Contact:
Masha Chernyak
mchernyak@latinocf.org
415.533.9697
Latino Nonprofit Accelerator Makes History in Tech Hub of the World
Latino Community Foundation takes model from technology sector to revolutionize investments in Latino nonprofits in California
San Francisco, CA (Dec. 11, 2018)– When the Latino Community Foundation (LCF) launched its new model for nonprofit investment and capacity building, the Latino Nonprofit Accelerator, the tech-inspired program became the first-of-its-kind in the nation and created a huge source of much-needed resources for organizations throughout California.
On December 11th, LCF will host the Accelerator’s first Demo Day to showcase the brightest, most visionary Latino nonprofit leaders and their ideas for the future. At the end of the evening, investors from the tech field, foundations, and donors will award on-the-spot grants to groups that have a clear vision and strategy for transforming the lives of Latino youth and families.
Modeled after the tech industry’s Incubator investment structure, the Latino Nonprofit Accelerator builds the leadership of these organizations, secures resources to advance their mission, and creates pathways for them to deepen their impact. Over the past year, LCF offered funding, mentorship, and training on marketing, fundraising, and communications skills. Support for this model came from Google.org, The San Francisco Foundation, Akonadi Foundation and several others. Through this work, LCF has helped secure more than $1.3 million in funding to support the vision for social change carried out by these leaders and organizations.
“Latino-led nonprofits are on the frontlines of unleashing the cultural, economic and civic power of their respective communities,” said LCF CEO Jacqueline Martinez Garcel. “Yet, only 1.1% of philanthropic dollars are invested these organizations. This is a missed opportunity for philanthropy and we are committed to changing this reality—starting in California where Latinos make up nearly 40% of the population.”
The organizations that participate in the pilot year of the Accelerator have already experienced breakthroughs through this work. Jacob Martinez, Founder of Digital Nest in Watsonville, has secured more than half a million dollars in new funding to help him scale a model that is creating a new generation of Tech
entrepreneurs along the Central Coast. These are the sons and daughters of farmworkers and who are now entering job opportunities that will change the destiny of their families for generations to come.
“The love, support and mentorship we have received through the Latino Nonprofit Accelerator, has taken our work to another level and as a result we are changing the course of history for the families of our farmworker communities,” said Jacob.
“As a company that values equity, inclusiveness and diversity, we feel it’s important to shine a spotlight on the brilliant visionaries of the Latino community” said Adrian Schurr from Google.org. “We are proud to support the Latino Community Foundation, the only statewide foundation investing in grassroots Latino leadership, on this groundbreaking initiative that merges the power of tech with positive social impact.”
The organizations participating in DEMO Day include Chicana Latina Foundation, CURYJ, Digital Nest, Faith in the Valley, Fathers and Families of San Joaquin, H.O.M.E.Y, ODAT, Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos, and SIREN. These leaders focus on a range of issues from tech access to youth organizing. At the core of their work, they share the distinction of being trusted leaders for the Latino community.
“We began by asking ourselves what would happen if we invested in nonprofits the way we do in startups- what big impact that could have?” shared Masha Chernyak, vice president for policy and programs with LCF and lead on the Accelerator program. “Our nonprofit leaders have the vision and passion necessary to transform our State; all they need is the funding and platform. Demo Day is about offering that platform on a night that honors and celebrates the power of culture and community leadership.”
Media are encouraged to attend. For press passes to Demo Day or to arrange interviews with Accelerator leaders and Latino Community Foundation staff, please contact Masha Chernyak at mchernyak@latinocf.org and at 415.533.9697
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About Latino Community Foundation:
The Latino Community Foundation is on a mission to unleash the power of Latinos in California by investing in Latino-led organizations dedicated to the transformation of their communities. LCF has the largest network of Latino philanthropists in the country and has invested millions of dollars to improve the livelihood of Latino families. It is the only statewide foundation solely focused on investing in Latino youth and families in California. For more info, visit: www.latinocf.org
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