Building Economic Power

Promotora Cooperative

Empowering Frontline Advocates

Our Promotora Cooperatives are a transformative effort designed to create sustainable, worker-owned businesses rooted in community leadership, equity, and economic opportunity. Born out of direct feedback from the Just Recovery Partnership—which has been working for over a decade to empower Latino and immigrant communities—the initiative centers around Promotoras, grassroots leaders, and community health workers, especially immigrant women, who have been at the forefront of recovery efforts during crises like wildfires and the pandemic.

A cooperative business model empowers these workers to not only work but also collectively own and manage their businesses, sharing both profits and decision-making power.

Why It’s Needed

Through Promotora Cooperatives, we are creating new pathways to economic opportunity by giving Promotoras the tools and support to start and lead their own cooperatives. For too long, Promotoras have been underpaid and undervalued, despite playing a critical role in the well-being of their communities. This not only provides them with fair compensation, but also elevates the economic value of their work, empowering them to generate business revenue based on their expertise and labor.

By investing directly in the creation of these cooperative businesses, we are fostering long-term economic sustainability and building pathways for Promotoras to become business owners and leaders. Our approach is grounded in a theory of change that moves from emergency response efforts toward long-term economic power. Through the support of cooperatives and nonprofits, we are building a lasting ecosystem of economic opportunity for Promotoras and their communities.

Impact

The Promotora Cooperative empowers immigrant women, especially Promotoras, to build sustainable businesses and secure fair wages through worker-owned cooperatives. By shifting from unstable pay models to business ownership, it drives economic mobility, strengthens families, and fuels community health.

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Just Recovery Partnership

Grantmaking FAQ

Our funding drives impact, supports innovation, and helps build a more equitable future.

Eligibility

What types of organizations do you fund?
We currently only fund organizations that are recognized as a 501(c)3 public charity by the IRS or are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 organization.

Do you fund individuals or for-profit organizations?
No, we do not provide grants to individuals or for-profit organizations. Our funding is dedicated to nonprofit organizations that meet our eligibility criteria.

How do I know if my organization is eligible for funding?
Eligibility requirements vary by grant program. Generally, your organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serve communities within our focus areas, and align with our funding priorities. Specific eligibility criteria can be found on each grant program’s page.

Funding Priorities

What are your priority funding areas?
Our funding priorities include civic engagement and economic justice within Latino communities. We seek to support programs that create measurable and sustainable impact in these areas.

What is LCF’s Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund?
LCF’s California Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund provides rapid-response and recovery support to community-based organizations that are trusted by impacted communities, are led by strong leadership, and have the capacity to respond to the immediate needs of Latino and BIPOC families. With its community partners, LCF ensures Latino and immigrant families are not left in the shadows of relief and rebuilding efforts. By investing directly in trusted grassroots organizations, LCF ensures an equitable, community-driven approach to disaster relief and recovery.

Application Process

How can my organization apply for a grant?

The large majority of our grantmaking is by invitation only. We proactively identify and invite organizations that align with our funding priorities to apply for grants. If you believe your organization is a strong fit, you are welcome to complete an Organizational Profile with us to give us more insight into your organization. On the rare occasion we conduct an open RFP process, we will advertise that on our social media platforms.

When does LCF make grantmaking decisions?

LCF awards its grants year-round, on a rolling basis. If your organization is awarded a grant, a member of the team will contact you with information about next steps.

Grant Management & Reporting

What are the reporting requirements for grantees?
Reporting requirements vary by grant and are outlined in the grant agreement.

Who can I contact for further questions?
For additional inquiries, please email grants@latinocf.org