Friends for Chiapas - Community philanthropy

Chiapas has the highest rate of extreme poverty of any state in Mexico, and its residents, including indigenous Tseltal and Tsotsil groups, experience associated food insecurity, health issues, low formal education rates, and net out-migration.

To address this, Amigos de San Cristbal is drawing from multiple sources'individual residents, community groups, and the public and private sectors'to channel know-how and resources to development projects in the region.

It is mobilizing giving circles of individual donors based in the Chiapas highlands, Mexico City and the United States to support long-term development in Chiapas.

The grantee will carry out training and technical assistance, two community assessments on issues that affect highland communities, and a campaign to raise awareness about regional challenges related to health, education, and natural resources. Amigos de San Cristbal will also provide seed funding for community projects addressing those issues.