Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) opened its doors in 1968, founded by Mexican American activists from throughout the southwestern United States to pursue civil rights for the Latino community through the legal system. MALDEF promotes social change through advocacy, communications, community education, and litigation in the areas of education, employment, immigrant rights, and political access. Consciously modeled on the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, MALDEF has earned, through its history, a reputation as the “law firm of the Latino community.” Today, nearly half a century after its founding, MALDEF continues to vigorously pursue a mission of protecting and promoting the civil rights of all Latinos living in the United States.
UnidosUS
UnidosUS (formerly NCLR)—the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States—works to improve opportunities for Hispanic Americans. Through its network of nearly 300 affiliated community-based organizations, UnidosUS reaches millions of Hispanics each year in 41 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. To achieve its mission, UnidosUS conducts applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy, providing a Latino perspective in five key areas—assets/investments, civil rights/immigration, education, employment and economic status, and health. In addition, it provides capacity-building assistance to its Affiliates who work at the state and local level to advance opportunities for individuals and families.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
As one of the nations leading nonprofit organizations, HSF has awarded $730 million in scholarships and provides a broad range of programs and support services for students, parents, HSF Scholars, and HSF Alumni. For more information about HSF, please visit HSF.net.