Finca Esperaza Verde

Organization

Sister Communities of San Ramón, Nicaragua (SCSRN) was founded in Durham, North Carolina in 1993. It is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the state of North Carolina and certified as a non-governmental organization (NGO) in Nicaragua. Formerly known as Durham-San Ramón Sister Communities, SCSRN changed its name in 2006 to be more inclusive of the many communities in North Carolina and elsewhere that support San Ramón.

Mission Statement
Through collaboration between San Ramón, Nicaragua and its partner communities in the United States, SCSRN promotes people-to-people connections and supports social and economic development projects that build friendship, understanding, justice and respect for the Earth.

Governance
SCSRN is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors based in Durham, North Carolina. There is an Advisory Committee of volunteers in San Ramón that informs SCSRN of community needs, helps prioritize projects for funding, and helps consult with local officials when needed. SCSRN has an office and administrative staff in San Ramón.

Financial Accountability

Financial reports are submitted throughout the year by the treasurer. A licensed accountant prepares the annual tax return. SCSRN requires strict financial accountability from funding recipients in San Ramón and makes inspections to assure that projects funded are completed according to specifications.

Responsibilities to other Sister Communities

SCSRN provides the local oversight and structure to make financial support for projects effective through its staff in San Ramón. Provides financial accountability on projects. Provides progress reports and photographs. Helps with fundraising ideas and publicity. Acknowledges and publicizes the name of each Sister Community in SCSRN outreach materials and web pages.

Relationship to Finca Esperanza Verde (FEV)

SCSRN is the developer and owner of Finca Esperanza Verde Ecolodge, Organic Coffee Farm and Private Forest Reserve. FEV is self-sustaining through revenue from tourism and coffee sales. Revenue and expenses are kept separate from other SCSRN projects. Donations to SCSRN are not used to support FEV, except for designated contributions toward purchase of land for conservation. All income from tourism stays in the community.

FEV has received international recognition as a model of poverty alleviation through sustainable tourism. This economic development project provides jobs and much-needed income to the people of San Ramón. FEV also offers tourists a cultural immersion experience, connections with the people of San Ramón, and an opportunity to support the community through an economic model that is self-sustaining and reduces paternalism.

Contact Us | History of FEV | Vision for Creating FEV | Supported Projects | December Coffee Sales | Testimonials