Latino Nonprofits as Engines of Economic and Social Development

Hispanic Federation and RBC Foundation USA are joining forces to launch a landmark research initiative, Fueling Progress: Latino Nonprofits as Engines of Economic and Social Development , uncovering the often-overlooked economic and social impacts of Latino nonprofits. By highlighting the critical roles these organizations play as community anchors, vendors, and employers, this research aims to convey the breadth of impact these organizations have as economic and social engines.

Why now?
While the contributions of Latino-owned businesses to the US economy are well-documented, the impact of Latino-led nonprofits has received far less attention. There is no comprehensive national data on their number, location, services, or funding. Information on philanthropic support for Latino-led organizations is similarly limited and incomplete. This research aims to bridge that gap by quantifying these organizations’ work and success (often while struggling with limited resources) and empowering them with tools to showcase their value more effectively in the future. This research is crucial in today’s complex landscape, where competitive funding, political rhetoric, and evolving corporate priorities threaten the sustainability of these vital community cornerstones and the many future generations they aim to serve.

What’s next?
The research will use a multi-faceted approach, combining quantitative data analysis on the economic impacts of Latino nonprofits with qualitative insights from their leaders and those who benefit from their services. Given the complexity and breadth of this undertaking, our approach aims to create a current comprehensive assessment that is also designed as a springboard for ongoing efforts. By providing a national profile of Latino nonprofits and their current work and impact, we will establish a baseline for additional research. Future iterations aim to provide longitudinal data and equip Latino nonprofits with tools to better quantify and communicate their impact.

In the coming months, we’ll unveil additional partners and experts who will be joining forces with our teams on this endeavor, as well as more detail on what you can expect to learn from our results. Stay tuned for further updates as we delve deeper into this exciting research!