Hispanic Heritage Month is an awareness month observed each year from September 15 to October 15. It’s a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. It’s also an opportunity to support nonprofit organizations that work to empower and uplift the Hispanic community.
There are many nonprofits across the country that operate at local, state, and national levels to elevate Hispanic and Latino Americans. These nonprofits support an array of causes, such as the arts, different professions, access to services, education, and more.
If you’re looking for a nonprofit to support this Hispanic Heritage Month, you can start by looking at small organizations in your region. Below, we also share eight nonprofits working at the national level that are worth your consideration.
1. Hispanic Federation
The Hispanic Federation is a Latino nonprofit membership organization. It seeks to empower, advance, and support the Hispanic community and Hispanic families. The nonprofit works on education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, and the environment. It provides grants, advocacy, and capacity-building services to community-based organizations across the country.
2. National Association of Hispanic Nurses
The National Association of Hispanic Nurses is the nation’s leading professional society for Latino nurses, with more than 40 local chapters. This professional organization advocates for the health of Hispanic communities and provides education, networking, and leadership opportunities to Hispanic nurses. Additionally, it promotes culturally competent, safe, quality health care for Latino communities and individuals.
3. National Hispanic Media Coalition
The National Hispanic Media Coalition is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the inclusion and representation of Hispanics in media and entertainment. They work to increase diversity in media ownership, programming, and employment. The organization is more than 35 years old and was founded to eliminate hate, discrimination, and racism towards the Latinx community. This civil and human rights nonprofit is woman-led.
4. Hispanic Scholarship Fund
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and support services to Hispanic students pursuing higher education. It aims to increase the number of Hispanic college graduates and promote leadership and career development. The nonprofit also provides support services to parents of Hispanic students, as well as alumni of the fund. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $675 million in scholarships since its founding in 1975.
5. National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures
The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures has operated since 1989 and delivers programs to stabilize and revitalize Latino arts and culture in the United States. The nonprofit accomplishes this through grantmaking, leadership training, networking, convenings, research, and advocacy.
6. League of United Latin American Citizens
The League of United Latin American Citizens is a civil rights organization that advocates for the rights and empowerment of Hispanic Americans. It is the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States. It works to promote education, economic opportunity, and political participation for the Hispanic community. It also has a focus on housing, health, and civil rights for Hispanic Americans and operates community programming at more than 1,000 chapters nationwide.
7. Green Latinos
Green Latinos is a nonprofit that focuses on climate justice and clean air, public lands and the ocean, sustainable communities, and water equity. The nonprofit is driven by a community of Latino/a/x leaders with a passion for demanding equity and dismantling racism. It acknowledges the disproportionate environmental burdens that communities of color face and envisions a healthier, more equitable future.
8. Hispanic Access Foundation
The Hispanic Access Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the lives of Hispanic communities through education, advocacy, and leadership development. It provides resources and support to Hispanic individuals and organizations to promote social, economic, and environmental justice. It also promotes civic engagement and works through extensive, trust-based networks to serve communities that are the hardest to reach. The nonprofit envisions a day when every Latino in America will enjoy good physical health, a healthy natural environment, high-quality education, and economic success.
Donate to Nonprofits Supporting the Hispanic Community to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Donating money, time, and resources to nonprofits working with Hispanic and Latino communities is a great way to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. These nonprofits work on everything from mental health and environmental justice to civic engagement and youth development. Remember to also look for smaller nonprofits within your own community needing support when deciding where to make your donations.