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 the 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.

The Rhode Island Foundation will accept applications from all organizations that advance the purpose of the Fund. Eligible grantees will often support the Latino community, but it is not necessary that such grantees exclusively support the Latino community, self-identify as a Latino community organization, or be led by Latino individuals, as long as the purpose of the Fund is being advanced by the funded activities.

Application deadline 

Grants are awarded annually. Applications must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. (EST) on December 18, 2025. 

To apply

A completed application form can be submitted through our online system. All applications must be submitted through this system. 

Applications are available six weeks prior to the deadline. 

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