Be the reason a child stays in school.
In Guatemala, school is called free. But uniforms, shoes, books and the bus are not, and many children leave school to work. Your monthly sponsorship pays for what keeps one child in the classroom, and you get to watch them grow.
Choose who you'll walk beside
Backpack, supplies, school shoes and gym shoes, so a young child starts every year ready.
Sponsor a childThe teenage years are when many students leave school to work. Your support keeps them in class.
Sponsor a teenHelp a young Maya adult become a teacher, nurse or accountant, and a leader at home.
Sponsor a studentA hot meal five days a week and a place at the table at the San Jorge La Laguna Senior Center.
Sponsor an elderSponsorships are processed securely by Givebutter. You can change or cancel at any time, and you'll receive a tax receipt by email. Prefer to mail a check? Here's how.
A real relationship, safely kept
Choose a sponsorship
Pick a level above. Our team in Panajachel matches you with a child or elder who is waiting.
Meet them
You receive their photo, their story and their student number.
Write to each other
Send letters through Fundamaya. We translate, deliver, and pass along their reply.
Visit, if you can
We'll arrange a supervised visit in Guatemala and help plan your trip.
Child protection comes first. All letters, gifts and visits go through our staff. Sponsors don't contact students directly by phone or social media. This keeps children safe and treats every student fairly. Read our communication policy.
Sandra was one of the very first children sponsored, at age five. She went on to earn a master's in social work and a second in community development. Today she runs our Education Program.
Sandra Chiroy · Education Program Director
Every sponsored student receives
- A backpack and school supplies
- New school shoes and gym shoes
- Other essentials needed to attend school
- Support and follow-up from our education team
Questions sponsors ask
Is my sponsorship tax-deductible?
Yes. Fundamaya is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 85-3703498). Canadian donors can give through FundaMaya Canada for a Canadian receipt.
Can I send a gift to my student?
Yes, through Fundamaya, so every child is treated fairly and customs rules are met. See the gift catalog for birthday packages, shoes, clothing and more.
Can I pay by check or once a year?
Yes. Choose yearly on Givebutter, or mail a check to Fundamaya, 2609 Hartford St., San Diego, CA 92110-2315, with your student's name and number in the memo.
Who do I ask about my student?
Email info@fundamaya.org or call (619) 808-2109.