaboration with the communities.
Reciprocity
We believe in dignified, equitable relationships with communities, fostering agency, active participation and service to others.
Humility
We recognize our role as facilitators, centering and valuing local expertise. We evolve based on constant learning and self-improvement.
Respect
We treat all people kindly and fairly, with dignity and empathy.
Transparency
We have reasonable, justified and clearly communicated processes and use of resources.
Accountability
We thoughtfully and responsibly manage our resources to ensure both efficient use and intentional impact.
Integrity
We act honestly and ethically, thereby earning the trust and confidence of both communities and supporters.
Support Indigenous-Led Ethnodevelopment
Get in touch with us
Start a conversation and conect with Natün.
Natün Guatemala is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. EIN 20-8433997.
