Activistas Constructivos: The NGO Driving the Future in Colombia

By Laura Reyes

Karen Manríque starts each morning at her computer, developing strategies to support foundations, seeking allies for projects, and facilitating spaces for donors. By five in the afternoon, she disconnects to focus on her role as a mother to a one-year-old baby. As the CEO of Activistas Constructivos, Karen leads a non-profit organisation and incubator headquartered in Colombia that empowers projects from leaders and organisations across Latin America.

“Our goal is for these foundations to thrive and reach their full potential. We know starting and maintaining a nonprofit organisation is a huge challenge,” explains Karen.

From Charity to Knowledge

Founded in 2015, Activistas Constructivos arises from the passion of Karen, who since she was little felt the vocation to support those who need it most. She even considered becoming a nun, but realized there are multiple ways to do it without having to be religious.

Karen observed that many people who form foundations lack the resources and experience necessary to manage them effectively. Therefore, Activistas Constructivos not only provides knowledge shared by experts but also personalized guidance. The founders have received support to carry out strategic planning, make their causes visible, and structure their projects. In addition, they have learned to properly manage their finances, something that they could not have afforded on their own.

The Support of Activistas Constructivos  to Foundations

Activistas Constructivos offers various modalities to support foundations. The first is an initial mapping to identify your location and needs, using a proprietary tool that defines six stages for the formation of a foundation in 19 different dimensions. With this tool, an initial diagnosis is made and personalized mentoring is provided through one-hour video calls, adjusted to the specific needs of each foundation in areas such as legal advice, accounting, marketing, projects, strategic planning, communications, and human talent.

Reach Out to Dreamers

In Colombia, many organizations start without government resources. Elvira Mieles, director of the Vital Foundation, highlights that “Activistas have supported us with mentoring and training, which has been crucial for learning to manage our resources and search for donors effectively.”

Campo Elías Suárez, from the Colombian Learning Circle Foundation (CIRCOAP), found in Activistas Constructivos the necessary guidance to manage educational projects in vulnerable communities. “There is a before and after, because before it was just an idea, and now we have a consolidated and serious project, with a search for funds and clear perspectives,” Campo Elías highlights.

Mentoring as a Vocation

Many have always wanted to support a cause; however, they don’t know where to start. It is for this same reason that mentoring is essential at  Activistas Constructivos where professional mentors with postgraduate degrees in various business areas volunteer to teach courses and mentoring sessions. Karen highlights that, although limited in time for in-person volunteering, these mentors contribute their experience to strengthen nonprofit organizations in critical areas such as legal advice, accounting, marketing, project management, and fundraising.

From the Living Room of a House to Coworking

Many foundations have started in small rooms, parks and even their own homes. Karen observed that one of the main challenges these growing organizations faced was the lack of adequate infrastructure.

To address this need, Karen had an innovative idea: what if there was a dedicated space for foundations? This idea inspired her to create the first coworking spaces, designed not only to carry out activities but also to provide the necessary resources to carry out one’s projects. Currently, there are two coworking spaces: one in Bosa and another in Cartagena, the latter recently inaugurated.

Success that Crosses Borders

To date, Activistas Constructivos has supported more than 541 foundations in countries such as Colombia, Argentina, Peru, Venezuela, and Australia, obtaining outstanding recognition, such as the TOYP Award for the 10 most outstanding young people in the country and the appreciation of the Council of Bogotá, D.C., along with the Presidents’ Forum Award – Leaving a Trace. Recognized among the most outstanding young people, Karen emphasizes the continuous learning and collaboration essential for the success of organizations.

Additionally, the incubator has forged strong alliances with key companies and institutions, such as MasterCard, Gabrica, Universidad de La Salle, CESA, Ditech, Eurofarma, and Drogsil, among others. These strategic partnerships strengthen their ability to effectively support foundations and promote positive change through innovative and sustainable initiatives.

Activist Degrees and Awards: an Opportunity for Everyone

Activistas Constructivos know that you only need to have a strong commitment to the community to graduate. Once a year, Activistas Constructivos graduates the leaders of the foundations in a symbolic ceremony at one of the most prestigious universities in Colombia, the College of Higher Studies in Administration (CESA). “We put their caps and gowns on them, we certify them within their preparation program. Many of them had never graduated. It’s very nice what it means: ‘I’m making a great effort so that my social cause really has a strong structure,'” says Karen.

Future Goals of Activistas Constructivos

Activistas Constructivos recently organized an event with MasterCard and other key allies to help foundations integrate their social cause into communication and marketing strategies, promoting sustainability through visibility and donations. This effort expanded to three main coworking spaces, 15 monthly events at universities, internal and external training, and talks at various institutions. 

In the short term, they plan to launch university forums, and workshops on the SIIGO platform’s administration, and establish the School of Foundation Management with monthly fundraising trainings and clinics and monthly networking spaces to connect donors and leaders.

Challenges and Opportunities

Activistas Constructivos face several challenges on their path to sustained support for foundations. One of the main obstacles is the need for adequate infrastructure for many organizations. Although some manage to prosper and expand their space, others must make do with more limited initial operating locations. Karen Manríque highlights that understanding the term “coworking” remains a challenge for many, despite these spaces’ obvious benefits.

Beneficiary Opinions

Beneficiaries of  Activistas Constructivos praise its positive impact. Elvira Mieles from Fundación Vital highlights the crucial help to move forward. Campo Elías Suárez from CIRCOAP highlights its role in strengthening, while Lina Mantilla emphasizes the articulation of social causes and purposes.

Did you like this project and would like to support it?

Find them at https://activistasconstructivos.org/ or on their Instagram or YouTube.