Empowering the Quiché Maya of Guatemala

Our mission is founded upon building churches, schools, playgrounds, roofs, and kitchens in Guatemala. We also provide financial support for needed medicines and surgical precedures.

Empowering Lives through Education

Discover the impact of supporting our cause – from building schools to fostering dreams. You have the power to make a difference today.

Join us in creating a brighter future for Guatemala.

Empowering Communities

As we embark on our journey, we remain dedicated to our mission of providing hope and support to those in need. With your generous contributions, we are able to build schools, churches, playgrounds, roofs, and kitchens in both Guatemala and Honduras, creating a brighter future for all.

Your involvement makes a profound impact, turning visions into reality and transforming lives along the way. Together, we are making a positive difference that resonates far beyond borders.

Mission Photos

Your support can help us continue creating these meaningful mission moments for those who need it most. Together, we can build a better future for all.

Click on each section for more photos and information.

How we started

The Guatemala Humanitarian Fund was started in 2018 by Dr. Martin Kanne, a family physician from Kansas City, Missouri. Dr. Kanne, who has been dedicated to helping the people of Guatemala and Honduras for over 15 years, initiated this organization.

The fund focuses on various humanitarian projects in, including building schools, churches, and kitchens to uplift the communities in need. Dr. Kanne's mission is to provide sustainable support and resources to enhance the lives of individuals in Guatemala.

Growing up in small-town Iowa in the 50s and 60s in a large Catholic family, Martin Kanne was shielded from the world's poverty and suffering, despite his parents' and teachers' efforts to instill empathy. He vowed that if he achieved his dream of becoming a physician, he would help those in need in the Third World. In 1989, a medical mission trip to Guatemala profoundly impacted him, exposing him to severe poverty and inspiring a lifelong commitment to aid. He adopted a Guatemalan girl in 1992 and funded a church construction in Nimipá. Since 2000, he has undertaken annual medical missions and construction projects in Honduras and Guatemala, working with local leaders and involving youth to expose them to these experiences. His projects have included building schools, churches, and homes, and providing medical care. Funding primarily comes from private donations, with significant contributions from personal friends and his own funds. A memorable 2020 mission trip underscored the importance of resilience and support, as his team navigated a sudden travel ban due to COVID-19. His work continues to focus on various infrastructure projects, aiming to improve living conditions and inspire the next generation.

Donate to the cause.

Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us continue our important work in these communities. Your generosity will directly benefit those who require assistance the most.

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 FAQs

  • Your donation supports the purchase of construction materials, educational supplies, medicines, surgery expenses, medical equipment and other resources necessary for these projects. Additionally, donations help fund the approximately 5% operational costs to ensure the efficient and transparent implementation of our initiatives. Every dollar you contribute is used to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the Quiche Maya people.

  • Our mission is to uplift and empower the Quiché Maya communities by constructing essential infrastructure that fosters growth, education, and well-being. We are dedicated to building churches, schools, community kitchens, and school playground roofs, creating spaces that nourish the spirit, mind, and body. Through our collaborative efforts, we strive to honor the rich cultural heritage of the Quiche Maya people and provide them with the foundational resources necessary for a brighter, sustainable future.

  • Donating to the Guatemala Humanitarian Fund, a 501 (c)(3) corporation, directly improves the lives of the Quiché Maya people by building essential infrastructure and providing needed medicines, supplies, and surgeries. Your support empowers these communities, preserves their rich cultural heritage, and ensures a brighter, sustainable future. Your donation creates a tangible, positive impact.

  • You can partner with the Guatemala Humanitarian Fund by providing financial contributions, or volunteering your time and skills. Businesses and organizations can collaborate on joint initiatives that align with our mission, leveraging unique resources and expertise. Additionally, you can help spread awareness about our projects through your network and social media. For more information and to discuss partnership opportunities, please contact us directly through our email.

  • Reach out today to find out how you can get involved in one of our trips. Contact the Executive Director Martin Kanne, M.D. through this web site.

  • Absolutely! The Guatemala Humanitarian Fund welcomes donations from supporters worldwide. No matter where you live, your contribution can make a significant impact on the lives of the Quiché Maya people.

  • Yes, the Guatemala Humanitarian Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization. This means it is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. Donations made to a 501(c)(3) organization are typically tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers, providing an added benefit to donors while supporting the organization's mission.

Contact Us

Want to get involved? Contact us today to see how you can get involved with the Guatemala Humanitarian Fund.