Legacy of Organizing Turns into Historic Donor Movement in The Valley

Latino Community Foundation’s – Central Valley Latino Giving Circle invests first-ever round of grants totaling $115,000 to Support Latino Grassroots Nonprofits

FRESNO, CA July 25, 2017 – The Latino Community Foundation’s (LCF) Central Valley Latino Giving Circle unites Latinos from Modesto to Fresno to Bakersfield to invest $115,000 in Latino nonprofits that create opportunities for Latino youth and families to thrive.

The Central Valley is both the economic engine and the heart and soul of California—the 6th largest economy in the world. The Valley is home to a $35 billion agricultural industry fueled by Latino immigrant labor. Currently, more than 50% of the population is Latino and by 2060 the region’s population is projected to double. “Investing in Latino leaders, youth, and families is an investment in the future of the region and the State,” says Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, CEO of LCF, “and Latinos are boldly taking action to ensure our young people have the opportunities to complete college and get high paying jobs.”

The fight for progress has been hindered by a severe philanthropic underinvestment in Latino nonprofits and their leaders—especially those working on the frontlines. Less than 1.1% of philanthropic dollars are invested in Latino nonprofits. This reality has fueled a growing movement of Latino individual donors. The Central Valley Giving Circle is now part of the largest network of Latino donors in the country, organized by LCF. They have turned their organizing experience into a powerful tool for philanthropic action.

“As Latinos, generosity is part of our culture. More than 80 individuals have answered the call to lift up our communities,” says Tim Rios, founding member of the Giving Circle, “Together, we are rewriting the narrative of how Latinos engage in philanthropy for generations to come.”

Latino nonprofits to receive funds include: Community Center for the Arts & Technology, South Modesto Partnerships, Latina Leaders of Kern County, Fresno Barrios Unidos, and 9 others. For a complete list of nonprofits, please email Anna Gagliuffi: agagliuffi@latinocf.org

About Latino Community Foundation

LCF exists to unleash the power of Latinos in California. The Foundation fulfills this mission by building a movement of civically engaged philanthropic leaders, investing in Latino-led organizations, and increasing political and civic participation of Latinos in California. The Latino Giving Circle Network, one of LCF’s signature programs, is now the largest Latino donor network in the country.