The Juanita Sánchez Community Fund was established in 1992 through the contributions of friends and family of Juanita Sánchez to memorialize her life as a leader, organizer, and long-time believer in fighting for the unmet needs and rights of Latinos. The fund provides support for Rhode Island’s Latino community by offering grant assistance to nonprofit organizations working for the betterment of the Latino community in the state.

Grants from the Juanita Sánchez Community Fund may support any nonprofit with projects that enrich or improve the lives of Latinos in Rhode Island. Please note that requests to support translation and interpretation signage/language are not prioritized in this Program. Grants generally range between $500 and $1,500, depending upon the quantity and quality of proposals received. Organizations based outside of Rhode Island will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if project serves or supports the Latino community in Rhode Island.

While eligible projects may include either new initiatives or enhancements to ongoing and recurring initiatives, applicants should be mindful that Juanita Sánchez Community Fund Grants are intended to support one-time costs and expenses. Applicants are rarely eligible for renewed support for the same project or initiative in future years.

Application deadline

Grants are awarded annually. Applications must be submitted by midnight (EST) on September 21, 2023. Technical assistance will not be available after 5 p.m. (EST).

To apply

A complete application package includes:

• A complete application, submitted through our online system;
• A budget form, also available in our online system; and
• Current board and staff lists for the applicant organization.

Applications are available six weeks prior to the deadline; all applications must be submitted through our online system.

NOTE: If you already have started an online application, please log in to your account page to edit the application that is in progress.