CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) Abriendo Caminos A perspective on Hispanic Philanthropy By...

CHRISTIANCHURCH(Disciples of Christ)

Abriendo Caminos

A perspective on Hispanic PhilanthropyBy

Manuel Collazo Development Consultant for Hispanic Ministries


The importance of being bilingual


A tradition of giving• Hispanic communities in the U.S. have a long tradition of

giving to causes close to their hearts.• Hispanics across nationalities and classes have generously

supported family and church, reflecting community and cultural values.

• While personal, informal giving has been part of the Hispanic American social fabric for more than 500 years, Hispanics are less accustomed to giving and working through nonprofit and philanthropic institutions.


As we enter the 21st century• Formidable and growing challenges call upon Hispanics to

forge a stronger and more cohesive philanthropic vision. • Some of the Hispanic population continues to be left behind

in key areas of American life, including:– education,– health, – employment, – voter registration.

• Such realities dramatically hinder Hispanic leadership and participation in all sectors of U.S. society.


But there is reason for optimism.• Hispanics, now the largest minority in the United States, are

becoming a political, cultural, and economic force. • Hispanics are discovering how philanthropic leadership has

helped women and other groups gain social and political influence.

• And Hispanics are increasingly working together to focus their philanthropy on the nonprofit institutions that will strengthen community and create new opportunities.


Accepted Values

What does the Hispanic community value?


What does the Hispanic community value?• Because of the vast diversity in the

Hispanic population groups in the United States-which represent twenty-one countries-it is difficult to generalize characteristics.

• However, Hispanics do share many important and widely accepted values that relate to philanthropy and fundraising1 as follows:

• Familiarismo• Personalismo• Espiritualidad• Fatalismo• Colectivismo• Confianza• Orgullo• Respeto

1(Royce and Rodriguez, 1996)


Familiarismo (significance of family).

• This trait gives the indi vidual self-confidence, self-worth, security, and identity. Father and mother figures are very strong. Interdependence is valued over independence. Centrality of family is paramount in Hispanic cul ture. The family network is used for support with child rearing, personal problems, and economic assistance. Family structure also includes the extended family and even close friends. Familiarismo is especially important in times of crisis.


Personalismo (good character).

• A person defines his or her self-worth in terms of those inner qualities that give that person self-respect and earn the respect of others. Mutual respect is highly important-getting the respect one deserves and showing that respect to others. Hispanics value personal rapport in business deal ings.


Espiritualidad (spirituality).

• Spiritual values are emphasized. Material satisfaction may be sacrificed for spiritual goals.


Fatalismo (fatalism). • There is a keen sense of destiny and that divine

providence governs the world, as well as an acceptance that tragic and unfortunate events are God's will. Life is beyond one's control. Hispanics often assume passive roles in dealing with nega tive situations. This reduces the despair, sense of personal failure, or guilt that other population groups experience after tragic events.


Colectivismo (collectivism).

• This trait is associated with high levels of personal interdependence, conformity, and sacrifice for the welfare of the group. Hispanics are less individualistic and com petitive than the mainstream U.S. culture.


Confianza (trust).

• This is a critical element in interpersonal relationships. Usually it is earned over long periods of time and during times of crisis, and is generally seen as beneficial for both parties.


Orgullo (pride, dignity).

• Orgullo means taking pride in her itage, family, name, and reputation. Each action and word shapes the perception of the family. Recognition of this trait is important in developing positive relationships with Hispanics.


Respeto (respect).

• This influences both personal and professional relationships. It's even evident in the language by the distinction


Facts About Hispanic Giving


What motivates Hispanics to give?

• Leading causes include:– religious organizations,– Family services, – education, and youth.

• Many contributions are motivated by the desire to “give back” to the Hispanic community.

• Donors give both to advance opportunities as well as to strengthen American society.

• Accordingly, Hispanics typically give as much to mainstream charities as to Hispanic nonprofit agencies.


How do Hispanics give?• Hispanics are typically wary of formal giving structures such

as endowments, planned giving, and foundations.• Hispanics generally prefer to give informally (about $20

billion in remittances to homelands on an annual basis), and most often in response to immediate crises (such as public emergencies and natural disasters in their countries of origin).

• Nevertheless, Hispanic giving to formal charities (currently at 63% of all Hispanic households) is rapidly approaching the U.S. average (70%).


How do Hispanics currently fare in organized philanthropy?• Hispanic organizations receive a small percentage of dollars

allocated by philanthropic institutions. For this reason, it is imperative that individuals invest in organizations that serve the Hispanic community.

• Less than 5% of trustees and 10% of staff of foundations and corporate funding institutions are Hispanic.

• These disparities are compounded by the fact that many Hispanics are not asked to give (nearly two out of three Hispanic New Yorkers, for example, do not receive requests to donate money to charities).


Hispanic Giving Capacity• According to Census 2000, there are now over 35 million Hispanics in

the U.S. • By 2050, Hispanic America will be over 97 million strong

– one out of every four Americans will be of Hispanic heritage.• Hispanics now account for roughly one-third of all minority-owned small

businesses nationwide.• Receipts of Hispanic-owned businesses were approximately $184 billion

in 1997 -- up 417% from 1987.• Hispanic purchasing power has more than doubled during the past

decade to more than $450 billion annually ($67.1 billion of this amount is concentrated in the tri-state area* *(New York, New Jersey, Connecticut)).


The message

Giving Strategies


Giving Strategies

• Strategic giving is about making investments in the future of the Hispanic community.

• It is about strengthening the Hispanic voice and influence as contributing members of U.S. civil society.

• It offers hope and inspiration for a better tomorrow for their children, families, and communities.


Giving Strategies

• Strategic giving brings attention to Hispanic issues and needs in ways that leverage the impact of their contributions.

• It is giving that translates into improved community outcomes beyond the dollars invested - where money and other contributions go beyond merely responding to immediate issues.


Strategic Giving• Many Hispanics are giving strategically in many ways. In fact, many already are

doing so without even knowing it. • Consider the following strategic giving options:

– Hispanics regularly donate cash or assets to their local congregations serving Hispanics and other needy groups in your region.

– Hispanics are eager to volunteer, but you need to ask them as many others they want to use their talents and expertise.

– Some Hispanic groups will be more prone to understanding ratios than others, be aware that to some Hispanics a specific goal amount is easier to meet and comprehend than a %.

– Let them know. That Hispanic’s have already existing funds or offer the opportunity start a new fund to benefit a church or region.

– Let them know. That they can include a bequest to an effective nonprofit that will carry on your family legacy.

– Let them know. That they can designate a charity as the beneficiary of an insurance policy.


Conclusion• Giving has many rewards. It is also clear is that

passion and values drive all effective giving, no matter what your cause may be.

• Hispanics give for many different reasons, and there is no right or wrong reason to give.

• What’s more, we can all give something back, regardless of who we are and where we come from.

• The most important thing is that we have a plan or strategy. And that we lead by example.


Bibliography• Abriendo Caminos - Strengthening Latino Communities

Through Giving and Volunteering - © 2002 Hispanic Federation, Inc.

• Hispanic Philanthropy: Exploring the Factors that Influence Giving and Asking (Issue 24: New Directions for Philanthropic Fundraising) Lilya D. Wagner (Editor), Allan Figueroa Deck (Editor) December 1999, Jossey-Bass

• Royce, A., and Rodriguez, R. "From Personal Charity to Organized Giving: Hispanic Institutions and Values of Stewardship and Philanthropy." Unpublished paper, Indiana University Center on

Philanthropy, 1996.

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