Futuro Latino Fund

The Futuro Latino Fund is a community-focused grant program administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, designed to support initiatives that benefit Latino communities within the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area. The fund is rooted in a model of resident-led decision-making, relying on a diverse committee of Latino representatives who guide funding decisions based on their intimate understanding of the community's needs. The foundation behind this fund emphasizes local leadership and culturally informed grantmaking, reflecting a commitment to long-term sustainability and empowerment for Latino residents. The primary goals of the Futuro Latino Fund include enhancing cultural enrichment, socioeconomic well-being, civic engagement, and the institutional capacity of organizations serving Latino families and neighborhoods. The fund promotes self-sustaining organizational models that align with community interests and encourages capacity-building strategies that elevate local leadership. This holistic and community-driven approach aims to create lasting change through strategic investments that reflect the priorities of the local Latino population. Funding priorities for the program span a broad range of focus areas including arts and culture, community and economic development, youth, families and women, health and wellness, civic engagement, and organizational capacity building. The fund places particular value on applications that demonstrate collaborative efforts among multiple organizations. Furthermore, representation from Latino, Latina, or Latinx individuals across client bases, staff, leadership, and boards is actively considered during the evaluation process, reinforcing the program’s commitment to equity and cultural relevance. Each year, the program distributes up to $175,000 in total funding. While award amounts vary, the average grant typically ranges between $10,000 and $15,000. Projects funded must be completed within the same calendar year in which the grant is awarded. Awards are announced in May following the conclusion of the application period, and all submissions must be made through the designated online grant portal. Eligibility is limited to public, tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or groups working with a qualified fiscal sponsor. The applicant’s operating budget must not exceed $500,000, and this cap is enforced without exceptions. Eligible projects must serve Latino populations specifically within Douglas and Sarpy Counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County in Iowa. Organizations that have received past funding are eligible to reapply, provided they submitted their final grant report to the Omaha Community Foundation. Applicants are also required to comply with a non-discrimination policy. The organization must not engage in either lawful or unlawful discrimination in employment or service delivery based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability (mental, emotional, or physical), sexual orientation, gender identity, military service, or gender. A copy of the applicant’s anti-discrimination policy must be submitted as part of the application. The program guidelines, including eligibility rules and budget thresholds, may be updated annually, so applicants are encouraged to review the current year's instructions carefully before applying. The next application cycle will open on January 1, 2026, and close on March 1, 2026.