They are a sustainable organisation working with appropriate and innovative technologies to improve the quality of life of Nicaraguan families and rural communities in the areas of health, education, employment, environment and gender equity.

Today, Grupo Fenix is a consortium of several organizations located in Sabana Grande, in Managua and also in the United States. Grupo Fenix’s projects are developed through cooperation between community members, Nicaraguan and international engineers, universities, and long-term interns. Since all projects are created to achieve and maintain economic and environmental self-sufficiency within rural communities, Grupo Fénix works with many other locally based or like-minded organizations located elsewhere to serve as an incubator for – and driving force behind – ideas related, though not limited to: renewable energy, irrigation works, natural building, entrepreneurship and rural tourism.

THEIR MODEL

First and foremost Grupo Fenix is a community organisation, run by the community, for the benefit of the community. Grupo Fenix is a not for profit organisation, but does not follow a traditional NGO model, they like to consider theirselves a social enterprise. What does this mean, well, whereas a traditional NGO relies solely on donations and grants they are almost completely financially sustainable, generating most income from courses and exchanges that they offer. They do receive grants and donations occasionally, especially for large projects such as new buildings.

Community empowerment is central to the way they operate, leading to a number of their members forming their own groups, which reflects the diversification of activities as they have grown. Today Grupo Fenix acts as an umbrella organisation for four sub-groups, while still carrying out programs of its own.

THEIR VISION

They are a sustainable organisation working with appropriate and innovative technologies to improve the quality of life of Nicaraguan families and rural communities in the areas of health, education, employment, environment and gender equity

THEIR MISSION

Grupo Fenix 's mission is to enable community development and empowerment by facilitating technological and cultural exchanges. They also offer continuing education courses for Nicaraguan and international audiences thus generating employment and growth opportunities for the local community.