CEO Message: 2017 LCF Report

2017 brought it on. Divisive rhetoric turned into violent clashes in the streets of Charlottesville, harmful policies tore families apart, and multiple—albeit unsuccessful—attempts were made to weaken the constitutional rights and founding values of our Nation. All of this was layered by a parade of natural disasters that upended entire cities, states, and countries. The scale of loss and destruction weighed heavy on the human soul.

Yet, it was in the face of so much pain and devastation that the power of love ignited a courageous movement of action, kindness, and generosity. For the LCF team, our community partners, and allies, 2017 will be defined by this courage— a courage that fueled our determination to Rise Up and Lead with Purpose.

LCF joined forces with new partners, friends, and supporters to invest $1,080,700 into 64 Latino-led organizations working on the frontlines of social change. These organizations are creating opportunities for Latinos to thrive, building political power in communities, and safeguarding the values that make this country strong. These investments extend well beyond the dollars. This is about liberating capital for these organizations to restore hope and dignity at a critical moment in history!

LCF also collaborated with Google.org and The San Francisco Foundation to launch the first-of-its-kind Latino Nonprofit Accelerator. Our objective is to accelerate the growth and impact of Latino-led grassroots organizations across California. The leaders of these organizations have the entrepreneurial vision to take on the pressing issues affecting our families and communities because they are the ones closest to the people. The 15-month incubator will increase and diversify their revenue stream as well as build up their marketing and communications tactics to amplify their vision for change. This bold initiative is about accelerating hope and standing with our community leaders until their vision for social change is fulfilled.

In 2017, LCF also expanded the Latino Giving Circle Network®, which has earned the recognition as the largest network of civically engaged Latino philanthropists in the country. United by a shared sense of urgency and justice, this group of 450 philanthropic leaders invested $390,700 in core support grants to grassroots organizations this year alone.

I am most proud that nearly 40% of our grants were made to organizations in the Central Valley and Central Coast. This is the breadbasket of our country and the heart and soul of California! We will work diligently in 2018 to raise the visibility of the leaders that are driving a new vision for the Central Valley and continue increasing our grantmaking in the region.

I am also immensely grateful that LCF responded swiftly to the natural disasters that devastated our Latino communities in Northern California, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Thanks to allies like you, LCF raised nearly $1 million from individuals, businesses, and foundations from across the U.S. These resources are being invested to meet the immediate and long-term needs of Latino families hardest hit by the disasters. In Northern California, we are working alongside our partners to secure an equitable and just recovery for families affected by the wildfires. We will not stop until the region is remade as a place where Latinos and immigrants—the backbone of the economy—all have the opportunity to thrive.

These are not ordinary times. The demand for all of us to act bravely goes beyond a moral imperative. It’s time for California to live up to its progressive ideals. The world is watching. And, our commitment to equity
is about safeguarding our democracy for this and future generations.

We are grateful for each one of you who has invested in our mission, stood with us at this critical time, and led with radical hope and unwavering courage! This year-end report is all about you. Because you are the leaders we have all been waiting for—and together we are unstoppable!

With enormous love and gratitude,