Few Latinos at California nonprofits

December 18, 2009

While Latinos are California's largest minority group, they are underrepresented in the state's nonprofit sector, a new study says.

While they account for about 36 percent of the state's population, Latinos account for only six percent of nonprofit executive directors, nine percent of board members and 28 percent of staffers, says the study from the Urban Institute.

Asian Americans also are underrepresented, but not as drastically, and African Americans are represented in proportion to their population.

Overall, people of color make up 57 percent of California's population, but hold only a quarter of the top executive posts at nonprofits, and 28 percent of board positions.

About 65 percent of the state's nonprofits overall have seen their revenues fall during the recession, while 44 percent saw demand grow.

Among groups led by people of color, however, 70 percent experienced revenue declines and 50 say demand rose.

The study was funded by the California Endowment, and the William and Flora Hewlett, James Irvine and David and Lucile Packard foundations.

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