Latinos in Boston report cover

Latino Equity Fund

Creating more equitable access to prosperity and well-being


The Latino Legacy Fund

The Latino Equity Fund (formerly the Latino Legacy Fund), a unique partnership between local Latino leaders and the Boston Foundation, is the first Latino-focused fund in the Commonwealth. The Latino Equity Fund (LEF) uses its influence and platform to amplify diverse voices and perspectives within the Latino community and beyond in Greater Boston and the state, with a focus on achieving greater and more equitable access to economic prosperity and well-being.

We partner closely with nonprofits, funders, government leaders, and the private sector, leveraging the strengths of the Latino community to educate stakeholders about issues and surface the most effective solutions to achieve systemic change. Since it was established in 2013, the LEF has raised more than $5 million, established an endowment to support the Latino community in the Commonwealth in perpetuity, made over $1.8 million in grants to community-based organizations, and created a dynamic platform to increase and galvanize Latino philanthropy.

Over the past few years, the LEF has evolved from a grantmaking entity to an emerging civic leadership engine, commissioning research and reports that address critical issues facing the Latino community and other communities of color and lead to policy change.

Latino Equity Fund logo

  Key Facts

Founded: 2013, as the first Latino-focused fund in Boston

Grantmaking: Typically on an annual cycle

Download the Fund brochure

Information for donors

To learn more about the Fund, contact LEF Director Javier Juarez.

 
A collage of four scenes, each depicting Latino communities
Vitas mori. Albus orexiss ducunt ad gabalium. Ubi est altus nomen? Liberi de castus bubo, pugna species! Persuadere diligenter ducunt ad bi-color barcas.

¡Avancemos Ya! Advancing Latino Prosperity in Massachusetts

On May 12, the Boston Foundation in partnership with the Latino Equity Fund and the Gaston Institute at UMass Boston hosted a forum to share and build upon the findings of a new report by Boston Indicators, '¡Avancemos ya!: Persistent Economic Challenges and Opportunities Facing Latinos in Massachusetts.' Following a presentation of research findings, WBUR’s Cristela Guerra facilitated a panel of experts who discussed strategies to expand the tremendous assets Latino communities bring to the Commonwealth. The event included live translations in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.

Click here for the recap and event video

THE LATINO EQUITY FUND’S UNIQUE ROLE

Research, Convening & Policy: Lift up the power of data to inform the public—raising awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing the Latino community— and identifying more effective and innovative solutions for them. Engage with leaders and policy influencers on issues and work with partners to affect policy and positive change.

Leverage Philanthropic Resources: Partner with individual donors, foundations and companies with aligned missions and values to deploy resources to impactful Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations—helping to build their capacity and lift up Latino leadership.

Partnerships & Collaboration: Collaborate with grantee organizations and other strategic partners to advance the economic prosperity, health and health equity of the Latino community—and in doing so, the region overall.


Your donation, driving impact

Community support for the Latino Equity Fund has made it possible for the Fund to:

  • Commission a major research report which evaluated the social and economic return on investment in the region’s ESOL system. Produced just before the COVID-19 pandemic, this report may prove to be an important baseline for further analysis on the connection between ESOL and post-pandemic employment levels.
  • Develop a wide-reaching and culturally sensitive educational campaign in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This campaign connected thousands of Spanish-speaking individuals to information and resources for support.
  • Provide rapid response grants to a dozen Latino-led and Latino-serving nonprofits across the state.
  • Double the impact of funds directed towards the city of Chelsea by matching $16,000 in received donations.

In total, the Latino Equity Fund was able to contribute over $80k towards emergency relief through a combination of funding from the Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund, the Latino Equity Fund and dollars entrusted from members of the community.

Grantmaking and research

Massachusetts is one of six states to attribute all of its population growth to the Latino population, but the Latino community continues to be underfunded. A report by Hispanics in Philanthropy showed that only 1.3 percent of spending by U.S. foundations is specifically targeted to Latino programs, even though Latinos are the fastest growing part of the American population, and comprise nearly 25 percent of all children and youth. The Latino Equity Fund is looking to change that.

Since 2014, the Latino Equity Fund (formerly the Latino Legacy Fund) has provided annual grant opportunities for Latino-led and Latino-serving nonprofits. The program was paused in 2017, so the Fund could partner with the Boston Foundation to found Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico, the Massachusetts effort to help the thousands of Puerto Ricans affected by Hurricane Maria. With the support of Boston Mayor Matrin J. Walsh and Gov. Charlie Baker, MUPR raised more than $4 million to help with emergency needs, recovery and support for the thousands of Puerto Ricans temporarily or permanently displaced to Massachusetts.

Powering Greater Boston's Economy

In 2017, the Fund worked in collaboration with Boston Indicators and the Boston Planning and Development Agency on the publication of Powering Greater Boston’s Economy: Why the Latino Community Is Critical to Our Shared Future, a first-of-its-kind report on the impact of the growth of Greater Boston's Latino population on the region's demographics and economy. The report highlighted the sharp growth in Greater Boston's Latino population since 1980, noting that virtually all of the City of Boston's population growth since 1980 can be attributed to its growing Latino population. Even so, the report noted that Latino representation in leadership, government and business sharply lags the overall population percentage. 

Mujeres Unidas Avanzando - $25,000 (Dorchester)

MUA empowers Latina girls and women to believe in themselves and grow into leadership roles through free classes and social services. These leaders serve as mentors to their peers, families, and community. With program graduates serving within the organization, MUA understands the Latina community on the grassroots level and is committed to increasing Latina access to education and professional mobility. 

Hyde Square Task Force - $25,000 (Jamaica Plain)

Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) envisions a city where all youth reach their full potential and are reflected in Boston’s culture and leadership. Our mission towards that vision is to amplify the power, creativity, and voices of youth, connecting them to Afro-Latin culture and heritage so they can create a diverse, vibrant Latin Quarter and build a just, equitable Boston. 

ACT Lawrence Inc - $20,000 (Lawrence)

Founded in 1996, ACT Lawrence is a Latina-led, award-winning nonprofit Community Development Corporation (CDC) whose mission is to achieve social and economic justice by empowering low to moderate-income populations in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Through shared values of inclusiveness and collaboration, we desire to reclaim a voice for Lawrence and advocate self-determination for its residents through community development initiatives such as affordable housing, financial coaching, and youth leadership programs. 

Agencia ALPHA - $20,000 (Greater Boston)

ALPHA stands for “Alcanzando Logros Para Los Hispanos Ahora.” Their mission is to enable Latinos to reach their social and legal goals through services and programs specially created and curated for the Latino community. 

Alianza Services - $20,000 (Holyoke) 
Alianza DV Services (formerly Womanshelter/Companeras is dedicated to assisting, supporting, and empowering those whose lives are affected by battering and domestic abuse. We strive to reduce and prevent domestic violence through public awareness and education efforts. 

Brazilian Worker Center, Inc. - $20,000 (Allston/Brighton)

The Brazilian Worker Center is a non-profit organization that capacitates immigrant workers to learn about workplace rights, immigration, and health equity. We empower immigrants with knowledge and skills to promote economic, social, political and racial justice for all. 

Center for Cooperative Development and Solidarity - $20,000 (Greater Boston)

The Center for Cooperative Development and Solidarity-CCDS provides educational, technical, financial, human, intellectual, and organizational support to people in and around East Boston, mostly low-income immigrants, to explore the creation of worker-owned cooperatives as an economic alternative.

East Boston Ecumenical Community Council - $20,000 (East Boston)

Founded in 1978 to promote racial harmony, East Boston Community Council (EBCC) is a neighborhood-based organization that today promotes the advancement of Latino immigrants of all ages through education, services, advocacy, community organizing, and leadership development. 

Innovation Studio - $20,000 (Roxbury)

Innovation Studio fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and business ownership by creating an inclusive and empowering network of innovation centers and personalized pathways. 

Junior Achievement of Greater Boston - $20,000 (Greater Boston)

Junior Achievement’s (JA) mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. 

Latino Economic Development Corporation - $20,000 (Springfield)

Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) promotes economic empowerment and community development among Latino and other underserved populations in Springfield, Massachusetts. Its goals include providing access to capital, access to connections/networking opportunities, and access to coaching and training. 

Latinx Community Center for Empowerment - $20,000 (Lowell)

Latinx Community Center for Empowerment empowers community members using education for their active participation in the workforce, civic engagement, and decision-making to promote socioeconomic development 

Lawrence Community Works - $20,000 (Lawrence)

Lawrence Community Works (LCW) is a community development corporation that weaves together community planning, organizing, and asset-building efforts with high-quality affordable housing and commercial development to create vibrant neighborhoods and empowered residents. By facilitating conversations and action on community priorities, LCW engages partners and a network of youth and adult residents in opportunities to move themselves and the city of Lawrence forward.

MA Coalition for Occupational Safety & Health Inc (Immigrant Workers Center) - $20,000 (Statewide)

MassCOSH strives to ensure that all workers earn their living and can return home alive and well, free of workplace injury and illness. MassCOSH unites workers, unions, and community groups with environmental and health activists to end dangerous work conditions, organize for safe, secure jobs, and advocate for healthy communities. 

Pathways Adult Education & Training (Lynn Rapid Response) - $20,000 (Lynn)

Pathways’ mission is to (1) provide a supportive educational environment for adult learners from the greater Lynn area; (2) provide opportunities for non-native English speakers to learn English and improve their English language arts and math skills; (3) encourage students to explore a variety of career pathways available in the regional labor market; (4) develop employment, career and college readiness skills; and (5) successfully make the transition to postsecondary education, training, and employment. The Lynn Rapid Response Network, housed within Pathways, provides curated resources and programming to Lynn’s immigrant community.

Political Asylum Immigration Representation Project - $20,000 (Statewide)

Founded in 1989, PAIR ensures the due process rights of asylum seekers and detained immigrants through high-quality and reliable pro bono programs so that they have equal protection of the law and access to legal counsel without charge. 

La Colaborativa - $15,000 (Chelsea)

La Colaborativa empowers Latinx immigrants to enhance the social and economic health of the community and hold institutional decision-makers accountable to the community. 

Amplify Latinx - $10,000 (Statewide)

Amplify Latinx’s mission is to advance a new era of Latinx prosperity by expanding Latino representation within important public, private, and civic institutions, supporting the continual economic mobility and vitality of Latino businesses, and magnifying the community's priorities. 

La Alianza Hispana Inc - $10,000 (Roxbury/Dorchester)

La Alianza Hispana (LAH) is a community-based, Latino-led nonprofit serving Greater Boston’s Latino community by empowering individuals, families, and communities and providing high-quality public health, educational and social services, advocacy, and community organizing. Our mission is to improve the lives of the Latino community of MA. 

Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund - $10,000 (Lynn)

The Lynn Hispanic Scholarship Fund is dedicated to raising funds to provide scholarships for Lynn Latino youth to continue with their postsecondary education. The LHSF provides education counseling, tutoring, and placement assistance to Hispanic/Latino students to help them gain entrance to colleges and preparatory, vocational, and other schools.

 

ROI of ESOL cover Read "The ROI of ESOL"
Latino Report cover Read "Powering Greater Boston's Economy"

  Key Facts

Founded: 2013, as the first Latino-focused fund in Boston

Grantmaking: Typically on an annual cycle

Download the Fund brochure

Information for donors

To learn more about the Fund, contact LEF Director Javier Juarez.

 

For donors:

The Latino Equity  Fund presents a unique opportunity for donors who want the flexibility of supporting a broad range of organizations and initiatives while meeting the future needs of the Latino community. Any individual, family, or organization can support current grant making through gifts by check, credit card, distributions from Donor Advised Funds or gifts of appreciated stock or other assets. Here is more about the many ways to support the Latino Equity Fund:

  • Planned Gifts – The Boston Foundation offers a full range of planned and legacy giving options.  Planned gifts may be made to the Latino Equity Fund through bequests, retirement plan and life insurance gifts.  In addition, the Boston Foundation offers charitable remainder trusts and charitable lead trusts, all of which may benefit the Latino Equity Fund.
  • Outright Contributions – The Boston Foundation can accept all types of gifts into the fund including cash, publicly traded securities, restricted stock, real estate, and more.
  • Donor Advised Funds – Donors with existing Donor Advised Funds can recommend a grant to the Latino Equity Fund at the Boston Foundation.
  • Succession Plans for Existing Giving Vehicles – Donors with a private foundation or Donor Advised Fund can name the Latino Equity Fund as the successor entity to their giving vehicle.

Call 617-338-1700 for more information.

The Latino Equity Fund Advisory Committee

Zamawa Arenas
Founder & CEO
Flowetik
Member, The Boston Foundation Board of Directors

Carolina Avellaneda
General Counsel
Emerson College

Aixa Beauchamp, Co-chair
President
Beauchamp & Associates
Co-Founder, Latino Equity Fund

Joseph Betancourt, M.D., M.P.H.
President
The Commonwealth Fund

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción
Member, The Boston Foundation Board of Directors

Rafael Cofiño
Partner
Great Hill Partners

Betty Francisco
CEO
Boston Impact Initiative
Co-Founder, Amplify Latinx
Member, The Boston Foundation Board of Directors

Yvonne Garcia
Chief of Staff to Chief Executive Officer
State Street Corporation

Rita German
Vice President, Northeast Community Engagement
JP Morgan

Phillip O. González
President
Metrowest Health Foundation

Juan Lopera, Co-chair
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
Beth Israel Lahey Health

Lazaro Lopez
Vice President Engineering & Construction
Tillman Fiber Co. 

Juan Carlos Morales
Founder & President
Surfside Capital Advisors
Co-Founder, Latino Equity Fund
 

Mary Skelton Roberts
Senior Vice President of Programs
Energy Foundation

Ruben F. Salinas, MBA
Managing Director
Salben Research and Salben Aerospace LLC
Serial Entrepreneur and Ph.D. candidate

Julio E. Vega
Partner
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP