A sister state organization that strengthens human and community development through the exchange of people and ideas between Minnesota and León, Nicaragua.
We are a people-to-people organization and our goals are to
Current newsletter
For updates about our work in Nicaragua and Minnesota, read our current newsletter.
Please sign up to receive occasional newsletters!
Community Work
PML empowers people to bring about change in their own lives. Learn more about our projects, including our Covid-19 economic security response based on the communities’ priorities: supporting small entrepreneurs with skills training and a teen pizza & ice cream business!
Upcoming Trips
We customize educational immersion trips to León. Through homestays, we hope that Minnesotans and Nicaraguans will learn from each other and create authentic relationships. Trips have been postponed due to Covid-19.
Approach to Community Development Work
Project Minnesota/León's approach to community development work is focused on grassroots organizing and building human capacity. We accompany and support the Nicaraguan people as they identify priorities and solve problems.
To see our community development work in action, and how we are making a difference in the rural villages of San Carlos and La Gallina, Nicaragua, we invite you to watch video produced for our Fiesta fundraisers: 2021 Fiesta VIDEO & the 2020 Fiesta VIDEO
Our Work in León
Response to ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19
PML is supporting sustainable initiatives that León community members have identified as critical: securing food and small business opportunities.
Village of San Carlos -Recreational Field
San Carlos youth envisioned a safe and accessible recreational field and community gathering area several years ago. Land has been purchased, it’s being maintained, and youth and adults have formed six teams and are playing soccer, kickball and baseball. Grants are being secured to build infrastructure.
Village of San Carlos - Water Project
PML’s grassroots organizing in San Carlos was so successful that the community leveraged construction and financial aid from other nonprofits and city government. Residents installed a clean drinking water system mostly by hand! This included digging 9 miles of trench for the pipes and building a well and water tower. Clean drinking water is now a reality!
Village of La Gallina - Building a Bridge
Building a bridge for vehicles to ensure access to the community is a priority. During the rainy season, a river frequently swells and creates a dangerous current, cutting the community off from the city of Leon.
Our Impact
$300,000 raised since 1984 to fund projects in León
In 2020, PMl funded skills classes for women entrepreneurs: 19 completed sewing class and 25 completed baking class
In 2020, $2,850 in small business loans to 21 women in San Carlos. 100% repaid!
In 2020, $3,915 in small business loans for 26 residents of La Gallina. 100% repaid!
Our leadership
PML’S Minnesota board works in partnership with nicaraguan staff and community members. The board listens and responds to the needs identified by the community.
Learn more about Board members and staff here.
Get Involved
Volunteer
We need volunteers to help with events, organizing trips, office tasks, and more!
Join the board
We welcome new board members with open arms. We appreciate people of all experiences and talents
Make a Donation
Your gift will transform lives in Nicaragua. Join others in making a monthly gift to sustain our work