We Are Advance Guatemala
Advance Guatemala is a 501(c)(3) that connects generous donors with deserving, credible charities that work to improve the lives of Guatemalans.
Sometimes, the only barrier between surviving and thriving is a helping hand. By connecting funding to vital projects in housing, education, health and entrepreneurship, Advance Guatemala empowers Guatemalans to propel themselves into a life they can be proud of.
We’re a little different than most nonprofits. See how our unique matchmaking method builds donor confidence and delivers meaningful aid where it’s needed most.
Our Story
The Trip That Inspired A Mission
Advance Guatemala founder, J.P. Dahdah, always felt connected to his Guatemalan roots. But it wasn’t until he traveled to the country in 2006 and met with Guatemala’s former Vice President and Director of the Social Investment Fund that he truly understood the breadth of Guatemala’s struggles — and its opportunities.
On the flight home, J.P. reflected on what he had learned, recognized that there was more he could personally do to make an impact in his homeland and his mission suddenly became clear: he would use his human capital, network of resources and his Guatemalan heritage to bridge the gap between donors and the organizations that could make a real impact through a collaborative philanthropic organizational approach.
Instead of starting another non-profit to compete for donor dollars, he would create one to identify and vet existing NGOs that were already doing ethical, sustainable and transformational projects in Guatemala. Upon evaluating their needs and biggest pain points, his non-profit would partner with them to provide whatever support was needed to improve their existing projects. This is when Advance Guatemala was born!
