The Latino Community Foundation announced that it has surpassed $50 million in total grantmaking since 2018, supporting more than 550 nonprofit organizations focused on strengthening Latino communities across the United States. The milestone comes alongside over $3 million in new grants distributed in the first quarter of 2026 and the launch of its first national fund.
As part of its expansion, the foundation introduced the Community Protection Fund, designed to rapidly deploy resources to grassroots organizations responding to immigration enforcement challenges and community safety needs. The fund’s first round allocated $250,000 to six organizations across Minnesota, California, and Nevada.
In addition to the national fund, the organization directed funding toward voter mobilization initiatives, research on the economic effects of immigration enforcement, and long-term recovery efforts tied to the Los Angeles wildfires. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to build civic engagement, economic opportunity, and resilience within Latino communities.
Since its founding, the organization has also provided capacity-building support to more than 120 nonprofit leaders, helping to strengthen grassroots infrastructure primarily in California and the Southwest, with increasing national reach. Despite Latinos representing nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population, the foundation highlighted that less than 2 percent of philanthropic funding currently supports Latino-serving organizations.
Looking ahead, the foundation is advancing plans to become the first national foundation dedicated to Latino communities, supported by initiatives such as a $250 million endowment and its broader vision to scale long-term investment nationwide.
KEY QUOTES:
“This milestone reflects what is possible when philanthropy trusts and invests in the grassroots leadership within Latino communities. At a time when Latino families are facing increasing threats—from economic instability to harmful immigration policies—our work is focused on ensuring communities have the resources they need not just to respond, but to thrive. Scaling that vision nationally is fundamental to a flourishing future for all.”
Julián Castro, CEO of Latino Community Foundation and former U.S. HUD Secretary
“Everything we invest in is grounded in the belief that Latino communities already hold the solutions—and philanthropy’s role is to resource that leadership at scale. Surpassing $50 million in grantmaking is not just a milestone for LCF, it’s evidence of a collective movement to invest in a more inclusive, prosperous future for our country.”
Lydia Villarreal, Board Chair of Latino Community Foundation
