Wichana Foundation | Empowering Ecuadorian Education Medicine and Culture
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FOR HEALTH, EDUCATION & CULTURE.
POR LA SALUD, EDUCACION, Y CULTURA.

Allikaymanta,
yachakuymanta,
shinallatak
kawsaymanta.

Wichana Logo - 373X307
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Our
Mission.

Our mission is to support community-based programs in Ecuador that benefit
the health, education, and culture of community members.

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Our
Vision.

Wichana Foundation supports collaborative, local-led initiatives for the challenges facing communities, particularly women and indigenous groups in under-resourced areas. We are deeply committed to empowering and supporting local knowledge and talent to solve local challenges and bring forth new models of change and stability. Our Project Partners are committed, talented community organizations that demonstrate ingenuity, a collective mindset, and innovation. Wichana Foundation supports Project Partners by providing technical assistance, particularly in project management resources and fundraising platforms.

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About Wichana 
Foundation

Our name comes from the Kichwa word “Wichana”, meaning “to ascend.” We are a small non-profit organization based in New York, Otavalo & Cotacachi. Wichana Foundation was founded in the Fall
of 2019.

Three women laughing and having fun.

What We Do

We operate primarily in the Andean province of Imbabura, Ecuador, and support collaborative, locally-led initiatives that address the challenges local communities face, particularly by women and indigenous groups in under-resourced areas.

A man wearing chaps showing off his handmade Ecuadorian bags.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Wichana Foundation and our partners rely on donations from caring individuals, some of whom make regular monthly contributions. You can designate that your donations go to a specific partner/project.

Our Impact

We, at Wichana Foundation, couldn't be more proud of the difference we have made since 2019. The funds we raise have helped improve the lives of thousands of community members, have helped to strengthen the Kichwa language and culture, and have grown the leadership capacity in indigenous communities.

Contact Us

Learn more about our mission or connect with like-minded individuals passionate about helping
under-resourced indigenous communities. Your feedback and inquiries are essential in helping us improve our services and we value your input.

A group of Indigenous elders of Ecuador sitting at a table.

What Are They Saying?

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“Wichana Foundation inspires me knowing that our commitment to our work is a natural essence coming from the heart, with love for the culture for which we share the same dream. We work thinking in terms of the plural Nukanchik (We) and in Minka (working together on projects that serve the community), so that from each of our seeds (projects) the best flowers and fruits will sprout and blossom.”

Koya Valencia, Co-Founder Kichwa Cultural Center Muyumi Kanki & Wichana Foundation Board Member – Muyumi Kanki Kichwa Cultural Center

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