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Hispanic Access Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.7M
Grant Range
$50K - $1.0M
Decision Time
2mo

Hispanic Access Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $727,247 (2022), $10.7+ million allocated through Nuestros Bosques (2024)
  • Decision Time: 6-8 weeks
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $1,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States and Puerto Rico)
  • Charity Navigator Rating: 100% (Four-Star)

Contact Details

Website: www.hispanicaccess.org
Phone: (202) 640-4342
Email: Available through contact form at hispanicaccess.org/contact
Grant Program Information: hispanicaccess.org/what-we-do/nuestros-bosques

Overview

Founded in 2010 by CEO Maite Arce, Hispanic Access Foundation has transformed from zero reach to a national organization impacting 2.1 million people annually with a $10 million budget. The organization connects Latinos and others with partners and opportunities to improve lives and create an equitable society through innovative programs that build capacity, strategic communications, and advocacy.

In 2023, Hispanic Access received a transformative $25 million award from the USDA Forest Service to become a national pass-through partner for the Nuestros Bosques Initiative, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. This positioned the foundation as a significant grantmaker in environmental justice and urban forestry. Their vision is that every Latino individual in America will enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, quality education, economic success, and civic engagement.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Nuestros Bosques: Faith-Based and Strategic Local Investments

  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $1,000,000
  • Total Funding: Over $10.7 million allocated in first round (December 2024)
  • Duration: Up to nearly three years (projects end December 31, 2027)
  • Focus: Urban tree canopy expansion, environmental justice, community engagement
  • Application Method: Online portal (when open)

Community Navigator Program

  • Technical assistance and capacity building (not direct grants)
  • Grant writing training, proposal review, identifying federal funding opportunities
  • Supports 180 Latino-led/serving nonprofits from network of 1,200+ organizations

Priority Areas

  • Urban forestry and tree canopy expansion in disadvantaged communities (80% of funding targeted)
  • Environmental justice projects addressing urban heat islands
  • Biodiversity enhancement and environmental resilience
  • Faith-based and cultural heritage approaches to conservation
  • Capacity building for Latino-led nonprofits

What They Don't Fund

The foundation's grantmaking is currently concentrated in environmental justice and urban forestry rather than broader Latino community issues. They do not appear to make general operating grants outside of their specific program initiatives.

Governance and Leadership

Maite Arce, Chief Executive Officer and Founder "Historically, others have made decisions for Latino communities without their input and leadership. Yet, communities have natural leadership and have been helping their own and addressing issues locally for a long time, without support networks or resources."

Additional senior leadership includes Chiefs of Operations, Programs, Finance, Networks, Communications, and Development. The board includes diverse expertise in faith leadership, conservation, community development, and financial empowerment.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through an online portal when a Request for Proposals (RFP) is open. The most recent cycle:

  • Portal Opened: October 18, 2024
  • Deadline: November 15, 2024
  • Awardees Announced: December 2024

Future application cycles have not been announced. Monitor hispanicaccess.org/what-we-do/nuestros-bosques for updates.

Decision Timeline

Approximately 6-8 weeks from application deadline to announcement

Success Rates

Specific acceptance rates have not been published. The first round allocated over $10.7 million across multiple recipients. The Community Navigator program works with 180 organizations from a network of 1,200+, suggesting approximately 15% participation rate for intensive support.

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy published. Given the five-year initiative timeline (through December 31, 2027), unsuccessful applicants may likely reapply in subsequent rounds.

Application Success Factors

Focus on disadvantaged communities: 80% of funding targets disadvantaged communities. Clearly demonstrate how your project addresses environmental disparities.

Community-centered decision-making: Projects should empower community members as active decision-makers. As Maite Arce states: "I imagined a future where community leaders are validated for their knowledge and commitment to help others."

Cultural and faith-based approaches: The foundation values cultural heritage and faith as central to environmental work, particularly for community engagement and long-term field diversification.

Measurable impact: Projects should demonstrate measurable increases in tree canopy coverage, biodiversity improvements, and community well-being.

Partnership approach: The foundation sees itself as a partner, not just a funder. As Arce noted: "We're excited to support them every step of the way."

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Monitor hispanicaccess.org/what-we-do/nuestros-bosques regularly for next RFP cycle announcements
  • Emphasize environmental justice and measurable disparities in Latino or disadvantaged communities
  • Center community voice and demonstrate active community leadership in decision-making
  • Incorporate cultural or faith dimensions if relevant to your organization
  • Consider engaging with the Community Navigator Program first for capacity building
  • Think long-term with substantial, sustained impact projects (up to 3 years, up to $1M)
  • Document environmental justice gaps with data (tree canopy percentages, heat measurements, pollution levels)

References

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