Each year, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos recognizes numerous individuals with the Courage & Civility Award, recognizing people making significant contributions to society and encouraging large-scale charitable donations. This year, actress and activist Eva Longoria has been honored and will donate the $50 million prize to her nonprofit organization, the Eva Longoria Foundation.
“Twelve years ago, I started the Eva Longoria Foundation because Latinos believe in the American Dream, but we don’t always have enough access to it,” said Longoria. “I am honored and thrilled to have this opportunity to build and expand on that work to invest in the infrastructure of opportunity for my community.”
In 2012, Longoria created the Eva Longoria Foundation to help Latinas gain access to the educational and entrepreneurial opportunities that they are often denied. According to studies conducted with the UCLA Civil Rights Project, about 80% of Latinas want to pursue an education. Still, only 15% go on to get their degree and over 20% drop out of high school before reaching that point. For those working on their education, the foundation provides scholarship opportunities, an outstanding STEM program and a parent support program to help families understand how they can help their children complete their education.
Organizations like Longoria’s are responsible for the massive increase in the percentage of Latinas earning degrees, seeing a quadruple increase from 2000 to 2001. Latinas who want to start or build upon their businesses can also utilize the foundation. The foundation offers mentorship opportunities, business training and workshops, as well as exclusive access to millions of dollars in funding.
In the last 10 years, Latina entrepreneurs have skyrocketed by 137%. However, many of these businesses struggle due to an opportunity gap in funding and resources. The Eva Longoria Foundation attempts to fill these gaps with its numerous programs, resources and capital prospects.
However, Longoria’s work with her foundation isn’t the only reason for receiving the $50 million charity grant. For several decades, Longoria has used her platform to advocate for the Hispanic community, women and other social justice issues, especially regarding representation, voting, education, employment, business ownership and overall opportunity. She is also an entrepreneur, striving to use her business model to help others.
“I come from a very philanthropic family, so for me, being involved in my community and giving back and the word ‘volunteer’ were instilled in me very early,” Longoria told Variety in a 2018 interview. “I knew I was going to be that person with or without a large platform.”
Longoria’s donation to her foundation also builds upon one of her biggest philanthropic passions and one of her most well-known quotes: “I believe in the power and potential of Latinas.”
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