Assessing Philanthropic Support for Latines in the Chicago Area
Executive Summary
Assessing Philanthropic Support for Latines in the Chicago Area examines how philanthropic funding has supported Latine-led and Latine-serving organizations across Cook County over the past two decades. Commissioned by Nuestro Futuro, an initiative of The Chicago Community Trust, and conducted by the University of Illinois Chicago’s Great Cities Institute, the report provides a comprehensive analysis of funding trends from 2003 to 2022 across five priority issue areas: economic development, education, health equity, housing, and immigration and language access.
Despite Latines comprising 26 percent of Cook County’s population, the report finds that Latine organizations received only 1.9 percent of total philanthropic funding during this period. While some gains have been made—particularly in economic development, housing, and immigration—significant gaps remain in education, health equity, and mental health services. Drawing on quantitative data and insights from philanthropic and nonprofit leaders, the report highlights the need for more proactive, flexible, and intersectional funding approaches. Ultimately, it offers a data-driven baseline and clear recommendations to help philanthropy better align its investments with the diverse and evolving needs of Latine communities throughout the Chicago region.