In a significant move to bolster Hispanic pastoral leadership and congregational vitality, the Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas (Convención) has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The funding is designated for the “Adelante: Developing Capacity in Service of Hispanic Congregations and Leaders” initiative, a collaborative project with the National Hispanic Baptist Network (NHBN).
“This investment by Lilly Endowment will significantly increase Convención’s capacity in the areas of leadership, finance and administration,” said Convención Executive Director Jesse Rincones. “We’re especially excited about being able to invest in the next generation of leaders.”
The initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of organizations that support Hispanic ministries across the nation. The grant will facilitate the establishment of key leadership roles within both Convención and NHBN. Specifically, NHBN has appointed a full-time executive director and will appoint a communications/development director, while Convención will bring on board a director of development focused on fundraising and fostering strategic partnerships.
A cornerstone of this endeavor is the launch of Convención’s Young Latino Leaders Development Initiative (YLL). This year-long program aims to equip emerging Latino Baptist leaders through personal development and hands-on ministry projects within their communities. Participants will receive training and certification from the Hispanic Leadership Academy, in collaboration with the Center for Hispanic Leadership. The program will culminate in a retreat in Washington D.C., providing these young leaders with exposure to organizations and individuals addressing issues pertinent to Hispanic communities.
The partnership development funds will also enable NHBN to collaborate with state and regional leaders, enhancing training opportunities, pastoral health and church revitalization efforts. To ensure sustainable growth, NHBN plans to engage Generis Solutions, a generosity strategy organization, for a comprehensive development assessment.
“The National Hispanic Baptist Network is very grateful to Lilly Endowment,” said NHBN Executive Director Bruno Molina. “This grant will help us to work with Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas to develop our capacity for long-term sustainability as we connect on mission, contribute resources, and celebrate what God is doing among us. In particular, we look forward to strengthening our pastors and their families through the establishment of a pastoral support initiative and the development of our emerging leaders. To God be the glory!”
Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas is among 23 organizations nationwide receiving grants through Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Strengthen Hispanic Pastoral Leaders and Congregations. This initiative underscores Lilly Endowment’s commitment to supporting and empowering Hispanic faith communities across the United States.
About Lilly Endowment Inc.
From lillyendowment.org: Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation established in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While these gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it operates independently of the company, with a distinct governing board, staff, and location. In alignment with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports causes related to community development, education, and religion, maintaining a special commitment to its hometown of Indianapolis and home state of Indiana. A primary aim of its grantmaking in religion is to deepen the religious lives of Christians by supporting efforts that enhance congregational vitality and strengthen the leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment values the broad diversity of Christian traditions and endeavors to support them in a wide variety of contexts. Additionally, it seeks to foster public understanding about religion by encouraging fair, accurate, and balanced portrayals of its impact on the world and highlighting the contributions of people of all faiths to civic well-being.
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