Our Story

The origins of Sustainable Futures Nicaragua go back to 2007 when our founder, C.J. Colavito, and his wife Jenny spent a year as volunteers for Grupo Fenix in Nicaragua. Grupo Fenix is a local non-governmental organization focused on sustainable development in rural communities through the application of renewable energy technologies and sustainable agriculture.

While in Nicaragua C.J. and Jenny worked on many initiatives, including publishing a solar cooker manual, establishing the secondary school scholarship program, and construction of numerous micro-infrastructure projects. Their time in Nicaragua enabled them to learn the language, culture, and become familiar with the community. Since returning to the US in 2008, C.J. has visited Nicaragua 10 times to complete micro-infrastructure projects, visit the community, and check in on the scholarship program. The projects completed include solar water pumping, small business start up (bike repair), solar PV systems with battery back up, rain water collection, off grid battery system repair and replacement, micro-drip irrigation, and water distribution.

The secondary school scholarship program was developed after working closely with a local community group affiliated with Grupo Fenix, Las Mujeres Solares de Totogalpa (the solar women of Totogalpa), for nine months during the year of volunteer work. This is our flagship program. C.J. and Jenny have personally funded the program since 2010 once the seed investment from a benefactor was consumed.

Sustainable Futures Nicaragua was setup to formalize our continued efforts to support the community in Nicaragua as well as to allow others to participate.

Our Mission Statement

Sustainable Futures Nicaragua is dedicated to fostering sustainable development in Nicaragua through scholarships, targeted monetary contributions, and practical micro-infrastructure projects. Our approach promotes long-term improvement in quality of life while prioritizing environmental sustainability.