National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 through October 15, is a time to honor the rich tapestry of contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories that make up the American Latino community. This observance also marks the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico.
This year’s U.S. theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” encapsulates the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that define Hispanic and Latin culture. As part of Blackbaud’s global celebration, we are proud to spotlight two organizations with missions aligning with this theme that are making positive impacts in Hispanic communities year-round.
Hispanic Alliance of SC: This nonprofit unites the largest collaborative network working to advance Hispanic communities in the upstate region of South Carolina—the state where Blackbaud is headquartered—through fostering collaboration and connectivity among people, resources, and cultures. In 2016, they started the Student DREAMers Alliance fellowship—a youth leadership accelerator that empowers Hispanic high school students by offering support and guidance as they transition from high school to college and career.
Latinitas: Club Latinitas is an afterschool program housed at Title I middle and elementary schools in underserved, predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods across Austin and San Antonio, Texas. Serving girls and nonbinary youth of color ages 9-14, the program focuses on teaching STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) skills through hands-on activities like blogging, robotics, computer-building, podcasting, and more. The program equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and self-belief to embrace science and technology, both educationally and as a career path.
We’re excited to share that these outstanding organizations have been selected as 2024 grant recipients through The Blackbaud Fund and the Blackbaud Community Matters Grant.
Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!