Responding to the Moment: How Philanthropy can Support Latino Nonprofits

In our most difficult moments, we lean on what make us strong. We come from generations of people who are generous, community-driven, and resilient. At a time when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, we rise up to protect our elders and the most vulnerable in our community.

At the Latino Community Foundation, we have established the Love Not Fear Fund to support Latino-led organizations that provide wrap around and emergency services to the most vulnerable, especially undocumented seniors in the Inland Empire and Central Valley and families dealing with wage loss. The Fund will provide core support to organizations that will offer financial aid to families that have already experienced wage loss.

Join us to support Latino families and grassroots organizations, who are at the heart of everything we do. Aside from our fund, here are some other ways you can support:

Ways to Support Nonprofits:

1. Offer Flexible Dollars and Be Authentic Partners

Nonprofits are making tough decisions to cancel fundraising events, even as they attempt to continue to fulfill their missions and program plans. You can help offset losses in revenue with rapid response general operating funds and multi-year investments that will ensure organizations can carry out their mission even amid a rapidly changing landscape. Check out our Power Map to find local Latino organizations to partner with.

2. Tech Support

Many of us take for granted the access we have to technology, particularly in the Bay Area. Latino families and the nonprofits who serve them, are more likely to be on the other side of a real, persistent digital divide. Half of Latino families in California, still don’t have internet access at home. Let this be a moment, we advocate to change this reality. We also encourage you to contribute laptops for staff, iPads for families, subscriptions to video conferencing software like zoom, and hotspots. Having tools and software will enable organizations to continue working and connecting with people, and better serve the families that are counting on them.

3. Reach Out and Listen

Let’s not make assumptions, ask leaders what they need and how you can help them. Checking up on frontline leaders is important! They value your love and everyday but especially during difficult times. They better than anyone also have a deep understanding of what the community needs and can point you to the most pressing needs.

Above all else, let’s be vessels of calm, compassion, and care. We have overcome so much; this is just another moment to persevere, unite, and lead with love.

Check out these Latino organizations working on the frontlines:

BITWISE | Central Valley. Visit website here. Call 559-460-7809 or email groceries@bitwiseindustries.com if you need grocery support in Madera, Fresno and Tulare County.

CANAL ALLIANCE | Marin County. Visit website here. Read more about their services updates here.

MEDA (Mission Economic Development Agency) | San Francisco. Visit website here.

NUESTRA CASA OF EAST PALO ALTO | Visit website here.

FATHERS AND FAMILIES OF SAN JOAQUIN | Stockton. FFSJ is providing meals for vulnerable Elders.

TODEC | Inland Empire. TODEC is providing resources, information and advocacy for vulnerable and undocumented elders.

Tech Resources:

INTERNET ACCESS: If students don’t have access to internet, they can call 1-844-488-8398.

Contribute to our Love Not Fear Fund

We have established the Love Not Fear Fund to support Latino-led organizations that provide wrap around services to seniors, especially undocumented seniors living in the Inland Empire and Central Valley. Contribute here.