Greentalist is a youth led nonprofit in Costa Rica. We inspire and challenge young volunteers from around the world to lead real solutions to the planet's most pressing environmental problems.
Greentalist is a non profit social organization focused on sustainable development, based in Costa Rica. Our programs seek to ignite the passion and energy of young people to create solutions to the world's most pressing problems with special emphasis on environmental conservation, sustainability education, and community driven action.
We design national and international volunteering experiences that connect young people with civil society action, environmental conservation, and meaningful community service. We believe that when young people are challenged and supported, they become lifelong agents of change.
A global community working to build a sustainable future.
To drive sustainable development by inspiring young people to create solutions to the world's most pressing problems.
Greentalist Costa Rica was born from a long standing youth development initiative that inspired young people to take action in communities around the world.
In 2022, organizational changes created the opportunity for local leaders to continue the mission independently. As a result, Greentalist Costa Rica emerged as a fully youth led nonprofit.
Today, we operate independently building global partnerships and creating opportunities for young people to lead solutions to the world's most urgent challenges.
From a global movement to an independent youth led nonprofit here's how Greentalist Costa Rica came to be.
Our journey began decades ago through Raleigh International Trust youth development initiatives focused on leadership, community service, and sustainability. Over the years, these programs expanded globally and later established a strong presence in Costa Rica, working closely with local and indigenous communities.
In 2022, local leaders and alumni continued this work independently, creating a new path focused on local leadership and long-term impact. Greentalist Costa Rica emerged as a fully independent, youth led nonprofit building on years of experience while charting its own course.
In 2025, Greentalist Costa Rica officially launched, marking a new chapter built on experience, collaboration, and a renewed vision for the future. Today, we continue to grow as a global movement empowering young people, strengthening communities, and creating sustainable change.
These are the principles that guide every decision we make, every program we design, and every community we serve.
We have the courage to create change in our own lives and in the world. We are not afraid to step outside our comfort zone, and we empower ourselves to rise to any challenge.
Our work makes a difference today. We maximize impact in everything we do to ensure positive outcomes are lasting and far-reaching for the communities we serve.
We act with honesty and respect, and we hold ourselves accountable for our actions. We listen to and address the needs of communities and our partners.
We learn from one another and embrace innovation to create the change we want to see in the world. New ideas are always welcome here.
We value equal opportunity as the foundation for ensuring that all people, regardless of their origin, beliefs, or circumstances, have fair access to resources to grow and contribute to change.
The people behind Greentalist are former volunteers, local leaders, and lifelong changemakers all committed to the same mission.
Originally established as Asociación Raleigh Desarrollo Sostenible, we were proud to be one of the most active programs within the global Raleigh International Trust network. Following the network's closure in 2022, we made the strategic decision to evolve independently, officializing our transition into Greentalist Costa Rica, a fully autonomous, youth-led nonprofit organization.
Today, we carry forward a rich legacy of impactful youth leadership, environmental education, and community development across Costa Rica, driven by our own dedicated governance, operational structure, and vision.
(Please note: Raleigh International Ltd. currently operates the Raleigh Expedition in Costa Rica as a separate entity).
The Greentalist Experience builds on over a decade of youth development programming in Costa Rica. The methodology, partnerships with indigenous communities, and field expertise come from years of established work. The 2026 programs are the next chapter of something that has been proven over time.
Yes. Greentalist Costa Rica is a registered nonprofit organization in Costa Rica (Cédula Jurídica: 3-002-680576), authorized by the Costa Rican Ministry of Finance for tax deductible donations. We operate with full transparency, youth led governance, and institutional accountability.
Absolutely. Being locally led is one of our greatest strengths. Our team has deep roots in Costa Rica, established relationships with indigenous communities and national park authorities, and a full safety and risk management framework built over more than a decade. We don't outsource we are the people on the ground, every day.
Greentalist Costa Rica is funded through donations from the participants of our programs, institutional partnerships, and fundraising. We work with corporate sponsors like BAC Credomatic and Microsoft Nonprofits, as well as international development organizations. Every contribution goes directly toward empowering young people and supporting our environmental programs.
Be part of something bigger. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or simply stay connected there's a place for you in the Greentalist community. Let's make an impact together.
We value your trust. Greentalist keeps your data private and will never sell or share it
