Fundacion Estrellita de Belen Corp

What is the core mission of your organization?The core mission of Fundación Estrellita de Belén is to heal hearts and restore hope by ensuring that every child with congenital heart disease has access to the care, love, and opportunities they need to thrive. We focus on providing life-saving medical assistance, education, advocacy, and community awareness — especially within the Hispanic community — so that no child is left behind due to lack of resources or awareness.

How do you measure impact and success in your programs?We measure impact and success through both quantitative results and human stories. We track the number of children who receive life-saving procedures, medical appointments, and supplies, as well as the reach of our education and awareness programs in the community. But beyond numbers, success is also reflected in the lives transformed — when a child recovers, a family regains hope, or a community becomes more informed about congenital heart disease. Each healed heart and empowered family is a true measure of our mission’s impact.

What are your biggest fundraising or outreach challenges?Our biggest fundraising and outreach challenges are building consistent donor engagement and expanding awareness beyond our immediate community. Many people are unaware of how common and serious congenital heart disease is, so part of our challenge is educating the public while inspiring them to take action. Additionally, as a small nonprofit, we rely heavily on partnerships, events, and grants — which require continuous communication, visibility, and trust-building. Despite these challenges, we stay focused on storytelling, transparency, and community connection to keep growing our impact.

How do you build long-term relationships with donors and supporters?We build long-term relationships with donors and supporters through authentic connection, transparency, and gratitude. We make sure every supporter sees the direct impact of their contribution — whether through stories, photos, or updates about the children they help. We stay in touch year-round, not only during fundraising campaigns, and we treat every donor as part of our Estrellita de Belén family. By showing appreciation, sharing measurable results, and keeping our mission personal and heartfelt, we turn one-time donors into lifelong partners in saving hearts.

What trends are influencing the nonprofit world today?Several key trends are shaping the nonprofit world today. Digital engagement and storytelling have become essential to connect with audiences and inspire action. Donors now seek transparency and measurable impact, wanting to see exactly how their contributions make a difference. There’s also a growing focus on collaboration and partnerships across organizations to maximize resources and reach. Additionally, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as mental health and community empowerment, are driving forces that encourage nonprofits to think more holistically about the people they serve and the lasting change they create.

Can you share a story that shows your mission in action?One story that truly reflects our mission is that of Anthonella, a young girl born with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Her mother spent years searching for help until she found our foundation. Thanks to our team and medical partners, Anthonella received the ablation procedure she desperately needed — a life-saving treatment that gave her a healthy heart and a future full of possibilities. Today, she’s thriving and just started her first year of high school. Her journey reminds us why we exist: to heal hearts, restore hope, and make sure no child is left without a chance to live.

What keeps you motivated in this work?What keeps me motivated is seeing the direct impact of our work on children and their families — a smile after surgery, a parent’s relief when their child receives care they thought was impossible, or a teenager who can finally dream about the future. Each story of hope and healing reminds me why this mission matters. Knowing that our efforts truly change lives, and that there are still so many hearts in need, fuels my passion to keep going every single day.