IMPACT
Impact is in the eyes of the beholder.
We know that regional and generational impact is often difficult to quantify numerically and can’t be measured solely in short-term gains. We also know that progress is not linear and change is not rigid.
That is why Natik is committed to long-term relationships and flexible funding with our partners in Guatemala and Chiapas. Sometimes the evidence of impact is subtle and fleeting: the nods of mothers who understand for the first time how sanitation affects their families’ health; the laughter of children loving to learn; the excitement of learning a new skill that contributes to the family income.
Those moments are every bit as precious as the numerical evidence that we share below. Sometimes we attempt to capture them in a video, a photo, or a story, but no matter how hard we try, it often comes down to “You just had to be there!”.
We have lots of numbers to share.
With the loyal support of donors and foundations, we currently support six grassroots-led community initiatives, one Seed Fund Grantee, and one Fiscal Sponsorship. These are all locally-based organizations working in Santiago Atitlán, Guatemala, and in the San Cristobal region of Chiapas, Mexico.
Since its founding in 2004, Natik has invested over one million dollars in grassroots organizations and initiatives working to address the areas of education, health, and sustainable livelihoods.
View our 2018-2024 Annual Reports
A few statistics from our 2024 Annual Report:
Genuine collaboration is slow, steady, and powerful.
Winning only matters when everyone is included and everyone wins.
On a global scale, Natik is miniscule, but small is beautiful. Our grant-making encourages culturally sustainable alternatives to the challenges identified by the community.
Grants by Misson Goal
We’re growing a network of visionary leaders committed to well-being in their communities.
Their relationships and networks are the key to long-term regional impact.
Some examples of the type of support we offered our partners in 2024:
1560 Hours of economic development and donor management support
1380 Hours of communication support
650 Hours of coaching in strategic planning and program development
580 Hours of budget development and realignment support
340 Hours of grant writing support
4 New grants approved for our partners
3 New alliances and collaborations between partners facilitated
Some examples of our partners’ investment in community impact:
Education:
110 children in afterschool programs with parent and family workshops
75 scholarship students supported
40 youth in leadership programs
10 teachers participated in educational workshops
6 computers purchased
4 educational staff salaries funded
3 programs improved their afterschool program facilities
1 library outreach program reinitiated
Sustainable Livelihoods:
80 artisans supported with workshops on sustainable crafts, textile design, and traditional weaving techniques
53 women participated in training to launch small business projects
10 youth entrepreneurial projects launched
6 beekeeping hives in production
4 sustainable livelihoods staff salaries funded
1 community tourism project initiated
1 bee product store renovation
1 bee product marketing training initiated
Health and Wellbeing
60 ecological cookstoves installed, maintained, or promoted through family visits and community workshops
25 children received ongoing medical services
16 families participated in monthly pre- and postnatal wellness workshops and health check-ins
Visit our Guidestar page, where we are able to describe our impact in ways that are difficult to convey through our website, social media, or email updates.