Fundamental Needs provides communities with the resources necessary to become their own solution.
Fundamental Needs is designed to go into communities with questions, not solutions. Instead of coming with a one size fits all solution, we ask the community what it is that they need most and start to develop our plans from there.
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Updates
This year, Fundamental Needs continues expanding our impact:
✅ Oasis Project: We’ve now installed 170+ off-grid water systems across the Navajo Nation, providing clean water and solar power to families in Rock Point, Sweetwater, Red Mesa (AZ), Shiprock, and Farmington (NM). Our teach/train/hire model has empowered local high school students with hands-on skills in plumbing, solar installation, and water system maintenance.
✅ Cortez Makerspace (Coming 2025): We are laying the groundwork for a state-of-the-art workforce development hub, offering training in trades, technology, and entrepreneurship to students and community members.
✅ Youth Entrepreneurship Program: Our entrepreneurship curriculum at Southwest Open School (SWOS) has expanded, guiding students in business planning, market research, and real-world problem-solving. Pitch competitions have connected students with local business leaders and mentors, helping them launch impactful projects.
We’re scaling our programs, forging new partnerships, and empowering more communities than ever before. Stay tuned for more updates!
🔗 Learn more about our work →
About us
At Fundamental Needs, we partner with underserved communities to bridge critical gaps in clean water, electricity, education, and economic opportunities. Through hands-on training, workforce development, and entrepreneurship programs, we empower individuals to overcome systemic barriers and build a sustainable future.
Our Impact
🔹 Oasis Project – Installing off-grid water and solar systems on the Navajo Nation while training and employing high school students in renewable energy and plumbing.
🔹 Cortez Makerspace (Coming 2025) – A hub for workforce development, providing training in trades, technology, and entrepreneurship to support local industries.
🔹 Youth Entrepreneurship Program – Equipping students at Southwest Open School with business skills, mentorship, and real-world opportunities to create ventures that solve community challenges.
We are building solutions by the community, for the community—ensuring lasting impact through education, innovation, and economic empowerment.
Learn more about our mission → About Us page
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