Welcome
Lago Alianza (formerly the Lake Chapala Study Group) was founded to strengthen and connect nonprofits in the Lake Chapala region. We strive to bring people and organizations together, creating a network of support that amplifies the impact of local initiatives. By fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and building capacity, we aim to ensure that nonprofits thrive and continue to serve the diverse needs of our community.
OUR WORK
Lago Alianza works alongside nonprofit organizations in Lakeside who are committed to strengthening their internal capacity so they can better serve their communities — today and over the long term.
Lago Alianza is not a membership organization, does not charge dues, and does not fundraise in competition with the nonprofits we work with. Our aim is to offer useful tools, learning opportunities, and selective collaboration for organizations that find value in this kind of support.
We provide practical capacity-building and support for local nonprofits that want to work more sustainably.
- Training & consulting
- One-on-one nonprofit
- Quarterly gatherings
- Peer exchange and problem-solving
- Identify funders and assist in development of a strategic approach that supports nonprofit financial sustainability
- Cross-organization partnerships with a clear mutual benefit support
If this sounds like a good fit for your organization, please contact us to start the conversation.
News & Updates
Upcoming Events and Training for You!
Lago Alianza Quarterly Meeting
Building Stronger Donor Relationships
Monday, June 8, 2026
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Casa Linda West Ajijic, Río Bravo 7, Ajijic
Advanced AI Training (Online)
Starting Monday, June 15
12 weeks online training.
English and Spanish.
Registraiton coming soon!
Coming Soon!
Nonprofit Resiliency Assessment
Invitations will be sent out soon for groups to pilot this initiative.
Lago Alianza Newsletter
Lago Alianza produces a periodic newsletter with distribution to our email list. If you would like to receive our newsletter via email, please let us know here.
A Lago Alianza Founder’s Manifesto
Important Lessons I've Learned About Nonprofits
Running a nonprofit teaches us quickly that good intentions are not enough. Mission without structure exhausts people. Passion without discipline burns out organizations.
Meet
Lago Alianza
In this video you'll hear Joan Machlis talk about the origins and goals of Lago Alianza.
Spotlight on: Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club, A.C.
Since 2014, Chapala Sunrise Rotary Club, A.C. has been quietly but steadily making a difference in communities across Lakeside, with a hands-on approach that combines volunteer service, education, and large-scale community projects. The club primarily serves Chapala and the eastern Lakeside villages, including Tepehua, Ojo de Agua, La Cuesta, and San Pedro Itzicán, working closely with schools, community centers, and local organizations.