The Latino Engagement and Achievement Fund

To support civic engagement for our region’s Latino population

In 2015, the Aspen Institute convened a diverse group of scholars, experts and leaders to examine the causes of low civic participation in the Latino community. The discussion and subsequent report titled, “Unlocking Latino Civic Potential: 2016 and Beyond,” highlighted future challenges to the health of our democracy without full participation by all citizens, particularly Latinos.

In response to this report, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia established the Latino Engagement and Achievement Fund (LEAF). Its purpose is to provide funding for local nonprofits that are supporting the Latino population’s path to civic integration in American society.

The Latino Engagement and Achievement Fund is a component fund of The Permanent Fund for Northern Virginia, an unrestricted endowment at the Community Foundation that makes grants to help build a community that works for everyone.
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Nonprofits: Learn More & Apply

This fund provides grants to local nonprofits that are supporting the Latino population’s path to civic integration in American society.

In 2023, applications will be accepted in the following categories:

• Civic Education
• English Proficiency Education
• Community Engagement initiatives targeting Latino communities

Criteria

For 2023, the Community Foundation intends to make one grant of $15,000. CFNOVA will consider grant applications that meet the following criteria.

• Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations providing charitable or educational services. Local, state and federal government entities are not eligible to apply.
• This year, grant requests will only be considered for general organizational support. Applications for capital improvements, endowments, or scholarship awards will not be considered.
• Grants will be made to organizations providing services in the City of Alexandria or Fairfax County south and west of the City of Alexandria, with a current preference towards the Route 1 corridor.
• The Community Foundation intends to make one grant of $15,000.
• Applications that are late or incomplete will not be considered.
• Only one application per organization will be considered.

Grant Application Portal

To apply or update a grant application, access the grants portal here:
SUBMIT APPLICATIONS OR REVIEW PAST GRANTS HERE

You will be instructed to set up an organizational profile before applying. If your organization has applied in the past, check with other staff members to get access to the organization profile already established. It contains grant history and past applications. Please do not set up a new profile unless you are sure your organization has not applied previously.

Grant Cycle Timeline

January 4, 2023	Applications Open
January 4, 2023	2023 Grants Webinar
February 1, 2023	Grant Reports Due from 2022 Grantees
February 2, 2023	Applications Due
April 2023	Applicants Notified of funding status
February 1, 2024	Grant Reports Due from 2023 Grantees