Bio Coming Soon.

Over the past half-century, the majority Latino and low-income community in El Paso, Texas, has advocated for protecting the historically and ecologically vital lands of Castner Range. Now, the community is calling on President Joe Biden to designate the area as a national monument.

Hispanic Access’ annual event “Acceso: Leading Together” honors the members of our networks and the leaders who help us build bridges to and from Latino communities across America.

This free, virtual event hosts a 60-minute networking session, a keynote speaker, a message from our founder, president and CEO Maite Arce, stories from several of our network members and an awards ceremony that recognizes numerous leaders for their contribution to improving the lives of Latinos.

Acceso: Leading Together Annual Award Categories

• Network Member of the Year – Recognizes a network member who made the greatest impact for the year
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Recognizes an individual who’s made a long-term impact for Latino communities
• Emerging Leader Award – Recognizes a high-achieving intern
• Outstanding Young Professional Award – Recognizes an alum who’s been a great Hispanic Access network member
• Environmental Justice Leadership Award – Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding work in conservation
• Hispanic Access Partner of the Year – Recognizes an individual or organization that has served as an exceptional partner

Donations made to Hispanic Access Foundation (EIN: 27-2589206) are tax deductible.  

Donors will receive an annual statement for tax purposes.

Many Latino communities in Southern California live in nature-deprived neighborhoods, meaning there are far fewer parks, streams, beaches, and other natural places nearby. This leaves these areas with a legacy of poorer health and COVID-19 severity, higher stress levels, worse educational outcomes, lack of recreation and business opportunities, and greater vulnerability to extreme heat and flash floods. This legislation would protect natural areas close to Riverside County’s Latino communities, alleviating inequities and bringing the many benefits of nearby nature and park access.

Background Information

• The Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority manages a 500,000 acre wildlife preserve that provides habitat for 146 species of plants and animals, overseen by the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan.
• 350,000 acres of the wildlife preserve are existing National Forest System land from Cleveland and San Bernardino National Forests.
• The remaining 150,000 acres are to be acquired, through the Wildlife Refuge Conservation and Recreation for the Community Act.
• The Act would direct the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority to:
  • Establish the boundary for a new wildlife refuge in Western Riverside County.
  • Create new public access points for the entire region.
  • Conserve wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity.
  • Acquire 150,000 acres for the refuge, one-third by the state and federal government, and two-thirds from private landowners.

Benefits of the Act

This national wildlife refuge would preserve remaining intact habitat for wildlife, while providing outdoor recreation opportunities and equitable access to nature in a highly urbanized region — both of which are key components of California’s goal to protect 30% of the state’s lands and waters by 2030 (known as 30x30), as well as the national goal outlined in the Biden administration’s America the Beautiful initiative. A wildlife refuge will enhance the partnership between the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority and the federal government to fulfill the common vision of aligning environmental conservation, infrastructure, and economic growth. This legislation will provide clarity regarding the development of the transportation infrastructure required to meet the future needs of southern California.

Why is this important to Latino communities?

Importance to Latinos

Protecting California’s stunning natural landscapes, especially those near communities of color, will boost equity and bring the myriad benefits of nearby nature to underserved communities - from creating jobs, to enriching children’s education, to improving public health, to protecting from the climate emergency, to safeguarding clean air, water, and a healthy environment for all.

Latino Health

• Hispanic Access Foundation has found that in California, communities of color are almost twice as likely than white communities to live in nature deprived places. Sixty-two percent of communities of color in the state live in nature-deprived areas, compared with just 36 percent of white communities.
• Nationally, Latinos are 21% more likely than non-Hispanic Whites to live in urban heat islands, or areas dominated by asphalt and concrete where parks, shade-providing trees, and other vegetation are lacking. Urban heat islands can produce breathing difficulties, exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke and even death.
• Areas within a 10-minute walk of a park can be as much as six degrees cooler than surrounding parkless areas. However, parks in majority non-white neighborhoods are half as large and serve nearly five times more people than parks in majority white neighborhoods. Also, parks serving majority low-income households are, on average, four times smaller and serve nearly four times more people than parks that serve majority high-income households.

Latino Recreation

• 96% of California Latinos agree that California’s public lands and waters are places to enjoy hiking, hunting, or other types of outdoor recreation.
• 95% agree that California’s public lands and waters are important to conserve for their children and grandchildren.
• 95% agree that California’s public lands and waters are important to their quality of life.

Latino Jobs & Economy

• 92% of California Latinos see public lands, such as national parks, forests, monuments, and wildlife areas, as an important part of the economies in these states.
• The outdoor recreation economy generates $92 billion in consumer spending and 691,000 jobs in California.

Latino Public Opinion

• 87% of Latino voters in California agree that we should create new national parks, national monuments, national wildlife refuges and tribal protected areas to protect historic sites or areas for outdoor recreation.
• 85% support setting a national goal of conserving 30 percent of U.S. land, inland waters, and ocean by the year 2030.
• 82% support directing funding to ensure adequate access to parks and natural areas for lower-income people and communities of color that have disproportionately lacked them.
• 92% agree that we should find money to protect their state’s land, water and wildlife, even in the midst of economic challenges posed by the pandemic.

Latino Conservation Week is a time to celebrate Latino connections, old and new, to the lands, waterways, and ocean we call home, as well as the air we breathe. Unfortunately, Latinos and other communities of color continue to face the Nature Gap, lacking the benefits that nearby nature brings, and far too few of the protected lands and waters in the US tell Latino histories. For these reasons, this Latino Conservation Week, Hispanic Access Foundation is recommending the designation and protection of new parks, waterways, and ocean and coastal areas throughout the US that will serve Latino and other disinvested communities.

Como te parece una semana—one week—when we from Latinx/Hispanic roots are not just encouraged pero organized, supported, and led by others que suenan y lucen como nosotros celebrating y [RE]connecting with our (minorities) World.

Grant Writer Consultant

Proposals are due on January 4, 2023

Founded in 2010, Hispanic Access Foundation is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization that connects Latinos with partners and opportunities to improve lives and create an equitable society. We work in the areas of health outreach, financial literacy, workforce development, and environmental justice. Ultimately, we establish bridges for the development and rise of Latino leaders and elevate their voices in areas where they are underrepresented. Our core values are trust, dedication, excellence, service to nuestra comunidad and versatility. We deliver exceptional results with nimbleness and corazon.

Hispanic Access’ development team has a track record of winning federal grant applications across a number of agencies, including the Health Resources and Services Administration, the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and more. As the organization continues to grow, we seek to add capacity to our federal grants program and pursue more opportunities to partner with agencies who seek to resource Latino communities across the country.

By strategically stewarding the resources entrusted to us, our initiatives, programs and grassroots outreach efforts empower and inspire individuals to reach for a brighter future, for themselves, their families, and their communities. Together, we can help transform Latino lives.

The Position 

The Grant Writing Consultant is a contract position to support in drafting and submitting foundation and governmental grants for Latino audiences in the areas of environmental justice, health, and more in Winter/Spring of 2023. While the position is temporary, exemplary execution of these projects could lead to additional opportunities to work with Hispanic Access.

Roles/Responsibilities

Grant Writing

• Lead the drafting of a variety of foundation and/or federal grants, including reviewing the RFPs and ensuring all instructions are followed, and drafting all sections of the narrative, appendices, and supporting documents. 
• Work with Hispanic Access’ development, conservation, and health teams to ensure that the project design matches the RFP requirements and that all information needed for the grant is gathered. Plan, participate in, and/or lead team meetings as required.
• Complete grant application forms, including budget forms, on foundation websites and/or Grants.gov and ensure the applications are ready for submission before the due dates.

Qualifications

We encourage applicants with at least three of the following qualifications to apply:

• Exemplary grant writing skills, preferably with the ability to write both federal and foundation grants targeting Latino audiences across multiple sectors.
• Previous experience in drafting winning grants.
• Previous experience in reviewing foundation and federal RFPs.
• Previous experience in submitting grants through foundation websites and Grants.gov.
• Ability to work well with teams and to lead meetings.

Compensation

 Contingent on experience. Please note your hourly rate in your cover letter.

Location

This position is remote, but the consultant must be able to work during a U.S. time zone and must be able to access the Grants.gov and foundation databases. 

Start Date

January 16, 2023

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, two relevant writing samples, a cover letter specifying your hourly rate, and a list of three professional references to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line of “Grant Writing Consultant”. (References will not be contacted until you are a finalist.) In your cover letter, please be sure to address how you meet the qualifications outlined above. Proposals are due on January 4 , 2023.

Hispanic Access Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Your Gift Makes an Impact!

Elevación is a dedicated community of Hispanic Access Foundation's most valued partners committed to elevating Latino voices to ensure equity and representation in all areas of life.

Elevación members make automatic donations every month, which enables Hispanic Access Foundation to plan long term, budget more efficiently, and create more life-changing outcomes for Latinos and other people of color across the country.

Join the Elevación community today and become a champion for Latino leaders and the people they serve. You choose how much to give and for how long, and you can change your amount, pause or cancel at any time. Members at all levels will receive exclusive updates sent only to the Elevación community.

Donation Tiers

• $17 can cover one person to attend a financial literacy workshop
• $22 can equip a community leader with training tools
• $47 can administer one COVID-19 vaccination
• $208 can send one K-12 student to participate in a whale watch and enjoy a semester
  of ocean-based STEM activities
• $500 can award one “Our DREAMS Scholarship” for a student in need

Donations made to Hispanic Access Foundation (EIN: 27-2589206) are tax deductible.  

Donors will receive an annual statement for tax purposes. 

Your credit card will be charged once you submit your first monthly gift and will be charged around this same day for the months to follow. 

If you have questions about Elevación monthly giving, or need assistance setting up, pausing, or canceling your donation, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hispanic Access Foundation integrated values of equity, inclusion and diversity into internal and external work upon its founding in 2010. Hispanic Access Foundation’s purpose is to create access and achieve equity for underserved, hard-to-reach Latino communities using these four guiding interpretations. We have addressed these principles by creating access, developing customized tools, providing training, elevating voices, and creating a seat at the decision-making table for our communities. Hispanic Access Foundation aims to represent the full diaspora of the Latino community; that is, the vast diversity of race, culture, language, identity, and beliefs which encapsulate the community.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at Hispanic Access Foundation will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Hispanic Access Foundation does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of their actual or perceived race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), sex and gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), age, sexual orientation, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status and any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law (collectively referred to as "protected characteristics").

ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

HARASSMENT

Hispanic Access Foundation is committed to a workplace that is free of harassment based on protected characteristics Harassment is prohibited, both in the workplace and off the premises, including at social activities sponsored by Hispanic Access Foundation.

Harassment is verbal, written, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion to an employee because of their protected characteristics when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee's work performance, creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment, or otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment opportunities.

Employees should refrain from activity such as verbal abuse, including slurs, epithets, and stereotyping; offensive jokes and comments; threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; displaying or distributing offensive materials, writings, graffiti, or pictures; and other similar activities.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is defined as:

•       unwelcome sexual advances;
•       requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
  • • submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment;
    • submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting them; or such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

Sexual harassment can occur between individuals of the opposite or same sex.

Employees should refrain from activities such as:

•       physical conduct that is sexual in nature;
•       sexually oriented gestures, noises, remarks, jokes or comments about a person’s sexuality or sexual experience;
•       repeated unwelcome requests for a romantic relationship;
•       displaying pictures, posters, calendars, graffiti, objects, promotional materials, reading materials or other materials that are sexually suggestive, sexually demeaning or pornographic; and
•       other similar activities.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION

Hispanic Access Foundation will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Hispanic Access Foundation respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will consider requests for accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on the conduct of Hispanic Access Foundation’s business.

ANTI-BULLYING

Hispanic Access Foundation defines bullying as “repeated inappropriate behavior, either direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment.” All employees will be treated with dignity and respect and Hispanic Access Foundation does not tolerate bullying behavior.

Bullying may be intentional or unintentional. Hispanic Access Foundation considers the following types of behavior examples of bullying:

•       Verbal bullying: Slandering, ridiculing or maligning a person or their family; persistent name calling that is hurtful, insulting or humiliating; using a person as the butt of jokes; abusive and offensive remarks.
•       Physical bullying: Pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, tripping, assault or threat of physical assault; damage to a person’s work area or property.
•       Gesture bullying: Nonverbal threatening gestures or glances that convey threatening messages.
•       Exclusion: Socially or physically excluding or disregarding a person in work-related activities.

PROCEDURE FOR COMPLAINTS

All Hispanic Access Foundation employees, and particularly supervisors, have a responsibility for keeping our work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Any employee who feels that they have been the victim of discrimination or harassment, should report it to their supervisor or the President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. Any employee who becomes aware of an incident of discrimination or harassment, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it to their supervisor, the Human Resources Representative, or the President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation.

If you are exposed to conduct which you find discriminatory or offensive, we strongly encourage that you state your opinion clearly and promptly in the moment, rather than inadvertently permitting others to believe that you do not consider the conduct to be discriminatory or offensive. If you believe that such a response is not appropriate, report the problem.

Employees who do not feel comfortable discussing the problem with their supervisor, who believe that the problem involves their supervisor, or who believe a complaint that they made was not adequately addressed should contact the Chief Operating Officer or the President and CEO.

All complaints will be handled with as much confidentiality as possible, and there will be no retaliation. An investigation will be conducted, and if the complaint is found to have merit, appropriate corrective measures, including disciplinary action (up to and including termination of employment) will be taken.

Any supervisor who becomes aware of possible discrimination or harassment should promptly advise their supervisor who will handle the matter in a timely and confidential manner.

Latino communities across the United States are experiencing disproportionate health and economic impacts of poor air quality, extreme heat and aridification, wildfires, drought, storms and other severe effects of the climate crisis, in addition to the alarming loss of nature throughout the country. With our nation’s shifting demographics and Latinos on track to becoming 30% of the U.S. population by 2050, Latinos will continue to experience these severe consequences of a warming planet at a disproportionate rate.