Your Help Matters for Mothers

 
 

Help Build Río Madre Sanctuary

A place where mothers can heal, and children can thrive.

Río Madre Sanctuary is the first sanctuary of the Mother Haven Initiative, a fiscally sponsored charitable project of a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Eligible donations are tax-deductible in the United States.

Located in the mountains of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, Río Madre is being created as a sustainable healing sanctuary dedicated specifically to mothers and their children.

Our vision is to offer mothers a place to rest, recover, rebuild, and reconnect with themselves during some of life's most challenging transitions, including single motherhood, postpartum recovery, burnout, grief, separation, and major life changes.

Every sanctuary is designed to work in harmony with nature through sustainable construction, regenerative gardens, local craftsmanship, and community stewardship. Río Madre will become the first prototype for future Mother Haven Sanctuaries around the world.

What Your Donation Supports

The land has already been purchased, and the main house has already been built.

This means every donation goes directly toward creating the sanctuary itself.

Our estimated development budget is $80,000, divided into three phases.

Phase 1 — Foundations of Sanctuary

Goal: $45,000 (Current Funding Priority)

This phase establishes the essential infrastructure needed to begin welcoming guests and generating sustainable income.

Land & Infrastructure

  • Bridge, fencing, and retention walls — $15,000

  • Garden development and natural river pool system — $5,000

  • Septic system installation — $5,000

First Guest Casita

  • Construction of the first eco-casita — $20,000

This first phase allows Río Madre Sanctuary to begin generating income through nature stays, wellness experiences, and retreats, creating long-term financial sustainability for the project.

Phase 2 — Expanding the Sanctuary

Goal: $26,000

As the sanctuary grows, this phase expands accommodations and community spaces.

Second Eco-Casita

  • Construction — $20,000

Community Spaces

  • Yoga & movement deck — $4,000

Children's Nature Play Area

  • Treehouse & natural playground — $2,000

✅ Fully Funded

Phase 3 — Completing the Vision

Goal: $9,000

The final phase completes the shared spaces that bring the sanctuary fully to life.

  • Dining patio — $5,000

  • Temazcal (traditional ceremonial sauna) — $4,000

Choose What You Would Like to Support

You are welcome to contribute toward the project as a whole or dedicate your donation to a specific part of the sanctuary.

You can choose to support:

  • Bridge & land infrastructure

  • Gardens & river restoration

  • Septic system

  • First eco-casita

  • Second eco-casita

  • Yoga & movement deck

  • Dining patio

  • Temazcal

  • General Sanctuary Fund

Every contribution, regardless of size, becomes part of creating a place that will support mothers and children for generations to come.

Why Río Madre?

Río Madre is more than a retreat.

It is a long-term model for how healing spaces can be created sustainably, support local communities, and provide mothers with the care, rest, and connection they deserve.

The sanctuary will gradually become financially self-sustaining through eco-casita rentals, retreats, and intentional stays. This allows the project to support its ongoing operations while laying the foundation for future Mother Haven Sanctuaries in other parts of the world.

Ways to Contribute

  • Make a Donation

Support the sanctuary with a one-time or recurring gift.

  • Sponsor a Project

Fund a specific structure, garden, or piece of infrastructure.

  • Become a Monthly Supporter

Help provide steady support throughout the construction process.

  • Corporate & Foundation Giving

Partner with us to help create meaningful social impact for mothers and children.

  • In-Kind Donations

Support the project through building materials, tools, trees, equipment, or professional services.

  • Share the Vision

Sharing our mission with your community is one of the most valuable gifts you can offer.

Thank You

Every donation helps transform an empty piece of land into a sanctuary where mothers can restore their strength, children can grow surrounded by nature, and community becomes part of everyday life.

Thank you for believing in Río Madre Sanctuary and the Mother Haven Initiative.

Together, we are building the first sanctuary and the beginning of many more.

Ready to Support Río Madre?

We are currently finalizing our online donation system.
If you’d like to make a contribution now, complete the form below and we’ll personally contact you with the next steps.

Submitting this form does not process your donation.

We will contact you shortly after receiving your submission with the next steps to complete your donation.