FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 14, 2024

Latinos in Heritage Conservation Launches Nation's First Grant Program Dedicated to Funding Latinx Heritage Projects – $600,000 in Initial Funding Available

Program Begins with Emphasis on Preserving America’s Borderlands Heritage

AUSTIN, TX —Today, Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) announced the launch of its inaugural grant program—the first of its kind to exclusively fund Latinx heritage and historic preservation projects. With $600,000 in annual funding available, this groundbreaking initiative seeks to empower grassroots, Latinx-focused nonprofit organizations and community groups dedicated to protecting and uplifting Latinx history and cultural contributions across the United States.

The LHC Grant Program will support a range of projects, including the physical preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of significant Latinx historic sites; organizational capacity building; planning and technical assistance; and the creation of educational and interpretive programs that enhance public understanding of Latinx heritage.

“Despite the profound impact of Latinx history and culture on the United States, funding for Latinx preservation has remained scarce,” said Sehila Mota Casper, Executive Director of Latinos in Heritage Conservation. “Our grant program marks a historic step forward, recognizing and investing in Latinx heritage as an integral part of American history, woven into the fabric of our shared national narrative. We are proud to highlight these contributions, which enrich our understanding of the American experience and strengthen the well-being of our communities.”

Latinos make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, yet less than 1% of historically designated sites reflect Latinx heritage. The LHC Grant Program aims to address this disparity by prioritizing Latinx-focused organizations and projects historically excluded from conventional funding opportunities.

Nonprofits from across the continental United States and Puerto Rico are eligible to apply,with special emphasis given to projects highlighting the Borderlands region—including Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California. The Borderlands is an area distinguished by its unique blend of Indigenous, Mexican, and American cultural influences. Although these communities have played a fundamental role in shaping U.S. history, their preservation efforts have often been overlooked.

“We’re excited to shine a light on Latinx communities in the Borderlands region and beyond,” said Patricia Zarate Singletary, Historic Preservation Coordinator at Latinos in Heritage Conservation. “Our team is committed to supporting a wide range of applicants, especially those with less experience in applying for grants. We want this process to be accessible and equitable.”

Made possible by the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, in partnership with the Social Impact Fund, which has dedicated $1.8 million to the program over three years, grants will range from $5,000 to $100,000 per project. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals by February 15, 2025, with grant awards expected to be announced in April 2025.

Key Dates for the LHC Grant Program:

Grant Application Opens: November 14, 2024

Info Webinar (English): November 19, 2024

Info Webinar (Spanish): November 21, 2024

Grant Application Closes: February 15, 2025

Application Review Period: February-March 2025

Grant Awards Announced: April 2025

For detailed eligibility requirements and application guidelines, please visit latinoheritage.us.

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Latinos in Heritage Conservation (LHC) is the leading nonprofit dedicated to preserving Latinx places, stories, and cultural heritage across the United States. Through education, conservation, and leadership programs, LHC empowers a wide-ranging network of people who care about Latinx heritage—bringing together community members, advocates, scholars, and experts to find creative, local solutions for protecting Latinx sites and uplifting living cultures that contribute to American society. LHC is committed to making a meaningful impact in the broader fight for social justice, engaging diverse communities and allies to celebrate and affirm the importance of our collective heritage. For more information, visit latinoheritage.us.