The #LenguasVivas initiative, led by HIPGive with the support of the Kellogg Foundation, has successfully contributed to the work of dozens of organizations serving Indigenous communities across southern Mexico. Through innovative crowdfunding campaigns, this initiative has empowered local leaders to fund projects aimed at preserving and promoting their ancestral languages and cultures.
A Tangible Impact on Communities
Over $231,000 USD has been raised by participating nonprofits through two editions of the #LenguasVivas crowdfunding campaign. These resources will be invested in a wide range of language revitalization projects, such as:
- Developing educational materials: Books, games, and apps in Indigenous languages to foster learning among new generations.
- Organizing cultural events: Festivals, workshops, and talks to celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity.
- Strengthening infrastructure: Audiovisual equipment, community spaces, and digital platforms to promote the dissemination of local languages.
Empowerment and Sustainability
Since its launch, #LenguasVivas has also proven to be a catalyst for change. Above and beyond the funds raised, the initiative has been a space to train leaders from 38 organizations in resource mobilization and communication strategies. This, in turn, enables communities to become more autonomous and ambitious in their efforts to grow the use of their mother tongues. “We are infinitely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the HIPGive and #LenguasVivas campaign. It is a great way to publicize our work in the community and raise funds to continue this work. We’ve learnt so much. Jach ya’abach dyos bo’otik ti’ te’ex!! José Alfredo Hau Camal, Tu lu’umil kool tak ta k’óoben.”
Key Results of the Initiative:
- Strengthening of communities: 38 organizations from the Yucatán Peninsula and Chiapas took part.
- Increased visibility: The campaign website received over 34,000 visits, with 6.7 million potential impressions on social media and over 90% positive sentiment.
- Increased participation: More than 1,000 HIPGivers from around the world joined to contribute to the 45 #LenguasVivas projects.
A Promising Future
The #LenguasVivas experience demonstrates that there is goodwill and real community support for the revitalization of indigenous languages in Chiapas and the Yucatán Peninsula. At HIPGive, we will continue to broaden our search for partners and develop further campaigns to help grassroots organizations diversify their sources of funding and continue working in their communities.
If you are part of an organization that could support grassroots crowdfunding for cultural or language-based projects, write to us at hipgive@hipfunds.org. We’d love to hear from you and explore how to work together.
