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HIP Launches the Latino Civic Participation Grant

In this volatile political climate, where Latinos and immigrants are being attacked, HIP believes it is imperative for philanthropy to make investments that increase civic participation across our communities. That is why we are excited to announce the launch of the Latino Civic Participation Grant. This grant pool is aimed at supporting and strengthening locally-focused Latino nonprofits to ensure that Latinos play a critical role in civic life. Grassroots groups and nonprofit organizations are using diverse strategies to build political power within the Latino community in places with limited financial and electoral influence to advance supportive policy change. There are a number of ways to help create a culture of civic engagement, including leadership development, community organizing, voter activation, census participation, and organizational development. This work requires connecting the need for civic participation to issues and real-life problems facing Latinos and all Americans, while redefining how leadership is defined and understood. States for this round of investment include: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas. HIP is now accepting applications of interest. Grant awards are expected to be between $10,000 and $25,000. Preference will be considered for organizations that can secure matching funds. Selected organizations will then be invited to complete a full application. To submit, please complete this application before 5 pm PT on September 17, 2018. The Latino Civic Participation Grant encourages potential applicants to consider the following civic participation activities:
  • Increasing year-round, integrated civic participation of Latinos and progressive social change
  • Inspiring and educating residents to become active, knowledgeable voters and participants in civic life
  • Organizing to ensure the 2020 Census is inclusive of Latino and immigrant communities
  • Inventive, creative solutions that expand civic participation for Latinos
  • Non-partisan forums or engagement opportunities for the public
  • Eliminating voter registration barriers and furthering access to voting
  • Other forms of advancing public will and civic life
Before applying to the Latino Civic Participation Grant, please review the following questions to determine whether you meet our funding guidelines:
  • Is your organization based in and/or serving a Latino community or population in one of the following states: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas?
  • Does your organization have a leadership development or civic education program for Latino community members?
  • Does your organization engage Latino community members in determining priorities and the focus of its programs?
  • Does your organization engage a significant number of community members to take collective action to promote public policy to address your community’s problems?
  • Do you have IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt status, 7871 Designation, or a fiscal sponsor who does?
Exclusions—we are unable to support the following:
  • Partisan organizing and/or political activity
  • Capital campaigns, construction or renovation programs, endowments
  • Scholarship funds or other aid to individuals
  • Research or fellowships
  • Government-sponsored programs or programs undertaken by tax-supported institutions
  • Films, books, or other stand-alone documentation projects
If you have questions, please contact justin@hiponline.org. Please share widely with your networks!