Purpose

The Futuro Latino Fund was established in 2009 to address emerging needs within the Omaha-area Latino community.  Local leaders from the Latino community make up the grant committee, which evaluates the proposals and makes award decisions.  Three area foundations provided the funds to start this initiative:  the Sherwood Foundation, the William and Ruth Scott Family Foundation, and the Lozier Foundation.

Eligibility

Organizations with annual budgets of $300,000, or less, with innovative programs, initiatives, services or other ideas that serve Latinos are eligible to apply.  The grant committee is open to proposals of any amount, although anticipated grants will be $10,000, or less.  No multi-year grants will be considered.

The core areas in which the Futuro Latino Fund will provide grants are:

• Arts & Culture (for example, performance, visual arts, arts education, cultural programs)
• Community Development (for example, neighborhood groups, family programs)
• Youth leadership and development (for example, high school leaders programs)
• Services for senior citizens (for example, senior centers in the Latino community)
• Women's leadership development (for example, projects that support and promote Latinas' empowerment)
• Health and Wellness (for example, medical, dental, mental or behavioral health, nutrition, physical activities)
• Civic engagement (for example, programs connecting Latinos with government or business leaders, nonpartisan efforts to give Latinos opportunities for influence of policymaking, grassroots advocacy)
• Economic development (for example, entrepreneurship and microbusiness programs, employment)
• Organizational capacity building (for example, board development, staff training, fundraising, technology)

Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or organizations partnering with a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3), that serve the Latino community in the Omaha metropolitan area. The organization’s governing board must approve all applications prior to submission.

Restrictions

The Omaha Community Foundation does not make grants in support of individuals, for political campaigns or lobbying efforts, for new small businesses established for personal gain or profit, to support annual fund drives, capital campaigns, to fund an agency’s deficit or endowment, or for the direct support of religious activities.  Secular activities provided by religious organizations may be eligible for grant funds.

Application Deadline for 2010

Grant proposals are due August 1st.  Please check this website periodically for updates to eligibility criteria, application instructions, and other information.

NOTE:  Because the application deadline of August 1st falls on a weekend in 2010, applications will be accepted until Monday, August 2^nd.

Questions?

Contact Sarah Gilbert, Associate Director of Philanthropic Services, (402) 342-3458 or sarah@omahafoundation.org.

2009 Futuro Latino Fund Awards

• Colombian Folkloric Dance Group - $10,000 to increase the number of members of the group, wardrobes, choreographies, to have an adequate place to rehearse our performances, and to participate in festivals specially in Omaha and surrounding areas, at least twelve performances per year.
• Heartland Workers Center - $10,000 to find, develop and train low income workers leaders and their families, predominantly Spanish speaking meatpacking, construction, hospitality and day laborers.
• Intercultural Community Center - $10,000 to increase its capacity by targeting the aging Latino population through several means, including expanded transportation, education, healthy activities, and new marketing efforts.
• Las Artes Cultural Center - $10,000 to create a repository dedicated to preserving Mexican American familial, social and cultural history in the state of Nebraska. 
• Latin@s - $10,000 to build board capacity and sustainability.
• Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation - $10,000 to assist Omaha's low income, immigrant and non-English speaking population in opening and maintaining new childcares with an educational atmosphere.
• Mujeres Activas - $10,000 to encompass a family-centered approach to healthy living and empower women with the knowledge and confidence to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families.
• Pixan Ixim - $10,000 for Celebrando Nuestra Cultura Maya (Celebrating Our Mayan Culture).
• Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Aberdeen SD - $5,000 to prepare young Latina girls to take the role of leadership seriously, to develop skills as leaders in a supportive Christian environment, integrating values and beliefs into everyday actions through Leading Individuals, Voicing Equality (LIVE) Latina Leadership Camp.
• SOCCC, Inc. - $10,000 to expand the Latino gang prevention and intervention effort in Omaha, Nebraska.
• South Omaha Arts Institute - $10,000 to support the cultural arts after school programs that are offered at four elementary schools in the Omaha Public School (OPS) District.
• United Methodist Church-Missouri River District Hispanic Ministries - $10,000 to develop communities of faith to reach out to the Spanish-speaking population in the community of south Omaha using creative and effective strategies in evangelism, discipleship and Christian humanitarian efforts.