Fundacion Soros–Guatemala focuses on training political and civic leadership, broadening the participation of marginalized groups in public life, improving local economic development, and using education and the media to promote tolerance and facilitate dialog between different sectors of society in Guatemala. Its grants aim to strengthen the political party system by targeting marginalized groups, developing new leadership, sponsoring studies of political participation and citizenship, and analyzing on the democratic values of teachers and the role of ideology in political participation.

The foundation promotes poverty reduction, local development, and the development of a private sector that may eventually meet the employment and income needs of the population. It also generates proposals for reforming Guatemala’s agricultural policies. In an effort to provide media access and relay messages that foster critical thinking, citizenship, and leadership—particularly among women, indigenous peoples, and youth—Fundacion Soros has awarded grants to increase the capacity and influence of local radio and television, thereby providing Guatemalans with information that is not heavily influenced by political, religious, and economic interests.