IMPACT
Impact is in the eye 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 2018-2023 Annual Reports
A few statistics from our 2023 Annual Report:
Grant disbursements increased by 328% from 2018-2023
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.
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 2023:
Every number represents an investment in human capital, from conception through implementation.
1560 Hours economic development and donor management support
1380 Hours communication support
650 Hours coaching in strategic planning and program development
570 Hours budget development and realignment support
340 Hours grant writing support
Local initiatives maximize resources and are responsive to people and the planet.
With entrepreneurial ingenuity, they can also generate profit.
76 Artisans supported
75 Children and youth in afterschool programs
64 Scholarship students supported
30 Teachers participated in the library program
25 Children received medical services
16 Participants in pre and post-natal wellness workshops
14 Computers purchased
9 Youth entrepreneurial projects launched
7 Beekeeping hives in production
3 Programs improved their facilities
2 Industrial sewing machines purchased
1 Plot of land purchased for a community kitchen and garden
1 Artisan website launched
1 Artisan trademark obtained
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.