The Hispanic population in the United States is growing in numbers, is characterized by diversity, and its growing impact on American society has caused the Ford Foundation to explore new Foundation initiatives. The 1980 census counted 14.6 million Hispanics on the U.S. mainland: 60% Mexican American, 14% Puerto Rican, 6% Cuban, and 20% other. The Hispanic population is characterized by rapid growth attributed to high fertility and high immigration rates, and possibly also to improved census methods); a relatively low median age of 23 years; and a low socioeconomic level based on income, education, and employment considerations. Statistics indicate that Hispanics fall between blacks and whites in median family income, that some 30% of Hispanic families fall below the official poverty level compared to 12% of non-Hispanic white families, and that Hispanic unemployment is about 60% higher than that of whites. Hispanics experience a serious gap in educational achievement at all educational levels as compared to whites. Contributing factors include family socioeconomic background, English language ability, and nativity, as well as the school system itself. The Ford Foundation has expanded its efforts to improve the condition of Hispanics by supporting efforts in community and economic development, research and policy analysis, social services, education, leadership development, and philanthropic activity by mainland funders based in Puerto Rico. (MM)