National Puerto Rican Coalition

National Puerto Rican Coalition. Founded in 1977, it is a prominent nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the social and economic well-being of Puerto Ricans both on the United States mainland and in Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the coalition serves as a national voice, conducting research, shaping public policy, and building strategic alliances. It focuses on critical issues such as economic development, education, healthcare, and civic engagement for the Puerto Rican diaspora.

History

The organization was established in 1977 by a group of prominent Puerto Rican leaders, including Herman Badillo, the first Puerto Rican elected to the United States Congress. Its formation was a response to the need for a unified, national voice to address the challenges faced by the growing Puerto Rican diaspora in cities like New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it expanded its advocacy efforts, engaging with administrations from President Jimmy Carter to President Bill Clinton on issues including voting rights, poverty, and the political status of Puerto Rico. Key historical moments include its role during the debates over the Spanish–American War centennial and advocacy following natural disasters like Hurricane Hugo and Hurricane Maria.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to systematically strengthen and advance the social, political, and economic well-being of Puerto Ricans. Primary objectives include influencing and monitoring federal legislation and policy, increasing civic participation and voter registration, and promoting economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. It aims to serve as a bridge between the Puerto Rican community, the U.S. government, the private sector, and other national organizations like the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. A persistent objective is advocating for a permanent, non-territorial political solution for Puerto Rico acceptable to its people.

Programs and initiatives

Key programs include the **National Puerto Rican Agenda**, a collaborative platform uniting leaders from across the diaspora to set policy priorities. The **Herman Badillo Scholarship Program** provides financial assistance to students of Puerto Rican heritage. Its **Policy Institute** conducts research and publishes reports on issues such as demographics, health disparities, and veterans affairs. The coalition also runs nonpartisan **voter engagement** initiatives, partners with organizations like the Aspen Institute on leadership development, and has launched relief and recovery campaigns in the wake of crises like Hurricane Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership and structure

The organization is led by a President and CEO, a position held since 2009 by Rafael Fantauzzi. Governance is provided by a **Board of Directors** composed of leaders from business, academia, and the nonprofit sector, including figures like former New York State Assembly member Roberto Ramírez. An **Advisory Council** of prominent individuals, such as actress and activist Rosie Pérez, provides strategic guidance. The structure includes functional divisions for policy, communications, and development, and it maintains collaborative relationships with a network of over 100 community-based organizations across the United States.

Impact and recognition

The coalition has significantly influenced federal policy, including provisions in the Every Student Succeeds Act and advocacy for equitable disaster recovery funding through the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. Its research and testimony before bodies like the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources have shaped discussions on Puerto Rico's economic crisis and political status. It has been recognized by institutions such as the White House Office of Public Engagement and has received awards from groups like the Hispanic Federation. Its annual **Capital Awards** gala in Washington, D.C. honors leaders like Justice Sonia Sotomayor and has become a notable event in the Latino advocacy calendar.

Category:Puerto Rican diaspora in the United States Category:Political advocacy groups in the United States Category:Organizations based in Washington, D.C. Category:Non-profit organizations based in the United States