AgInno Institute
Building Bridges to Make Real Differences
AgInno Institute and the El Puente Mission Station in Chisec, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala.
El Puente Mission Station
The El Puente missions station is AgInno's base of operations and ministry in the Alta Verapaz department of Guatemala and is the home of both our Compassionate Ministries and Agricultural Research work. "El Puente" means "the Bridge" in Spanish and fits our mission to be a "bridge" between the church and communities, between the US and developing countries like Guatemala, between various NGOs such as universities and non-profits, and between best practices in science and agriculture and local families and farmers.
Why we build bridges
The need, our response, and where you fit in.
The need
Many communities face a severe lack of water during the dry season each year. The majority of families living in rural communities surrounding Chisec have homes with dirt floors since they cannot afford concrete.
Our response
We "build bridges" between local Guatemalan families/communities with universities, churches and other ministries, NGOs, and government agencies to meet their needs with best proven approaches and new sustainable agriculture innovations.
Your part
Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Make a donation, bring a team, or help us make connections — we would love to hear from you.
Ways to help
What We Do
Our Work
At the El Puente mission station, we have three primary efforts: Compassionate Ministries, Education, and Agriculture Research.
Compassionate Ministries
Providing families and communities with "life improvements" focused on health and quality of life. These include water sourcing projects (wells, water catchment, storage tanks), concrete floors for homes (to reduce disease and promote child development), improvements to local medical facilities and schools, food distribution to families, etc.
Compassionate Ministries →Education
We are privileged to partner with several US churches and Life Centers International to facilitate and support Life Centers for children in six indigenous villages.
Education →Agriculture Research
Our Agricultural research focuses currently on improved corn hybrids and growing techniques, crop drying and storage to prevent mycotoxins, and on locally sustainable aquaculture systems (tilapia) and aquaponics.
Agriculture Research →
About
Here at AgInno Institute, we are passionate about reaching people for Jesus by making real differences in their lives via improved and more healthy living conditions, access to water and health care, improved agriculture techniques, education, and equipping them to provide food and income for themselves and their families. We attempt to develop approaches to help families in a way that enhances dignity and which may be reapplied to others. We "build bridges" between local Guatemalan families/communities with universities, churches and other ministries, NGOs, and government agencies to meet their needs with best proven approaches and new sustainable agriculture innovations. A key focus is the definition of culturally-relevant solutions to maximize adoption of success models.
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator! We strive to operate in a principled and transparent manner, with a key focus on maximizing effectiveness and impact of all our donations.
Charity Navigator
Four-Star Rating — see more detail on the Charity Navigator site.
501(c)(3)
AgInno Institute is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will provide receipts for all donations.
Form 990
Our IRS Forms 990, 2019–2025.
“If anyone knows the good they ought to do, and doesn't do it, it is sin for them.”
James 4:17
El Puente Location
Chisec, Guatemala
El Puente is 175 miles from the Guatemala City airport
Aerial Views of El Puente
25 acres, dormitory building, pool, shop, agriculture research area, aquaponic demonstration site
Additional partnerships
Help Make an Impact!
Make a Donation
Want to join our efforts but not sure where to start? Make a Donation (see below) and let us know which of our efforts you would like to support.
Bring a Team
We would love to have you bring a team to work with us for a week (or more) on any of our efforts. We can host teams up to about 35 people in our air conditioned dorms (with bathrooms with hot water). Teams can also enjoy our swimming pool after a hot day of work. If you don't have a team, you could also have the option to join an existing team on our calendar. Just connect with us and start the discussion!
Help us make connections
We are always looking for new connections with individuals or organizations having skills and experience that we may lack. Just let us know if you have knowledge, experience, or resources that can help us in any of our efforts. We would love to hear from you.
How to Donate
Venmo (preferred) or PayPal
AgInno Institute is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and will provide receipts for all donations.