Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment Through Research (HACER) is a research organization providing evaluation, leadership training and advocacy for other nonprofits serving the Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Guidance from HACER helps other organizations develop programs, projects and legislative advocacy strategies. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, these organizations needed more guidance than ever before. However, HACER – reliant on grant funding from government agencies – was forced to make changes to ensure the organization’s stability and future.

Executive Director Rodolfo Gutierrez completed his PPP application through his bank the day the second round of funding became available. Unfortunately, the bank had too many applications to process and was unable to help. A board member recommended Propel, a nonprofit service organization, which in turn recommended CRF.

Once receiving the PPP loan, HACER set forth to re-imagine the organization in an age of social distancing, prioritizing COVID-19 relief for its communities. Today, contracts with local public health agencies are helping HACER provide essential support for Hispanic and Latinx communities throughout the country.