Latinos in Development (LID), the only association of its kind in the United States, was founded by Juan Calixto and Maria Socorro Pesqueira to facilitate communication among Latinos in the fundraising profession. They recognized that there were professional Latino fundraisers, but not a forum where they could network and focus on professional development and Latino philanthropy in Chicago. On March 3, 1997, seven initial members conducted the first meeting that led to the birth of LID. The members included Juan Calixto, Nalani McClendon, Maria Mangual, Maria Socorro Pesqueira, Jeanette Rodriguez, Lidia Sarpy, and Susana Vasquez.

Since then, LID has grown its membership to include fundraising professionals from various nonprofit organizations, as well as consultants, who collectively raise over 50 million dollars for Latino and broader causes. In 2006, LID underwent a strategic planning process that led to the election of its first board of directors in 2007, and began the process of incorporation.

LID hosts various events throughout the year, including speaker presentations, networking events, and forums for discussion with key players in the fundraising and philanthropic fields. Two key annual events are presented in collaboration with other professional associations:

• Breakin' It Down Conference - Initiated in 1997 by LID as a half-day workshop for Latino fundraisers, this event, since 2003, is developed in partnership with other fundraising/philanthropic professional associations. Breakin' It Down is now a one day conference developed in collaboration with Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP), Black in Development (BID), Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy (CAAIP), and Chicago Latinos in Philanthropy (CLIP). Usually held in October, the event offers various workshops, a luncheon, speed networking with foundation representatives, and a social after the event for networking.

• Latino Community Donor Awards (LCDA)-Launched in 1997 by LID and CLIP, this annual event honors individuals and philanthropic vehicles – not necessarily publicly recognized for their giving – that make financial contributions in support of nonprofit agencies and/or causes that serve Latino communities located throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. In recognizing these donors, the LCDA celebrates and promotes the philanthropic character and practice of giving by and for the Latino community.