Building New Futures: How Fundar Ecuador Trains and Transforms Communities
- atusev
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Founder & President: Susana Santistevan
Location: Guayaquil, Ecuador
Date: June 20255
A Community-Based Model for Dignity, Empowerment, and Scalable Impact
In some of Ecuador’s most overlooked neighborhoods, quiet change is taking root.
Founded by Susana Santistevan, Fundar Ecuador is proving that sustainable development doesn’t have to come from massive programs—it can grow from one person’s belief in another. What began as a personal commitment in Isla Trinitaria, Guayaquil, has grown into a replicable, Ecuador-rooted model of community transformation.
“Helping is not about giving things. It’s about saying, ‘I see you. I believe in you.’”— Susana Santistevan, Founder of Fundar Ecuador
From Listening to Leading
Fundar wasn’t created in a boardroom—it was born from listening. In 2008, Susana walked into a community that others had long ignored. She didn’t arrive with a plan, but with a willingness to be present. That presence became trust. That trust became action. And that action continues to grow.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, those same community ties activated a powerful grassroots response: over 5,000 food kits delivered, multiple community kitchens launched, and local leaders empowered to step forward.
“They were there when we needed them most.”— Community member, Isla Trinitaria
Empowerment with Immediate Results
Fundar Ecuador believes that every person has a dream and a talent—often buried under the weight of poverty.
Through short, practical courses in areas like baking, phone repair, or elder care, participants gain more than skills—they gain tools to earn a living. Each program ends with the materials needed to start immediately: ingredients, equipment, or professional tools.
“The best investment is in vocational training. It gives people confidence—and a way out.”— Susana Santistevan
In areas like Colimes and Cañaveral, families have built homes with recycled materials, women have started home businesses, and elders have received the care and dignity they deserve.
Rooted in Guayaquil Ecuador, Ready to Grow Across the Country
Fundar’s goal is to expand across Ecuador, bringing its dignity-first, community-driven model to more places where it’s needed most.
“We don’t want to grow just to grow. We want to grow with intention, and do it right.”— Susana Santistevan
From the urban periphery of Guayaquil to rural zones across Ecuador, Fundar is building a national network of local leaders trained to carry the model forward.
A Team from the Community, for the Community
Fundar’s team isn’t made up of outsiders. It’s built from within.
Former beneficiaries are now youth leaders. Volunteers become coordinators. Psychologists, social workers, and mentors guide the process—but the heartbeat of Fundar is the community itself.
“We don’t track results with spreadsheets—we follow up by asking: who’s working now? Who’s baking? Who’s smiling again?”— Susana Santistevan
This organic feedback system allows Fundar to remain agile, adaptive, and deeply connected to real needs.
Trusted, Transparent, and Ready for Strategic Support
Though its administrative structure is lean, Fundar is transparent and accountable. Every expense is documented. Every kit delivered has a recipient. Even during crises, funds were tracked, and impact was clear.
Support from organizations like Unilever, Rotary Club, and dozens of civic groups has already amplified Fundar’s work. With the right partners, it can go even further.
Why Fundar Ecuador?
If you’re a foundation, business, or social investor looking to make an impact within Ecuador, Fundar offers:
A replicable, proven model rooted in dignity and community leadership
Transparent management and real-time results
Deep engagement in high-need areas
A strategy for expansion that multiplies impact through local networks
“Poverty isn’t always about money. It’s about not having choices. We help people realize they do have choices.”— Susana Santistevan
Final Word: Dreams That Become Change
Fundar Ecuador doesn’t rely on massive budgets. It thrives on human potential, community solidarity, and the belief that no one is invisible.
The foundation is now seeking support to:
Expand mobile training in Guayaquil and to new provinces
Open permanent training hubs in key regions
Mentor local leaders to replicate the model in their own communities
“If someone asks, ‘Where can I learn for free?’, I want the answer to be: Fundar Ecuador.”— Susana Santistevan
This isn’t just a project—it’s a movement. And it’s ready for more hands, more hearts, and more partners to help it grow—across Ecuador, one community at a time.
To donate please visit Fundar Ecuador´s website
Contact: (593) 0990901116
Email: info@fundarecuador.org
About this article
Published as part of the LISI Initiative by Arbor Consulting, a free program to help grassroots NGOs in Ecuador
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