In the heart of the Maya Ixil region, where opportunities are scarce but resilience abounds, Limitless Horizons Ixil is creating a new future through education, culture, and leadership. For the Luis von Ahn Foundation—a philanthropic organization committed to advancing education, gender equality, and opportunities for Indigenous communities in Guatemala—Limitless Horizons Ixil represents a powerful model of transformative change.
“Limitless Horizons Ixil aligns with our mission because it guarantees access to quality education for youth while prioritizing Indigenous girls and women,” explained Evelyn Roquel, Program Manager at the Luis von Ahn Foundation. “We focus on closing gaps for these priority populations so they can improve their lives and their communities.”
While Limitless Horizons Ixil’s mission is deeply aligned with the Foundation’s vision, its context and approach set it apart. “We support many educational programs, but what makes Limitless Horizons Ixil unique is their rural focus,” shared Julianne Carson, Interim Executive Director of the Luis von Ahn Foundation. “They are committed to delivering quality education that is tailored to the realities of Chajul and the Ixil region.” Evelyn added, “They don’t just educate—they honor and strengthen the culture, language, and ancestral practices of the community they serve. That respect for local identity is remarkable.”
At the heart of this partnership is trust-based philanthropy—an approach that prioritizes relationships, reduces burdens on grantees, and provides flexible support to maximize impact. It’s about listening, learning, and empowering organizations to lead.
“With trust-based philanthropy, we listen actively to organizations and their needs,” Julianne emphasized. “Our role isn’t to impose solutions—it’s to open doors, share resources, and connect them with others doing similar work.”
This collaborative approach came to life when Limitless Horizons Ixil began strategizing the curriculum for Colegio Horizontes, its groundbreaking high school set to open in January 2025. In response to the need for collaboration and learning, the Luis von Ahn Foundation facilitated a tour of prominent educational organizations, among them Antigua International School, Colegio Mesoamericano, Safe Passage, Creamos, and Esperanza Juvenil.
This unique experience offered Limitless Horizons Ixil’s leadership team invaluable insights and inspiration. “Our staff returned to Chajul energized and equipped with a full toolbox of ideas and strategies and expanded network for sharing resources,” shared Katie Morrow, Executive Director of Limitless Horizons Ixil. “Our location in Chajul at the end of the road can feel isolating, our school tour was a powerful opportunity to learn from others, feel embraced and a part of the Guatemala nonprofit educational community, and allows us to tailor best practices to our rural, culturally grounded context.”
Beyond funding, the Luis von Ahn Foundation serves as a partner, connector, and champion for Limitless Horizons Ixil’s vision. This relationship—built on trust and shared purpose—has been transformational for Limitless Horizons Ixil’s work and impact.
“The Luis von Ahn Foundation’s support has given us the connections, support, and confidence to invest deeply into our new school development in staff development, hiring, and curriculum- empowering us to envision greater programmatic ambitions and possibilities,” Katie reflected. “They believe in our vision, trust our expertise, and stand beside us as partners. That kind of support is invaluable.”
Together, Limitless Horizons Ixil and the Luis von Ahn Foundation are proving that when trust, collaboration, and vision align, transformative change is possible. Through this partnership, they are opening doors to opportunity, empowering Indigenous youth to thrive, and laying the foundation for a future where education serves as a catalyst for equity and hope.
This giving season, support Limitless Horizons Ixil to open doors to opportunity.
