Namaste’s Next Chapter: A Purposeful Transition
Since 2008, Namaste has partnered with over 6,000 women entrepreneurs in Guatemala as they built profitable businesses, achieved economic independence, and pursued their dreams. Together with our donors, partners, and community mentors, we have marveled at the prosperity women create within their families and communities when they have access to the tools, trust, and dignity they deserve.
As we look ahead, we want to share an important update about Namaste’s future—and the future of the work you have made possible.
Why Namaste Is Closing
After careful reflection and strategic planning, Namaste’s leadership team and Board of Directors made the decision to conclude operations at the end of 2025. This decision was guided by responsibility, transparency, and a deep commitment to protecting the impact we have built together.
Rather than shrinking or compromising program quality, we chose a proactive path: to transition our most effective and innovative program while Namaste is strong, fully staffed, and financially stable—ensuring women continue to receive high-quality support long after Namaste closes its doors.
The Cuchubal Match Will Continue—with WJI
We are proud to share that Namaste’s Cuchubal Match (CM)—a matched-savings and financial and business education program—will live on under the Women’s Justice Initiative (WJI).
WJI is a Guatemala-based organization dedicated to combating gender inequality and ending violence against indigenous girls and women in rural communities. Their values, community-centered approach, and commitment to women’s autonomy make them an ideal steward for the next chapter of Cuchubal Match.
Under WJI, the program will:
- Continue delivering financial literacy education, business coaching, and savings support
- Launch in new rural communities beginning in 2026
- Remain rooted in dignity, accountability, and women’s self-determination
Honoring Legacy—And Looking Forward
Though Namaste’s work will conclude at the end of 2025, the ripple effects of our programs will carry forward through the thousands of women who have doubled their profits, built savings for the first time, kept their children in school, and created futures for themselves and their families
once thought impossible. We are also proud to share that Namaste’s financial literacy and business advising videos are now publicly available on YouTube in Spanish, K’iche’, and Kaqchikel. Most importantly, the transition of our Cuchubal Match program to the Women’s Justice Initiative reflects what Namaste has always believed: the work of women’s empowerment is bigger than any one organization. Our greatest responsibility is to ensure this transformational program continues to grow—and under WJI’s leadership, it will.
How You Can Be Part of What Comes Next
Support for the Cuchubal Match remains critical during this transition. Gifts to the Namaste Legacy Fund , administered by WJI, will help launch and sustain the program in its first year under new leadership—reaching hundreds more
women in 2026 and beyond.
