The Do It Foundation is the charitable arm of Grupo Do It and a cornerstone of John’s broader commitment to social infrastructure and long-term community investment. What began as a direct response to unmet needs in rural schools and clinics has grown into one of Costa Rica’s most impactful non-profit and philanthropic efforts, dedicated to serving vulnerable populations through hands-on solutions, collaboration, and compassion.

After discovering that thousands of Costa Ricans were living without access to wheelchairs, John Scheman’s non-profit work formed what is now a long-standing partnership with the Free Wheelchair Mission in California. To date, the foundation has imported, assembled, and distributed wheelchairs across Costa Rica and southern Nicaragua – always free of charge and delivered directly to those in need.

John’s commitment to Costa Rica extends beyond philanthropy. Over the decades, he has played a defining role in transitioning Guanacaste from an agricultural province into a thriving hub for investment, tourism, and opportunity. His dual-track approach – pairing private sector innovation with philanthropic action – is part of what uniquely positions the Do It Foundation to create a long-lasting impact.

It began in 1994, when John built the infrastructure for what would become Vistas del Pacífico – designing and developing roads, water systems, electricity, and land subdivisions by hand. In 2001, he launched a large-scale commercial center in Comunidad and built what is now Guanacaste’s largest heavy materials import and hardware store: the El Lagar Do It Center, employing Costa Ricans around the country at 24+ locations.

John Scheman, non-profit philanthropist, is the President of the Do It Foundation, founder of the El Lagar Do It Center, and a trustee of the Guanacaste Community Fund (GCF), established by the Costa Rica-USA Foundation for Cooperation (CRUSA). He is also a longtime member of the Lions Club of Atenas, where for more than 14 years he and his team have partnered with Lions Clubs of Costa Rica and Hospital Clínica Bíblica to expand health services in underserved areas.

John’s work reminds us that one act of service, one encouraging word, and one gift of generosity can change lives and build a more inclusive future for all.