Predevelopment Grants for homeownership development and promotion or expansion of charter schools and primary healthcare facilities

Most Americans believe that the Latino population of the US is a growing “minority group” that lives almost exclusively in a few border states and in a couple of urban areas of the east coast. However, much has changed over the last decade or more. Perhaps less known are two major, emerging trends: two thirds of all Latinos now live outside traditional Latino population centers and, secondly, by 2020, a quarter of the U.S. workforce will be Latino.

The drive to improve their quality of life and seeking employment opportunities has brought millions of Latinos not only to the traditional Border States but also to the urban and rural South, Midwest and other nontraditional geographic areas. Recent research also reveals that the highest priorities for both acculturated and non-acculturated Latino families in the U.S. are: 1) a desire for a quality schools and education for their children, 2) affordable primary healthcare and 3) the opportunity to own their own homes.

In response to this phenomenon, the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and Raza Development Fund (RDF) announce a second round of the Latino Social Venture Fund to serve this emerging Latino community. This funding would not be possible without the generous support of Citi.

Eligible Program Activities

The Fund will provide one or two competitive rounds for predevelopment grants to community based organizations in targeted areas of the U.S. for the following:
Operating grants for Housing Counseling Services in emerging Latino communities.
Predevelopment grants for First Time Homeownership Development for Latino families in targeted areas.
Predevelopment grants for the promotion or expansion of Charter School Facilities and Primary Healthcare Facilities serving Latino families in targeted areas. A maximum of 15 organizations will be chosen based on a points system, with awards of up to $25,000 per grantee.

Application Process & Timeline

NCLR/RDF will conduct four informational webinars, which will detail information pertaining to each grant opportunity.  During these webinars, you will have an opportunity to ask questions.  Your attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended.  Register here.

• NCLR and RDF will begin accepting applications on May 12, 2008
• First round deadline: June 27, 2008 
• Award announcements: July 25, 2008

Application information for all 4 grant opportunities is available for download in the Publications section below.