Fixing Funding Gap for Latino-Led Organizations

According to a study published in 2011 by The Foundation Center, in collaboration with Hispanics in Philanthropy, just one percent of total foundation funding has been designated for agencies that serve Latino communities. This was the most striking finding of the study that looked at grant funding from 1999-2009. Latinos represent close to one-fifth of the total population in the U.S., but our organizations are only receiving one percent of the funding.

In Boston, the Greater Boston Latino Network (GBLN) has been working persistently to address this disparity. GBLN has been advocating for more resources to Latino-led organizations and for greater representation of Latinos in municipal government and philanthropy. GBLN has also been building the fundraising capacity of its members by cultivating relations and creating new alliances.

Among the priorities of the Network is ensuring the participation of Latinos at decision-making tables in the public and private sectors, to provide strong advocates for our community.

In Massachusetts, Latinos wield billions of dollars in purchasing power and our population is estimated to surpass one million by 2020. But without organizational support, Latinos will never have the same voice in policy decisions as their White counterparts.

We need to strengthen Latino-led non-profits to ensure they have the capacity and access to the philanthropic dollars in this increasingly competitive and biased environment. This is important now more than ever, with our rights being threatened by divisive policies at the federal level.

From releasing reports like “The Silent Crisis: Including Latinos and Why It Matters”,to advocating for Latino leaders among Boston’s highest ranks, GBLN is leading the way forward. In 2017, GBLN is taking bold steps to address the funding disparity for Latino-led organizations across the region. By releasing research, pressing for Latinos in positions of power, and supporting our member organizations as they compete for funds, we can help close this troubling financial gap.