What Latinas First Foundation does

Latinas First Foundation is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization founded in 2011 by Co-Founders Juanita Chacon and Meshach Rhoades to provide scholarships, mentorship, networking, and recognition programs for Latinas in Colorado. Headquartered in Denver with a mailing address at PO Box 36157 and a secondary donation address in Wheat Ridge, the foundation operates with a small staff of nine employees and is currently led by Executive Director Lauren Sisneros, who succeeded Dr. Judi Diaz Bonacquisti following her August 2022 departure to the University of Colorado system.

The foundation's core offering centers on a scholarship program that has awarded 189 scholarships since inception, supported by structured giving products: a recurring monthly donation program with tiers from $25 to $1,000/month, and one-time donations ranging from $25 to $10,000. These donations are processed through a Shopify-based website. Complementary programming includes annual Trailblazer and Unsung Heroine recognition luncheons (the 14th annual edition scheduled for October 24, 2025), the Southern Colorado Regional Luncheon series hosted at Colorado State University Pueblo, speed mentoring and networking events, and fundraising event products including the Colfax Marathon running team, Swinging for Scholarships golf tournaments, and Top Golf events. A custom-labeled wine partnership with Bonacquisti Wine Company generates additional net proceeds for scholarships.

The foundation's revenue model combines individual giving, event-based fundraising (sponsorships ranging $900-$5,000 per package), and corporate partnerships with sponsors including Denver Broncos, USBank, CoBank, Megastar Financial, Breakthru Beverage, Macy's, King Soopers, and others. Distribution channels include the foundation's own Shopify storefront, the King Soopers Community Rewards loyalty program, Amazon Smile, and Colorado Gives Day through ColoradoGives.org. Marketing and beneficiary outreach run through Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, an email newsletter, regular blog content, and earned media coverage from outlets such as KDVR Fox 31. The organization's geographic focus is exclusively Colorado, with explicit concentration on Latina college students and aspiring professionals, and established Latina leaders recognized through the Trailblazer and Unsung Heroine programs.

Name

Latinas First Foundation

Legal name

Latinas First Foundation

Website

https://latinasfirstfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Latinas First Foundation is a Denver-based nonprofit founded in 2011 that provides scholarships, mentorship, networking, and recognition events for Latina college students and established professionals in Colorado, funded through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Education Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC), Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

Keywords

• Scholarship programs
• Mentorship programs
• Nonprofit fundraising
• Community development
• Latina education

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring monthly donations from individual supporters. Monthly pledge program with amounts starting at $25/month. One-time donations ranging from $25 to $10,000.
2. Event Fundraising: Annual luncheons, golf tournaments, Top Golf events, and Colfax Marathon running sponsorships generate funds through ticket sales, sponsorships, and participant fundraising.
3. Corporate Partnerships: Sponsorships from corporations including Megastar Financial, USBank, CoBank, and others. Includes presenting sponsorships for events, scholarship naming rights, and in-kind donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Latinas First Foundation is a Colorado-based nonprofit that provides scholarships, mentorship, networking opportunities, and recognition programs for Latina students and professionals. The organization funds its work through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events including annual luncheons, golf tournaments, and marathon sponsorships. Approximately 189 scholarships have been awarded since the foundation's establishment in 2011.

Product overview

Latinas First Foundation operates primarily as a nonprofit scholarship and mentorship organization that offers two core donation products: a Monthly Donation subscription program (starting at $25/month for recurring support) and One Time Donation options (ranging from $25 to $10,000). The organization complements these with fundraising event programs including Annual Luncheons honoring Trailblazers and Unsung Heroines, Southern Colorado Regional Luncheons, Colfax Marathon Sponsorship, and Golf Tournaments. Additional fundraising initiatives include custom-labeled wine partnerships and scholarship programs for Latina students in Colorado. The organization uses a Shopify-based e-commerce platform to process donations and event registrations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Monthly Donation Amount of My Choice Recurring monthly donation program allowing supporters to contribute selected amounts (starting from $25/month) to support Latinas First Foundation scholarship recipients with 12 monthly donations. Available donation tiers: $25, $50, $100, $150, $200, $250, $500, or $1,000 per month.
• One Time Donation One-time donation option with preset amounts ranging from $25 to $10,000, including an End of Year Giving special of $1,500. Available tiers: $25, $50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000.
• Scholarship Program Scholarship program providing financial support and mentorship opportunities for Latina students in Colorado, with scholarships for various academic levels and recognition of scholar achievements. Approximately 189 scholarships awarded since 2011.
• Annual Luncheon Events Annual recognition luncheons honoring Trailblazers and Unsung Heroines, featuring events such as the 14th Annual Luncheon on October 24, 2025 with special guests including Dolores Huerta.
• Southern Colorado Luncheon Regional luncheon events held at Colorado State University Pueblo celebrating scholars and raising funds for scholarships in Southern Colorado communities. 150 attendees in 2022 and over 200 attendees in 2023.
• Colfax Marathon Sponsorship Program Fundraising initiative where runners raise money for Latinas First Foundation while participating in the Denver Colfax Marathon, with sponsorship tiers available.
• Swinging for Scholarships Golf Tournament Annual golf tournament fundraising event at Pinehurst Country Club, with sponsorship opportunities including Presenting Sponsor ($5,000, includes 12 golfer entries, bay naming, website exposure), Lunch Sponsor ($2,000, 6 entries, bay naming), Beer Bucket Sponsor ($2,000), Bay Sponsor ($1,000, 6 entries), and Friends Team ($900, 6 entries).
• Custom Labeled Wine Partnership Limited-edition custom-labeled wine (red Sangiovese and white Chardonnay) sold in 2-packs at $50 with net proceeds supporting scholarships. Hosted volunteer appreciation events at Bonacquisti Wine Company Denver location.

Quantifiable outcome

• 189 scholarships awarded to Latina leaders since 2011
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, flagship and core.

• University of Colorado SystemminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 August 2022Executive Director Dr. Judi Diaz Bonacquisti was appointed to serve as Senior Diversity Officer for the University of Colorado system, reporting to CU President Todd Saliman. Demonstrates organizational credibility and connection to higher education.
• Denver BroncosflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 March 2021Denver Broncos supported Latinas First Foundation with a $20,000 donation for International Women's Day. Executive Director Judi Diaz Bonacquisti participated in (EM)POWER HOUR segment on Broncos website discussing the foundation's work serving girls and women.
• Macy'scoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 July 2020Macy's donated nearly 2,000 dresses from Westminster (Orchard Town Center), Cherry Creek, and Flatirons locations for Latinas First's Special Occasion Dress Giveaway. 40 racks of dresses were shared with the Latinas First Community.
• Miller Lite / HACUcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 July 2020Miller Lite partnership with Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to provide 40 scholarships to Hispanic college students. Program included leadership development and scholarships for students age 21+, attending HACU-member institutions in participating markets, who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents or DACA recipients.
• King SooperscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 June 2020King Soopers Community Rewards program partnership allowing shoppers to support Latinas First Foundation by linking their loyalty card. Foundation receives a percentage of all purchases made, applied directly to student scholarships. Non-Profit Organization Number: HL126.
• Colorado State University PueblocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSU Pueblo hosts Southern Colorado Luncheons and scholarship recognition events. Partnership includes hosting 150-200+ attendees, presentations by university leadership, and Folklorico dance performances. President Timothy Mottet participates in events.
• Community College of DenverminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of 2020 Speed Mentoring and Networking event, supporting mentorship programming for scholarship recipients and mentees.
• Megastar FinancialminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for golf tournament and scholarship programs. Listed as Bachelor's degree sponsor and Doctoral sponsor at various events.
• USBankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor for multiple events including 2022 Trailblazer Recognition Luncheon. Provided discount codes for community events.
• Breakthru BeverageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent sponsor for 10 Year Anniversary Kick Off and Top Golf events. Provided product donations for fundraising activities.
• Bonacquisti Wine CompanyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCreated custom-labeled wine (red Sangiovese and white Chardonnay) benefiting Latinas First Foundation. Sold at $50 for two-pack with net proceeds supporting scholarships. Hosted volunteer appreciation events at their Denver location.
• Cafecito DenvercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork of 800+ Latinas started 30 years ago by Rosemary Rodriguez, Ledy Garcia-Eckstein, Denise Maes, and Michelle Lucero. 45-member running team participates in Colfax Marathon to raise funds for scholarships.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Hispanic Federation: National Latino nonprofit that delivers education, economic, and civic empowerment programs, including scholarships and college-readiness initiatives, comparable to LFF's scholar development and community engagement work.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Largest national nonprofit providing scholarships and support services to Hispanic students, directly comparable to Latinas First Foundation's mission of funding Latina college scholars, but operating at a national scale with substantially larger donor base.
• MANA National (Hermana): A Latina-focused national advocacy and leadership development organization with scholarship, mentorship, and chapter-based community building directly comparable to LFF's Latina-specific mission and event-driven model.
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI): National nonprofit offering scholarships, leadership programs, and public-policy fellowships for Latino students and young professionals; the most direct peer given its combination of scholarship funding, mentorship, and leadership pipeline programming similar to LFF's integrated model.

Broad incumbents

• Women's Foundation of Colorado: Colorado-based women's foundation funding economic self-sufficiency, education, and leadership programs across the state; broader in mission but a directly relevant statewide philanthropic peer sharing LFF's Colorado footprint and donor community.
• ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America): National Latino professional association delivering scholarships, leadership development, and career pipelines to students and young professionals; broader professional-development focus than LFF's but with overlapping scholarship and mentoring programs.
• Prospanica: National professional organization for Hispanic professionals offering scholarships, professional development, and networking, overlapping with LFF's mentorship and networking programming but oriented toward the broader Hispanic (not specifically Latina) professional pipeline.

Emerging players

• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE): National organization providing scholarships, mentorship, and career development for Hispanic students pursuing STEM, partially overlapping with LFF's scholarship and mentoring mission but targeting a specific academic/major focus.
• Adelante Foundation: Regional Hispanic-focused nonprofit providing scholarships, education programs, and community leadership development; comparable in scale and scope to LFF as a similarly sized emerging Hispanic-serving scholarship foundation.

Others

• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU): National association representing Hispanic-Serving Institutions and administering scholarship programs including the Miller Lite/LFF co-developed program; an infrastructure and ecosystem partner rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/latinasfirst?lang=en
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@latinasfirst
• Facebookfacebook.com/LatinasFirst
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/latinas-first-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/latinasfirstfoundation/?hl=cs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Latinas First Foundation