NFE 2025 Annual Report

2025 Annual Report Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Stories of Transformation and Hope in the Ixil Dear Friends and Partners, What a cornerstone year 2025 has been for Nicolás Fund for Education. With grateful hearts, we dedicated our new school—a remarkable testimony to God’s faithfulness and to your generosity. What began 14 years ago with a humble vision has become a growing movement of transformation in the Ixil. Because of your partnership, we can now celebrate 150 NFE high school graduates and the expanding impact of Christian education in one of Guatemala's poorest regions. Your investment is bearing real fruit. In a region where nearly two-thirds of the population lives below the poverty line, among our 150 graduates, two-thirds are living above the poverty line. That is more than progress. That is transformation. In addition, 80% of our graduates have passed a university entrance exam, and today, 18 Ten Talents students are studying at the university, while others are pursuing higher education through additional scholarships. Together, we are helping young men and women break the generational cycle of poverty. Micah 6:8 calls us to “act with justice,” “love mercy,” and “walk humbly with your God.” Through Christian education, your partnership is advancing that kind of justice and mercy—opening doors of opportunity with dignity, hope, and humility. Thank you to our building donors, our faithful financial partners, our volunteers, mission teams, board members, and our dedicated staff—many of whom have personally experienced the kind of transformation we now see multiplying in others. And we are just getting started. In 2025, we added our second 7th-grade class, the first step in a bold plan to add 30 students each year until we reach 300. Nicolás Christian School is becoming a city on a hill—a bright light to the community. Thank you for walking this journey with us. With deep gratitude, Al Lopus President and Board Chair Your investment is bearing real fruit. Among our 150 graduates, two-thirds are living above the poverty line in a region where nearly two-thirds live below it. That is more than progress. That is transformation. Making Poverty History in the Ixil A powerful moment of faith and transformation: Pastor Eli Sierra and NFE National Director Iván España baptize an NFE student, June 2026. A testament to the life-changing impact of Christian education in the Ixil. Nicolás Christian School is becoming a city on a hill—a bright light to the community. Together, we are breaking the generational cycle of poverty with dignity, hope, and humility. President's Letter Serving Christ through Loving Others Mark 10:45 Building Relationships 1 John 1:7 Stewardship and Transparency 1 Peter 4:10 Compassion Psalm 72:12-14 Justice and Equity Micah 6:8 Hope Psalm 9:18 Integrity 1 Chronicles 29:17 Empowering Mayan youth to break the generational cycle of poverty in the Ixil region of Guatemala through Christ-centered education WHO WE ARE Nicolás Fund for Education is an educational and discipleship ministry dedicated to working with children, families, and their villages in the Ixil area of Guatemala to reach their full potential by overcoming the causes of poverty and injustice. WHAT WE DO Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor, oppressed, and war-damaged as a demonstration of God’s love. HOW WE SERVE We provide hope through a high-quality, Christ-centered education with 6th-grade tutoring, village libraries, a comprehensive junior and senior high school education and scholarships available for university education. WHO WE SERVE First, we walk alongside indigenous Mayan children whose families have endured generations of poverty. In response, we seek justice by standing with them offering education, opportunity, and hope as tangible expressions of God’s love. Second, we serve individuals and families largely from the Seattle area who desire to grow in their Christian faith by serving the poor. Through immersive discipleship mission trips, participants experience personal spiritual growth while engaging directly in the life-changing work of educational transformation. Our Values Tom Graue wasn’t keen on going to Guatemala. It took a firm nudge from his wife, Linda, to get him on the plane for his first mission trip. But what started as reluctance quickly became a soul-shaking transformation that has spanned over 25 years. "I went down thinking we were going to help," Tom recalls. "Turned out, we were the ones helped." For Tom and Linda Graue, Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE) isn’t just a charity—it’s a partnership and a friendship that changes lives on both sides. It is an emotional journey that gets you "down to your toes." A Bond Beyond Borders On that very first trip, Tom met Juana, a tiny, fierce woman in the village of La Esperanza. Though they lived worlds apart, they were the exact same age. As Tom helped harvest her corn, Juana sang to him a melody of gratitude that transcended language. Decades later, though she is now blind, Juana still asks for Tom. "It’s a life-changing adventure," Linda says. "You never know who you’re going to affect, or who is going to affect you." The Return on Investment The Graues have watched NFE evolve from a vision grounded in prayer into a sustainable reality. Tom recently reconnected with a young man he had met years ago as a child standing idly in the village. Today, that same student is the manager in charge of the greenhouses at Nicolás Christian School. "I’m seeing the return on investment," Tom says proudly. "We provided the opportunity, and they took the ball and ran with it. NFE is passing the baton to them." For Linda, the verdict is simple—“It’s the best investment you can make because it builds a sustainable future for the Ixil people while transforming your own heart.” Join the Transformation You don't just give to NFE, you grow with it. Your support creates education, opportunity, and leadership where it is needed most. Tom and Juana in her field 2002 Two lives, one unbreakable bond. Tom Graue and Juana, decades of friendship rooted in gratitude, resilience, and a shared journey of transformation. Tom and Juana in her home 2026 Your Impact From Reluctant Traveler to Lifelong Champion: The Graue Story At Nicolás Fund for Education, we believe in equipping students with the tools they need to build a better future for themselves and their communities. This year, Nicolás Christian School proudly launched its first-ever robotics program. Designed to engage students in computational thinking, design, and technology through hands-on learning, this initiative is sparking a profound interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) fields and building essential 21st-century skills. Marco Antonio: From Village Dreams to the Stars For students like Marco Antonio, this program is life-changing. Growing up in a remote village, he always possessed a boundless curiosity but lacked the resources to explore his ideas. Through a scholarship to Nicolás Christian School, he found a community that believed in his potential and gave him access to modern technology. When our school faced a local challenge—water storage tanks emptying too quickly—Marco Antonio and his classmates stepped up. Using components provided by a visiting missionary and the school’s 3D printer, he helped build an automated sensor system to monitor water levels. His scientific rigor even earned him a prestigious award from NASA for atmospheric research. Today, Marco Antonio dreams of becoming a mechatronics engineer to bring clean water technology and sustainable farming solutions back to his community. Making History on a National Stage The excitement surrounding our STEAM initiatives quickly caught the attention of our partners. Recently, a 1BOT Coach visited our campus to review the program's progress. Impressed by the students' dedication, the coach invited our robotics team to compete in a National Championship in Antigua, Guatemala. For the first time ever, our rural students traveled to compete against 20 other established educational institutions. They showcased their innovation, teamwork, and critical thinking through robot assembly and project pitches. The results were astounding. Our talented students took first place in robot assembly and placed third overall in the competition. Empowering a Generation of Innovators Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Through project-based learning, 25 students from 8th to 11th grade are now diving into a world of innovation that was once completely beyond their reach. This extraordinary academic achievement is a testament to what happens when we empower young leaders. Together, we are building a future of hope and opportunity for the Ixil youth, rooted in Christ’s love. Every time a student steps into the robotics lab, it is because of your faith in their potential. Thank you for walking alongside them as they engineer a brighter tomorrow. Launching Dreams: The Power of Robotics and STEAM Education Because of your generosity, young students in the Ixil region are now dreaming of a brighter future—and they are engineering it. Your support is more than a donation—it’s an investment in a generation of hope and transformation. Students earned the Polaris Award for achievements in reading comprehension, and math! Eliseo’s Journey: From the Finca to Hope Eliseo’s journey from hardship to hope. Scan the QR code to read more. "Education didn’t just give me knowledge—it changed how I see life." "If I had not studied, who knows where I would be. Now I am here, thanks to God." A Nicolás Christian School student pours his heart into a writing prompt at a desk topped with a vibrant, hand-woven tapestry, both of which were crafted by a classmate. Every detail in this photo tells a story of the hope that a Christ-centered education brings to the Ixil region. This illustrates what empowering Mayan youth looks like, as they build skills and gain confidence to break the cycle of generational poverty. When Eliseo was just five years old, his life was defined by the finca—a vast commercial coffee farm in Guatemala. Like most children in his community, Eliseo carried heavy baskets of coffee alongside his parents. Days began in pitch darkness at 2:30 a.m. His family walked miles to the fields, facing hidden snakes and relentless exhaustion, all to earn just $2.60 a day. Sleeping conditions were equally heartbreaking. Hundreds of workers crammed into noisy, unsanitary quarters. True rest was a luxury they could not afford. The cycle of survival was brutal, trapping Eliseo and his family in a generational struggle with no clear way out. A New Door Opens In 2015, as his family prepared to leave for another grueling harvest, a miracle happened. Nicolás Christian School arrived in his village. Empowering Mayan youth in the Ixil region to break the generational cycle of poverty is at the heart of the Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE). Through Christ-centered education, we unlock hope, foster leadership, and build stronger communities. When Eliseo's mother learned about the school, she enrolled him immediately. Because of that single decision, Eliseo never returned to the finca. The Transformative Power of Education The transition was challenging. Eliseo started secondary school at age 17. Of the 16 students in his starting class, only eight made it to graduation. Eliseo stayed the course. His teachers lovingly pushed him to grow. Education transformed not only his circumstances but his entire inner life. He developed a deep love for reading, and through daily devotionals, his relationship with God flourished. He learned that while faith does not remove all hardship, God walks closely with us through it. After graduating with a theology degree, Eliseo returned to NCS as a teacher to inspire the next generation. He values giving back, guiding young students to embrace education’s power. He recently published his debut book, El último susurro del viento (The Last Whisper of the Wind). Through writing and teaching, Eliseo preserves local Ixil traditions and builds a transformed village where true flourishing begins with purpose. Your Faith in Their Potential Eliseo, a student who once faced a future of uncertainty, is now dreaming of a brighter future and serving his community as a leader. This dramatic transformation happened because of you. Every time a student steps into the classroom, it is because of your faith in their potential. Your support is more than a donation—it’s an investment in a generation of hope and transformation. Celebrating the Impact of Your Support Together, we are building a future of hope and opportunity for the Ixil youth, rooted in Christ’s love. With compassion and integrity, we steward every gift to serve the Ixil people and glorify God, ensuring your generosity creates lasting change. Because of your faithful support, scholarships were awarded, classrooms were equipped, and a Christ-centered curriculum brought new hope to the Ixil region. Your generosity has already opened the door for more students like Eliseo to thrive—empowering a new generation to dream, lead, and transform their communities. Ten Talents Scholarship Program The Ten Talents Scholarship Program extends the blessing of education to promising Ixil youth, breaking down financial barriers so they can pursue higher education and vocational dreams. With God’s provision, these scholarships empower recipients to become leaders equipped with knowledge and Christian character. Each scholarship serves as a tangible expression of love and support from the global Christian fellowship, illuminating a path toward personal transformation and community impact. Robotics & Technical Training Our Robotics and Technical Training program opens exciting new doors for students in the Ixil region through hands-on learning in computer science, robotics, and CAD classes. By exploring these subjects, young minds learn to think critically and build practical solutions to real challenges in their communities. Together, we are equipping these bright students with cutting-edge skills that prepare them for meaningful careers in technology and engineering. Your support fuels this innovation, giving the next generation the exact tools they need to engineer a brighter, sustainable future. Village Libraries The Village Libraries initiative brings the gift of knowledge directly to Ixil communities through accessible, well-resourced spaces. These welcoming libraries help both children and adults develop literacy, improve their Spanish language skills, and cultivate lifelong learning. Thanks to our generous donors, these spaces transform into vital incubators for imagination, cultural enrichment, and hope. Teacher Professional Development Our program invests in the ongoing growth of Nicolás Christian School and local educators. Through continual training, teachers enhance key instructional skills to better inspire students. By nurturing strong educators in a supportive community, we ensure every classroom becomes a place of high-quality learning and Christ-centered transformation. Nicolás Christian School Nicolás Christian School stands as a beacon of hope in the Ixil region, offering a comprehensive, Christ-centered education that nurtures academic excellence and spiritual growth. On our state-of-the-art campus, students are welcomed into a supportive Christian community where they develop the knowledge, character, and faith needed to become compassionate leaders. Through a robust curriculum and dedicated fellowship, we are committed to equipping young people to transform their own lives and, in turn, uplift their families and villages for generations to come. Village Tutoring Village Tutoring provides individualized academic support to sixth-grade students, empowering them to pursue further education at Nicolás Christian School confidently. By establishing strong educational foundations and offering caring mentorship, we help children discover their God-given potential. This initiative ensures that every child has the support, encouragement, and tools to succeed, preparing them to be beacons of hope in their communities. Vocational Training Our Vocational Training initiative thoughtfully equips students with practical and entrepreneurial skills grounded in core Christian values. Through engaging programs in carpentry, agribusiness, and the culinary arts, individuals acquire vital tools for sustainable employment and economic independence. This initiative prepares graduates to build a thriving future, not only for themselves but also to actively serve and strengthen their broader communities. Access to Opportunities Give Generously 1. Donate Financially Your gift—no matter the size—directly funds scholarships, school resources, teacher training, and a Christ-centered curriculum. One-time or recurring donations provide the stability we need to grow and thrive. 2. Give Stocks or Mutual Funds Make a lasting impact by donating appreciated assets. This tax-efficient method allows you to avoid capital gains taxes while fueling NFE’s mission. 3. Legacy Giving Leave a legacy of hope by including NFE in your will or estate plans. Your commitment ensures future generations of Ixil youth will have access to Christ-centered education. 4. Matching Gifts Double your impact! Many employers offer matching gift programs. Check with your workplace to see if your donation to NFE qualifies and amplify the difference you make. Volunteer to Transform Lives 1. Step Into the Story: Go on a Mission Trip Witness God’s work in the Ixil region firsthand. NFE Mission Trips offer a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and cross-cultural fellowship. Many participants describe the experience as “mutually transformative.” Church groups are especially encouraged to join us in this life-changing journey. 2. Use Your Talents to Make a Difference From administrative support to specialized skills, there are countless ways to volunteer and contribute to NFE’s mission. Explore opportunities at nicolasfund.org/volunteer. Be an Advocate for Change 1. Social Media Ambassador Help spread the word! Share NFE’s updates, student stories, and milestones with your network. By becoming a Social Media Ambassador, you expand our reach and invite others to join God’s story of hope in the Ixil region. 2. Church Ambassador Strengthen the connection between your church and NFE. Share our mission in small groups, newsletters, or from the pulpit. Encourage your faith community to pray, fundraise, or join a mission trip. Together, we can multiply the impact of Christ’s love. Strengthening God’s Provision through Community By engaging as a donor, volunteer, ambassador, or mission partner, you become part of a community that is both resilient and hopeful. You help plant seeds of transformation that will bear fruit for generations, both in the lives of Ixil youth and in your own faith walk. Join the Movement At the Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE), our mission is clear: to empower Mayan youth in Guatemala’s Ixil region to break free from the generational cycle of poverty. Through Christ-centered education, we ignite hope, nurture leadership, and strengthen communities. But this life-changing work is only possible because of the faithful support of donors, volunteers, church groups, and mission partners who walk alongside us. If you feel called to be part of this transformative journey, here are impactful ways to get involved: Are You Ready to Be the Difference? God continues to provide for Nicolàs Fund for Education through the generosity, service, and prayers of people like you. Whether you give, volunteer, or share our story, your involvement is an answer to prayer and a reflection of Christ’s love in action. Take your next step today. Visit nicolasfund.org/volunteer or contact us at info@nicolasfund.org. Together, united in faith and purpose, we can empower a new generation to thrive. OPERATING REVENUE 2025 2024 School Funding $618,744 $516,406 Project Funding (Restricted) $14,2021 $222,392 Investment Income $66,082 $43,557 Mission Trip Revenue $70,999 $68,038 Program Revenue (Tuition & Sales) $18,014 - Total Support & Revenue $915,860 $850,393 In 2025, the Nicolás Fund for Education dedicated 88% of its operating expenses directly to programs benefiting the Ixil region, reflecting our commitment to transparency and maximizing your investment's impact. 2025 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Net Assets, 2025: NFE's objective for financial liquidity is to operate in a prudent range of stability that allows us to meet our future program commitments, including the operating revenue for the next school year. Thanks to you, NFE remains financially strong, with sufficient financial liquidity and reserves to fulfill the operation of the Nicolás Christian School's ongoing program. OPERATING EXPENSES 2025 2024 Total School Expenses (Guatemala) $716,984 $593,475 Management & General $51,676 $31,795 Fundraising $47,007 $31,647 Total Operating Expenses $815,667 $656,917 There is no better way to understand the heart of our mission than by stepping foot in the Ixil region and seeing the transformation for yourself. We warmly invite you to join a Nicolás Fund for Education mission trip this coming year. When you travel to Guatemala, you get to witness firsthand the incredible return on your investment in these young lives. You will walk the halls of Nicolás Christian School, meet the students whose futures you have helped rewrite, and see the tangible results of your generosity in action. It is one thing to read about breaking the cycle of poverty, but it is a completely different, soul-stirring experience to look into the eyes of a student and hear their dreams of becoming an engineer, a teacher, or a doctor. Beyond seeing the impact, a mission trip offers a profound opportunity to build meaningful, lasting connections with the resilient families of the Ixil community. Whether you are helping to harvest crops, sharing a meal, or lending a hand with a new campus project, you are creating bonds that transcend language and borders. Time and time again, our partners return home with a powerful realization: while they came to serve and support others, they were the ones whose hearts were forever changed. Step out of your usual routine and join us on this life-changing adventure to grow alongside the remarkable people we serve. Journey to the Ixil Board of Directors Al Lopus (President and Board Chair) Paul Selvig (Vice-President ) Carrie Nordberg (Secretary) Lolo Levy (Treasurer) Susan DaPron (Finance and Governance) Ashley Koo (Special Events Coordinator) Kathy Riper (Donor Engagement) Scan to learn more about NFE Mission Trips. Victoria and Majo (NFE mission team members) lead a class in Vichibala village, where students designed products, created logos, and made pitches. We were amazed by the teamwork and creativity these bright young minds brought to every presentation. The Nicolás Fund for Education Board shares a bold and unified vision. We are deeply committed to empowering Mayan youth in Guatemala's Ixil region through Christ-centered education. Our board members blend professional expertise with a profound sense of compassion to guide this vital mission. Together, we actively work to break the generational cycle of poverty. By equipping students with the right tools and unwavering support, we help build lasting hope and drive meaningful transformation for generations to come.