As we mark the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, it is critical to sustain philanthropy’s commitment to equitable invest in Colorado’s Latino residents and communities, and in Latino-led and -serving nonprofit organizations.
Adelante Colorado demonstrates what can be achieved. A pilot program of the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado with support from The Colorado Health Foundation, Adelante Colorado builds the capacity of Latino leaders and nonprofit organizations through a combination of grants, leadership development and community engagement opportunities. A cohort of organizations from across the state are selected through a rigorous process that emphasizes trusted relationship and storytelling over formalized outcome metrics.
A new Adelante Colorado Evaluation Report demonstrates the value of this investment, showing the program significantly expanded the capacity of Latino-led and -serving nonprofit participants. 100 percent reported growth in leadership, organizational capacity and community collaboration, evidenced by increased budgets and fundraising (82% increased), staffing (67% increased), advocacy and policy engagement and strategic planning. In addition, the report documents how Adelante Colorado builds the personal power of Latino leaders.
The evaluation report also reminds us of the inexorable link between the well-being of Colorado’s Latino population, which will make up one third of the state’s residents within the next 20-25 years, and the well-being of the state overall. The Adelante Colorado Evaluation Report makes a compelling case for increased foundation investment in Latino-led and -serving nonprofits.
Want to learn more or become engaged? Contact Adelante@LatinoCFC.org