2024 Annual Report

Transforming lives with humility and commitment: that is our purpose

Dear collaborators, donors, communities, and friends of FUNDAP, Today, from the heart of our mission at FUNDAP, I write to share a reflection that not only draws from my personal experience, but also seeks to encapsulate the spirit that drives us—both as an organization and as human beings committed to a transcendent purpose: to transform lives through justice, charity, and hope, joined by sustainability, respect, and collaboration. In other words, we need the Foundation to endure over time through the hands and presence of all those who have made its principles their own.

Life, in its purest essence, is a delicate balance—a dance of dynamic processes that constantly intertwine and evolve. As expressed in the letter that inspires these words, life reveals itself in opposites: desert and oasis, each home to unique forms of life, each indispensable in its own way. This contrast teaches us that what may be adversity for some is fertile ground for others. In that observation lies a deep truth: life is not static—it flows, and it demands adaptability, harmony, and above all, a transcendent purpose—a commitment to the balance that sustains our existence.

As a species, we have altered the ecosystems of this planet, often disrupting their fragile equilibrium. Sometimes out of ignorance, other times driven by varied interests, we have caused damage that has affected countless forms of life. Yet at FUNDAP, we have chosen a different path. We are committed to walking a narrow but hopeful road, guided by the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to minimize our protagonism—transforming environments to become more conducive to shared coexistence. This path leads us to a renewed horizon, where balance benefits the majority.

We are living in a time when the new quickly becomes old, and the past never returns—because memories lose the places they belonged to and from which they emerged, unable to recognize their own context. It is impossible to live among ruins, but also impossible to live without them, because history is precisely the memory of those ruins. Without a future, the past decays—but without the past, there is no future.

Perhaps what best defines our era is a feverish obsession with constant transformation—an incessant movement of people and ideas toward the vanishing point of a perpetual present, one that resists personal commitment and fails to act today for the benefit of others tomorrow. What we are witnessing is a lack of leadership and commitment—not only within institutions but also across societies. We seem unable to find a foundation on which to build a world of values consistent with the dignity of the human person, which must be the very center that illuminates all our actions.

The core of our vision at FUNDAP is clear: the pursuit of sustainable change is not a destination, but a living, dynamic, and ever-evolving process. It is the harmonious interaction between the environment, economic benefits, and social respect that creates the conditions for prosperity. But this prosperity is not measured solely in economic terms; it is the fruit of collaboration, mutual respect, and the honesty with which we face each challenge in our ongoing effort to improve people’s lives. As I have reflected, allowing ourselves to “touch lives” is the most sacred act life grants us—and at FUNDAP, we embrace that responsibility with humility and commitment.

Our work is not about imposing solutions but about becoming allies to the communities and beneficiaries—working side by side to identify and develop the tools they need to thrive. We reject paternalism in favor of a collaborative approach that fosters autonomy and empowerment. We recognize that real change arises from the communities themselves—from their knowledge, experiences, and resilience. This approach not only strengthens sustainability, but also builds deeper human relationships—social capital—and protects the health of our environment.

At FUNDAP, the pursuit of sustainability in our principles and values is our institutional compass. Every decision and every action is guided by the goal of creating lasting, positive impact. We strive for our initiatives to endure—not to be fleeting—leaving a legacy of well-being for future generations. We do not seek to be the protagonists of this story; our role is to support those who truly are: the communities we work with, whose dreams and efforts are the engine of change.

Reflecting on what concerns me most: to leave behind a legacy of people in well-integrated teams, who live the spirit of the Foundation and continue for many more years along the path we have laid out over the past 40 years—truly embodying compassion for others, and ensuring that no one takes selfish advantage of what has been built with such great effort. Anything to the contrary only breeds mistrust and institutional decay, as personal interests overpower goodwill.

This living report would not be complete without profound gratitude. First, to God—for the opportunity to serve through the tools placed in our hands, and for guiding us in this mission. To our collaborators—whose effort and professionalism are the soul of FUNDAP. To the donors, institutions, and individuals who, through their support, allow us to create life-changing opportunities. And above all, to our beneficiaries—whose strength and hope inspire us to move forward with humility and determination.

At the end of our lives, what remains is faith in the effort we have sown. May this letter stand as a testimony to our commitment to a more balanced, sustainable, and humane world. May it be a reminder that together, we can touch lives and build a future where all can flourish in harmony.

With gratitude and hope,