Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Don't Other Organizations Already Do This?
No, organizations are working to get foundations to give more money to Latinx focused nonprofits, organizations are working to get more Latinx to be philanthropic, but no other organizations are working specifically to help Latinx focused nonprofits to improve their fundraising.
There are professional development organizations, but Latinx aren't very active in these organizations with membership under 3%. Furthermore. Latinx organizations need specialized and continued training and support.
What's a Latino Focused Nonprofit?
It's a nonprofit organization of any size that is serving and supporting Latinx Americans in the US today.
Do You Raise Money for Latinx Focused Nonprofits?
We help, teach, and mentor Latinx focused nonprofits to improve their fundraising. We do not directly fundraise for any organization other than Somos El Poder.
Why Do Non-Development Staff like Board Members or Executive Directors have to be Involved?
Because we want to work with the whole organization not only a Development Director or an Executive Director. Changing an organization's culture and methods of fundraising takes deep understanding and commitment. It works better when there is more than one advocate in the organization.
What are Best Practices Based Training?
The Institute will work to identify 'Best Practices" these are proven methods of fundraising currently in active use. Proven means that they are not just concepts but implemented methods with proven financial results. Teaching this type of method rather than more generic methods will be more successful for Latinx focused nonprofits because these methods will often be carried out at organizations with similar staffing and budget restrictions.
How You Measure Success?
We will track the results of fundraising improvements with our participants. But we are also aware that we are learning and growing fundraising in real-time. Through this continual improvement model, we will teach best practices but also have to look out for improvements on that best practice. There is no static way of doing anything, we will see advancement and improvements and will document and teach those.
Are You Selling Services?
No, we are a nonprofit organization. We have a small fee for organizations but everything else is designed to be affordable and accessible.
Who Can Be a Member?
Organizations serving the Latinx community. Individuals who are Latinx or individuals focused on the Latinx community in their work from any racial/ethnic background. We welcome ally's to our membership.
