She was thinking about her community in Houston—the young people who deserved access to green spaces, the neighborhoods that needed investment, and the vision her team at the Student Conservation Association (SCA) had been building on the ground for years. What she didn’t yet have was the experience—or the roadmap—to translate that vision into a competitive grant.

Across the country, many organizations are deeply rooted in their communities and driven by a clear mission—but too often, systemic barriers limit their access to the resources and opportunities needed to grow that impact. One of those barriers is grant writing: a critical tool not just for funding, but for shaping narratives, influencing investment, and sustaining long-term change.

The Student Conservation Association (SCA), a national leader in youth-driven environmental service, knows the importance of engaging young people in conservation. Yet like many organizations, their team had limited experience navigating the complexities of grant development—an essential step in connecting their work to broader systems of support and investment.

Through Hispanic Access’ Community Navigator Program and its Cultivando Side by Side: Introduction to the World of Grant Writing training, SCA joined a cohort of leaders building both skills and relationships. Over eight weeks, participants engaged in group learning and one-on-one support, strengthening their ability to tell their story, align programs with funder priorities, and develop budgets and evaluation frameworks. Just as importantly, they exchanged knowledge with peers—building connections that extend beyond a single training. This experience reflects a broader approach: investing in leaders so they can more effectively navigate and influence the systems that shape opportunity.
SCA applied what they learned by submitting a proposal to Hispanic Access’ Nuestros Bosques forestry program. While the application itself was an important milestone, the process became an opportunity to build confidence, refine their narrative, and deepen their strategic thinking.

For Valeria Casas, SCA’s program lead in Houston, the experience marked a turning point:
“Submitting the proposal for our SCA Houston Urban Green: Roots to Resilience project was not only a milestone for my team but also a deeply meaningful personal achievement—it was my first grant to write, lead, and submit, made possible with the support of my Houston partners and your expertise.”

Although SCA was not selected for funding, the impact of the experience extended far beyond a single grant cycle. Through this process, their team strengthened their ability to position their work, engage with funders, and pursue future opportunities with greater clarity and confidence.

By equipping leaders with tools, fostering peer exchange, and walking alongside organizations as they grow, Hispanic Access helps shift what’s possible—not just for individual organizations, but for the communities they serve. Over time, these investments contribute to stronger networks, more effective collaboration, and greater influence in the decisions and systems that shape conservation and community well-being.