For more than two decades, Green Empowerment has supported clean energy and water infrastructure projects across Latin America, Southeast Asia, and now Africa as well. But what sets the organization apart isn’t just their technical work—it’s the philosophy behind it: build with, not for.
Rather than leading with solutions, Green Empowerment leads with collaboration—shifting power to local changemakers and fostering long-term partnerships that result in sustainable systems and lasting impact.
We spoke with Mica Miro, Engagement Director at Green Empowerment, who shared insights on how nonprofits can reimagine their role—not as experts delivering aid, but as collaborators supporting local leadership. For organizations across the globe, Green Empowerment’s model offers a powerful blueprint.
Collaboration Over Control: A Different Approach to Development
Green Empowerment works in long-term partnership with in-country and Indigenous-led organizations – many of which are too small to qualify for traditional international funding. By co-developing projects, offering technical support, and fundraising collaboratively, they help local groups scale their impact while remaining in control.
“It’s not just the right way to work—it’s the most effective way. When community members help lead the planning and implementation, they’re invested in making it last.” Mica said. And the numbers back it up. Green Empowerment reports a 97% long-term project sustainment rate. Each partnership is tailored to what the local organization needs most—whether that’s technical guidance, project planning, or support navigating complex funding landscapes. In Ecuador, for example, Green Empowerment began working with Altropico – a grassroots organization with strong community ties and conservation experience, but no background in water infrastructure. Through years of collaboration, they built a water and sanitation program, and today, Altropico’s trained staff independently design and implement systems – proof that investing in local leadership creates lasting change.
Letting Communities Lead
In many regions, community-based organizations operate in complex political environments that outsiders may not fully understand. Green Empowerment defers to local partners on how—and whether—to engage with government entities.
“We never fund governments directly,” Mica explained. “But we stay open to opportunities for collaboration, depending on what makes sense for the community. Our partners know the political landscape better than anyone.”
Whether the path includes government involvement or not, the decision is made locally—with Green Empowerment in a supporting role.
Long-Term Commitment is Rooted in Trust
“[Successful partnership] doesn’t happen overnight,” Mica shared. “But when you invest in relationships and truly let local leaders lead, transformational things can happen.”In Sabah, Malaysia, Green Empowerment has worked with Indigenous partners for over 20 years. What began as small-scale projects has evolved into the Sabah Renewable Energy Roadmap, an ambitious regional initiative now in its pilot phase. That growth was only possible through long-standing trust and community leadership.
Sustainable development doesn’t just mean building things that last. It must also include building systems that communities can sustain. That shift—from deliverer to collaborator, from leader to listener—is where true impact lives.
Lessons in Sustainable Impact: What Nonprofits Can Learn
For nonprofits, international development organizations, and funders alike, Green Empowerment’s experience offers practical lessons that are widely applicable—regardless of mission area or geography.
1. Design for Ownership
Engage communities from the beginning. Co-create solutions and share decision-making. Ownership leads to long-term success.
2. Hire and Empower Local Staff
Shift leadership into the regions you serve by hiring local staff. Their cultural knowledge and community trust help ensure programs are relevant, effective, and sustainable – and foster stronger alignment between your mission and local needs.
3. Be Flexible
As projects progress, challenges will arise. Problem-solve collaboratively and remain open modifying plans. Remember the people on the ground have a clearer view than we ever can from an office in another country.
4. Embrace Collective Action
Reject the urge to let resource scarcity or competition limit partnerships. Collaboration will lead to greater impact.
Green Empowerment is a two-time .ORG Impact Awards finalist in the Environmental Stewardship category. Find out more about Public Interest Registry’s .ORG Impact Awards here and learn more about Green Empowerment’s mission and ongoing work at greenempowerment.org.