From March 21st to the 23rd, Hispanic Federation participated in the W.K. Kellogg Foundation-sponsored conference, “Catalyzing Community Giving.” HF President José Calderón discussed HF’s experience in melding community philanthropy and advocacy in a session titled “Taking a Stand: Activism and Transformative Philanthropy.”
José discussed HF efforts around advancing pro-immigrant legislation, voter engagement and environmental justice reforms.
Hispanic Federation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation have a long-standing partnership that began with the Latino Funds Collaborative in 1996, the first national initiative to support Latino-run philanthropic institutions. In 2014, HF was awarded a two-year grant to launch its Latino Giving Initiative. LGI has provided capacity building support which enabled HF to raise hundreds of thousands of philanthropic dollars in targeted Latino communities and re-grant these dollars to agencies which prioritize early childhood / Pre-K programs.
In addition to participating in what is now known as the National Latino Funds Alliance (NLFA), Hispanic Federation has worked with the Kellogg Foundation to create the Latina Philanthropy Council. LPC creates a platform that engages emerging and established professional Latina leaders, to take action on unique issues facing the Latino community and effect positive change. Members of the LPC benefit from a host of networking events, leadership development seminars, and volunteer opportunities.
“Our relationship with the Kellogg Foundation is now two decades old and it has never been stronger,” said José Calderón. “They understood the importance of promoting Latino philanthropy back in the 1990s and they have made a long-term commitment to helping organizations such as Hispanic Federation maximize Latino philanthropic capacity. Their commitment to our work and mission is without parallel and has helped us to continue to be at forefront of empowering our community.”
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation was founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer Will Keith Kellogg, and is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.