María Sance is a doctor in Biological Sciences and director of Casa Vigil and the foundation aims to create and provide programs that address critical areas such as education, health, nutrition, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.
María Sance explains that ‘each action considers two important perspectives: imprint and symbiosis. Imprint means inserting our essence, willingness to change and behaviors within the Business Group and transmitting it in each of our actions as a Foundation. Encouraging volunteering among the company’s staff and the community in general. Symbiosis means to work through concrete actions in conjunction with other foundations, civil associations, government entities, NGOs and volunteers in general‘.
Marcelo Minuchín and María Sance, heads of the Chachingo Foundation
Educational Programs
Education is at the heart of the Chachingo Foundation’s mission. The foundation offers various initiatives to improve access to quality education for children and adults alike. These programs include scholarships, tutoring services, and vocational training, all designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. By partnering with local schools and educational institutions, the foundation ensures that resources are effectively utilized to benefit the community
-Recargando Mochis, Recargando Sueños: (Reloading Backpacks, Reloading Dreams): for the third consecutive year, this 2025 the Foundation is carrying out a campaign to raise funds for the purchase of school supplies and learning books. They are then delivered to schools in need. Sponsoring companies and individual donors participate in this project, as well as publishers that contribute with learning books.
Health and Nutrition
Recognizing the importance of health and nutrition, the Chachingo Foundation has implemented several programs to support the well-being of the community. These initiatives include health clinics, nutritional workshops, and food distribution services. The foundation works closely with healthcare professionals to provide medical care and promote healthy living practices. Additionally, the foundation’s “Labrar” project focuses on sustainable agriculture, producing organic tomatoes and supporting local farmers
– Aprendamos Labrando (Let’s learn by tilling): a program dedicated to the generation of organic gardens in primary schools in isolated areas. Children eat organic and healthy products from this orchards and they learn about sustainable and healthy food. They are taught to replicate these gardens in their homes; in this way, this program is transformed into a global and circular project that encompasses the educational, the social, the economy and the care of the environment.
Environmental Conservation
The Chachingo Foundation is committed to environmental conservation and sustainability. Through various projects, the foundation promotes the protection and preservation of natural resources. This includes initiatives to reduce waste, conserve water, and promote renewable energy sources. The foundation also educates the community about the importance of environmental stewardship and encourages sustainable practices in everyday life.
Cultural Preservation
Cultural preservation is another key focus of the Chachingo Foundation. The foundation supports local artists and cultural events, ensuring that the rich heritage of Mendoza is celebrated and maintained. By hosting art exhibitions, music festivals, and cultural workshops, the foundation fosters a sense of community and pride in local traditions. These efforts not only preserve the cultural identity of the region but also provide opportunities for artistic expression and cultural exchange
-MotivArte (Encouraging with art): Local artists are linked with local schools. Each artist sponsors a classroom and shares experiences and knowledge. Students visit the artist’s workshops.
The dream grows
Marcelo Minuchín, director of the Foundation, expresses that ‘today we are talking with other foundations to create synergy and to join forces, funds and tools to be able to replicate some of our programs at the national level and bring national programs from other foundations to Mendoza. And well, we dream big, we want to reach more and more places. The truth is that we focus a lot on that, on making high-impact programs with few resources. And that’s what really motivates us to do more and more.‘
The Chachingo Foundation is making a significant impact in Mendoza and the country by addressing the needs of the community through comprehensive programs in education, health, nutrition, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. With a strong commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, the foundation continues to empower individuals and promote a brighter future for all.
For more information about the Chachingo Foundation and its programs, visit Fundación Chachingo | Linktree
Text and Photo Credits: EMETUR and Fundación Chachingo