The authors show how to design and implement philanthropic efforts that will engage Hispanic communities and attract the support of non- Hispanics as well. 1 From personal charity to organized giving: Hispanic institutions and values of stewardship and philanthropy Anya Peterson Royce, Ricardo Rodriguez FATHER VIRGIL ELIZONDO, writing of the struggle of Hispanic Catholics to claim their church, said, “All kinds of experts had stud- ied us, but no one had even sought to enter into conversation with us so that they might truly understand who we see ourselves to be” (Deck, 1995, p. 106). His words could be multiplied a hundred times—ten thousand times—and if not written or spoken, they are certainly experienced by Hispanics in this country. Mindful of the blinders of the “expert”—whether philanthropist, fundraiser, planner, or anthropologist—we have tried to listen with the ear of our hearts to the stories of Hispanics: clergy and laity; Roman Catholic and Evangelical; Mexican American, Cuban, and Puerto Rican. We have spoken with professional fundraisers, with program officers of foundations, with clergy involved both in fundraising and in developing leadership, with educators, with lead- ers of Hispanic organizations, with philanthropists, with parish NEW DIRECTIONS FOR PHILANTHROPIC FUNDRAISING, NO. 24, SUMMER 1999 © JOSSEY-BASS PUBLISHERS 9