Building Civic Power

Poderarte

Crear es PoderArte

Art transforms. It heals, inspires, and sparks change. We believe in the power of creativity to shape a better future. That’s why we launched PoderArte, an initiative empowering Latino artists and culture bearers to turn their visions into civic action. We support creative projects that amplify community voices, foster education, and drive civic engagement. From poetry to hip-hop to folklorico, every piece of art has the power to inspire justice and possibility.

Started by a Creative Corps grant from the California Arts Council and now operated independently by LCF, PoderArte channels resources into partnerships between creators and grassroots nonprofits that unleash civic power. Our storytellers, visionaries, and creative leaders help our nonprofits and the communities that serve to build a future shaped by imagination and driven by justice.

PoderArte in Action

PoderFest 2024

PoderFest at Plaza de la Raza was a powerful celebration of art, culture, and community. Our 28 PoderArte partners and Latino Giving Circle Network came together to build relationships and grow our civic power.

The Need to Support Latino Artists

Our artists are civic leaders too

Our artists are civic leaders too. Their work transforms pain into purpose, imagination into progress. PoderArte shifts how people think, act, and engage with the world around them.

  • Narrative Change: Centering strength and culture to reshape how our communities are represented.
  • Community Education Campaigns: Delivering crucial information about issues impacting daily lives.
  • Civic Engagement: Inspiring actions that spark systemic change.

We believe systems change demands bold creativity. With PoderArte, we’re equipping Latino artists with the resources to lead it.

Culture as a force for change.

This initiative uplifts Latino-led organizations and artists who are using art as a tool to strengthen community, reclaim narratives, and build civic power across California!

$2M+

Total Grantmaking Dollars

29

Number of Grantees

1,348

Artists & Culture Bearers Compensated

51,668

People Engaged by PoderArte Projects and Programs

IMPACT YOU CAN SEE

Every grant we fund paints a brighter picture for our communities

Here’s what PoderArte is making possible:

  • Empowering Organizations: Supporting leaders who use art to ignite social change.
  • Raising Awareness: Highlighting critical issues like civic participation, environmental justice, and public health.
  • Amplifying Community Voices: Championing artists as the leaders this moment calls for.

Through art and culture, we’re driving conversations that matter and actions that change lives.

Fátima RamírezFormer Executive Director at Accion Latina
“Artists are uniquely positioned to shift narratives through storytelling. By leaning into the exploration of their own nuanced identities and the communities that they seek to uplift, they have the power to spark the necessary conversations that drive social change.”

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