How BMO supports Hispanic and Latino Communities across the U.S.
As BMO celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re also working to make an impact on the vibrant Hispanic and Latino communities across our U.S. footprint. We’re proud to partner with a wide range of organizations aiming to uplift and create opportunities for communities. Keep reading to learn more about our impact:
Parks California
To honor Hispanic Heritage Month, Parks California hosted an event in Los Angeles to celebrate the revitalized Los Angeles State Historic Park and bring attention to untold stories from the city’s history. A part of BMO’s $1 million dollar commitment over four years to Parks California that started in April, BMO colleagues joined other community partners at the event which the unveiling of the park’s annual art project created by local artist Andrea Campos.
Latinos Progresando
On August 9 in Chicago, Latinos Progresando celebrated the one-year anniversary of their new community center. Located at the former public library at Cermak and Fairfield, the center serves as a vibrant hub for community organizations, businesses, and residents to connect, access resources, and grow. The building is 100% electric and offers high-quality immigration legal services, support for small businesses, and various programs for the community.
Grameen America
BMO provided Grameen America with a $2 million grant to support the organization, with 1,800 women entrepreneurs/business owners served since 2023. Promotoras (Spanish for community health workers), conducted over 34 health-related workshops at Grameen America Center Meetings. The program aims to improve the health outcomes of low-income women of color. Last year, the Promotoras made over 50,000 health-related care referrals and delivered more than 9,500 health education workshops nationwide. Over the next three years, the program aims to serve women in Los Angeles and reach over 15,000 women and their families by 2026.
National Museum of Mexican Art
In 2022, BMO donated $500,000 to renovate the National Museum of Mexican Art’s main programming area. The funding created a brighter, more open space with improved technology and storage. It also enabled the hiring of staff to oversee programs and supported the expansion of onsite arts programming. The revamped studio now features versatile digital assets and a soundproof recording booth, benefiting community programs including Yollocalli Arts Reach’s radio show, “Wattz Up!” With BMO’s support, the National Museum of Mexican Art aims to double the number of students it serves in the community.
Telacu Education Foundation
In 2024, BMO partnered with the TELACU Foundation to support first-generation Hispanic and Latino students in Los Angeles. TELACU’s College Success program provides financial aid, academic and career guidance focusing on STEM and business sectors, workforce preparation, leadership development, and civic engagement. The program serves around 400 low-to-moderate-income, primarily first-generation Hispanic and Latino students annually. It aims to promote careers in high-growth/high-impact sectors.
Commitments Beyond the Community
Beyond these partnerships, BMO’s commitment extends even further through programs like BMO EMpower 2.0 and Zero Barriers to Business, focused on financial inclusion and removing barriers to success for Hispanic and Latino communities. Learn more about our impact since announcing BMO EMpower 2.0.