We are dedicated to ending extreme poverty in underserved Andean communities
The Chijnaya Foundation is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization that works in partnership with rural communities in Southern Peru to design and implement self-sustaining projects in health, education, and economic development. We work with communities long term to develop a comprehensive development strategy and on-going collaboration to meet their goals.
The Chijnaya Foundation Mourns Dr. Ralph Bolton, Our Founder
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the recent death of Ralph Bolton. A virtual memorial will be held on February 28th at 4 PM PST. Join at the link below.
Join the memorial
Economic Development
Rural community economic development is at the heart of the Chijnaya Foundation mission, specifically agricultural microlending.
Health & the Environment
The fortunes of families and communities are closely tied to basic health care access, clean water, and native plant and aquatic ecosystems.
Education
We respond to the overwhelming demand of rural families for access to higher education by establishing a university scholarship program.
WHERE WE WORK
The Chijnaya Foundation works in the Puno region of Peru, a southern state that borders Bolivia. In Puno, our work is focused in the altiplano, a geographic area of high altitude plains and rolling hills that is located at elevations of 12,500 feet and above. The Foundation has worked with communities in the following six districts in Puno: Pucará, Choquehuanca, Taraco, Paratía, Capachica, and Amantani.
2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In 2023 your donations helped communities save and invest their own money through the Group Savings Program, supported community-led projects on the Peruvian altiplano, and so much more!
JOIN US IN MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN 2025!
Community members work with our on-the-ground staff to design projects tailored to their specific needs and goals. Find out what communities would like to accomplish in 2025 and how you can support these community-led projects.
Latest from the #Chijnaya Blog
From Legacy to Endowment: Ensuring the Future of the Chijnaya Foundation
As we mourn the loss of our founder, Ralph Bolton, we also share news of an extraordinary gift that will carry the Chijnaya Foundation’s mission in the Altiplano forward for generations.
The Chijnaya Foundation Mourns Its Founder, Ralph Bolton, PhD
The Chijnaya Foundation deeply mourns the passing of Dr. Ralph Bolton, visionary founder and unwavering advocate for Andean communities. His dedication, generosity, and leadership transformed lives and created a legacy that will endure for generations. We honor his...
Meet our 2025 Scholars
Read through our 2025 yearbook of 51 scholarship recipients from across the Altiplano.