Joshua Moreno: On Philanthropy & Showing Up for Others

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions, and resilience of the Latine communities in Chicago and across the country. As The Chicago Community Trust celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, we sat down with Joshua Moreno to talk about how his heritage and values have shaped his approach to philanthropy and community involvement. Joshua learned early on that philanthropy isn’t about wealth, it’s about showing up for others with whatever you can offer.

Today, Joshua shares this commitment with Nuestro Futuro, one of six affinity funds at the Trust. Nuestro Futuro is the largest affinity fund in the nation dedicated to Latine philanthropy. In our conversation with Joshua, we explore how personal history, cultural values, and community impact have influenced his approach to philanthropy.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, how do you reflect on your own heritage and the values that have shaped your journey in philanthropy and community involvement?

Joshua Moreno: When I think about my heritage and how it’s shaped my path in philanthropy, two values stand out: family and faith. I come from a Mexican background and both of my parents immigrated from different states in Mexico and met here in the U.S. Growing up, I was surrounded by family. For a time, we all lived under one roof, including my cousins, aunts, and uncles. I saw firsthand how we supported one another. As people found stability, moved out, and built their own lives, it was always family who stepped in when we needed one another. Whether it was lending money for a car, helping with rent, or simply showing up, that sense of mutual care was our community.

What initially inspired you to get involved in your community, both through volunteer work and financial contributions? Was there a moment or influence that sparked that commitment?

JM: My earliest inspiration came from my church community, which instilled in me the value of giving from a young age. We often talked about offering the first fruits of our labor, and so I made it a point to give a portion back to my parents and the church, even when I only made seven dollars an hour. That practice of intentional giving has stayed with me throughout my life, regardless of my income level or job title.

A specific moment that truly shaped my commitment to my community was during college. I didn’t have a laptop, and my church, made up largely of undocumented, blue-collar employees, came together to raise $650 to help me purchase one and cover part of my tuition. I did not ask my community to support me; instead, it was a powerful message that my community believed in me and was willing to invest in my future. That experience taught me that giving isn’t about how much you have, it’s about showing up for others with whatever you can offer. It’s a mindset I’ve carried with me ever since, and it continues to guide how I engage with and support my community today.

What do you hope your support helps accomplish?

JM: One of the most meaningful things I hope my support can offer is flexibility, specifically unrestricted funding that allows leaders to respond to the real-time needs of their communities. Too often, funding comes with strings attached, but when we trust community leaders to make decisions based on their lived experience and expertise, we empower them to do what’s best for the people they serve. Beyond that, I have lived in these communities. I believe that a city can’t truly thrive unless every part of it is thriving, including those that have been historically under-resourced. My hope is that my support contributes to a more equitable Chicago, where all communities have the resources and opportunities they need to flourish.

How has your identity as a Hispanic individual influenced your perspective on philanthropy or community involvement?

JM: I grew up witnessing my parents and other low-income community members give what they could, even if it was just a few dollars in a church offering basket. They may not have called it philanthropy, but that’s exactly what it was: giving with intention, heart, and a deep commitment to serving others. I see myself as part of a continuum, honoring that example set by my family and community, while also expanding on what it means to be a philanthropist in the spaces I now occupy. Part of my responsibility is to represent my community and to advocate for why giving, whether through time, money or influence, matters. It’s about carrying the values I was raised with to be a visible example of what philanthropy can look like.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get more involved in their community but isn’t sure where to start, especially younger professionals?

JM: Start local. I am a big believer in supporting community-based organizations, especially those rooted in the neighborhoods we live in. I’d suggest three simple steps: first, identify a cause that matters to you and find an organization working on that issue. Second, reach out to them, send an email, call, and ask how you can get involved. Third, either volunteer your time or set up a recurring donation. I’ve found that when you give consistently, you’re not just supporting a mission, you’re investing in the future of your community.