Read the Grant Application Guidelines here
In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about eligibility, timeline and the application questions. Click here to read.
Somos Comunidad Fund
Somos Comunidad Fund, led by community volunteers, was established to support Latinx focused and driven initiatives. Informed by Latinx communities in Kent County, the advisory committee strives to create an adaptable approach to balance support for immediate needs while addressing root causes of inequity. Support this cause today by contributing to Somos Comunidad Fund. Your gift will support the fund's endowment, as well as provide resources for immediate grantmaking. This ensures your giving will help now and in the future.
2024 Grant Partnerships
Somos Comunidad Fund will accept and review applications for funding from community organizations through October 28, 2024. Up to $100,000 will be awarded for programming that serves Latinx communities. Detailed information about focus areas for these funds, eligibility criteria, and the application process are in our grant guidelines.
In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about eligibility, timeline and the application questions. Click here to read.
On October 7 we will host an informational session about the grant application and how community listening informed our current grantmaking process, you can view those sessions below. Viewing the session is not a requirement to apply.
We have created tutorials about how to navigate our updated grant portal, including how to create an account, how to review your organization profile and how to apply for a grant. Click here for a support materials.
2024 Grantmaking Timeline
On October 7 we will host an informational session about the grant application and how community listening informed our current grantmaking process, you can view those sessions below. Viewing the session is not a requirement to apply.
Info Session in English from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Info Session in Spanish from 5:30 -6:30 p.m.
Somos Comunidad Fund grant applications close on October 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.
Somos Comunidad Fund's advisory committee reviews all grant applications and may request additional information from applicants while they make decisions about grant awards.
All applicants will be notified about funding decisions the week of December 9, 2024.
Community is invited to come and hear a review of the grantmaking and funding decision process, share feedback from their experience in this initial round of grantmaking, and identify future engagement touchpoints and strategies.
2023 Grant Awards
Amount
Date
Purpose
$9,725
This grant supports the running of an afterschool programming club for middle and high school students. The club aims to expose students to technology, game programming, and game asset creation, and provide a fun and engaging way for them to learn about these subjects. This grant was made possible through additional support from the Cherry (Mrs. James) Carpenter Fund for Children.
$15,000
To provide mutual aid and direct giving support to Latinidad communities, especially those who are under-documented.
$10,000
To support Latinx youth in bilingual settings in our three core after school programs: After School Arts, Cook Library After School, and Teen Leaders
$15,000
To remove barriers for Latino community including language, documentation status, etc. to create access to legal services and basic needs.
$10,000
Provide equitable, accessible, and professional reduced-fee legal services to vulnerable populations in immigration with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the National Visa Center.
$10,000
Cosecha GR will acquire a large reliable community vehicle to safely transport members and materials to events and it will display the Cosecha campaign theme.
$9,000
To build organizational capacity and enhance delivery of culturally responsive programming by offering stipends to bilingual Latina/o/é/x youth practice leaders. This grant was made possible through additional support from the Cherry (Mrs. James) Carpenter Fund for Children.
$15,000
Latinx Youth Program - Using a combination of support groups, counseling, and community activities, the program seeks to support children who have experienced violence heal from their trauma.
$10,000
The Puerto Rican Cultural Committee has been providing cultural and educational experiences for the Puerto Rican community and its allies since 2014. This grant was made possible through additional support from the Charles Evenson Fund for the Environment.
2023 Grant Awards
Somos Comunidad Fund accepted applications for funding from community organizations that serve Latinx communities in Kent County for their 2022 grant round. Learn more about the factors that influenced their grant process and decision making.
In our Grant Application Guidelines you can read about eligibility, timeline and the application questions. Click here to view. ¿Prefieres leer esto en español? Haga clic aquí.
See an infographic, artistic demonstration of the feedback given at the community engagement sessions. Click here to view.
Our 2022 grantmaking process and priorities were informed by feedback gathered at community engagement sessions. Brigham Consulting detailed the process and themes from those sessions. See the whole report here.
On November 9 we hosted an informational session about the grant application and how community listening informed our current grantmaking process, you can view those sessions below. Viewing the session is not a requirement to apply.
Info
Session in English: view here
Info Session in Spanish: view here
After grant awards were announced, the committee hosted a community debrief session. During this session, staff and volunteers explained the process, the award decisions and invited feedback about the process. Read a summary by clicking here.
I am looking forward to two to three decades from now, when people will look at this as the beginning of a different way of doing philanthropy.
Carlos Sanchez, former Somos Comunidad Advisory Committee chairperson
Somos Comunidad Fund Donors July 1st, 2022-June 30th, 2023
emerging needs grant application
While our Somos Comunidad Fund has limited monetary resources, the advisory committee wants to ensure there are opportunities for emerging and urgent needs requiring support outside of our bi-annual competitive grant award cycle to receive monetary support.
For those situations requiring immediate support for emerging or urgent needs the committee will accept brief proposals on an ongoing basis for rapid response grant requests ranging $500 to $5,000. The award amount will be based on funds available, availability of other resources to address need and severity of the need. The committee will prioritize requests that support reducing barriers to basic and emergency needs within the local Latinx community. Requests must be for an organization; we are unable to grant these funds directly to an individual. Please submit your request through this form. It is also available in Spanish here. All requests will be considered and responded to within 30-days of submission. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chantal Pasag, program officer.
Development Director
English, Español