Building Civic Power

Rest is Power: Sabbatical

Rest is a Right

The Rest is Power initiative is designed to celebrate and prioritize the importance of rest as a form of resistance, self-care, and renewal. We believe that rest is fundamental to fostering creativity, sustaining activism, and building resilience within our communities. It is transformational. Leaders who are rested lead stronger, dream bigger, and inspire more.

We’re breaking the burnout cycle for grassroots leaders who work tirelessly to uplift communities. Through rest, we’re recharging their brilliance and reigniting their impact.

Rest is Power

Since 2023, the Rest is Power Initiative has funded sabbaticals for 16 grassroots Latino leaders—honoring their work and fueling their impact through rest and renewal.

$800K

Total Grantmaking Dollars

16

Grantees

100%

of leaders benefited from time away from daily demands

100%

of leaders who took the sabbatical recognize the importance of implementing well-being practices for all

83%

indicated that the sabbatical program met or exceeded their expectations

What Is the Rest Is Power Sabbatical?

LCF takes the vanguard position in recognizing and addressing a crisis looming over our hard working Latino leaders: burnout. The Rest is Power Initiative is a pioneering program launched by LCF that advocates the importance of rest, not as a basic need, but a well-deserved right of our tireless leaders.  

We believe in the potential of a rested leader to better serve, inspire, and build stronger communities. This initiative provides programs, resources, and funding that enable our leaders to actualize this often-neglected aspect of their wellbeing.  We also support the management teams in whom the organization puts its trust during the sabbatical period. 

We’re giving leaders the time, space, and resources they need to recharge and reimagine what’s possible. Each program participant receives resources for: 

•Personal wellness 
•A flexible, general operating grant for their organization 
•A professional coach to keep things running smoothly in their absence  
•A community of like-minded leaders ready to inspire change 

Diana OrtizCEO. Youth Alliance
“We cannot pour from an empty cup, and we cannot lead from a place of exhaustion. The Sabbatical Program was a reminder that rest is power, and by taking time to restore myself, I came back more grounded, more focused, and more ready to build the future our communities deserve.”

Why Rest Matters

Rested leaders are unstoppable.

Our approach combines well-deserved rest for leaders with capacity support and leadership training for their staff, ensuring both personal rejuvenation and organizational growth.

Since launching, we’ve funded sabbaticals for 15 incredible grassroots leaders who are now back with renewed energy, bigger visions, and new ideas to uplift their communities.

Grantmaking FAQ

Our funding drives impact, supports innovation, and helps build a more equitable future.

Eligibility

What types of organizations do you fund?
We currently only fund organizations that are recognized as a 501(c)3 public charity by the IRS or are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 organization.

Do you fund individuals or for-profit organizations?
No, we do not provide grants to individuals or for-profit organizations. Our funding is dedicated to nonprofit organizations that meet our eligibility criteria.

How do I know if my organization is eligible for funding?
Eligibility requirements vary by grant program. Generally, your organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serve communities within our focus areas, and align with our funding priorities. Specific eligibility criteria can be found on each grant program’s page.

Funding Priorities

What are your priority funding areas?
Our funding priorities include civic engagement and economic justice within Latino communities. We seek to support programs that create measurable and sustainable impact in these areas.

What is LCF’s Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund?
LCF’s California Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund provides rapid-response and recovery support to community-based organizations that are trusted by impacted communities, are led by strong leadership, and have the capacity to respond to the immediate needs of Latino and BIPOC families. With its community partners, LCF ensures Latino and immigrant families are not left in the shadows of relief and rebuilding efforts. By investing directly in trusted grassroots organizations, LCF ensures an equitable, community-driven approach to disaster relief and recovery.

Application Process

How can my organization apply for a grant?

The large majority of our grantmaking is by invitation only. We proactively identify and invite organizations that align with our funding priorities to apply for grants. If you believe your organization is a strong fit, you are welcome to complete an Organizational Profile with us to give us more insight into your organization. On the rare occasion we conduct an open RFP process, we will advertise that on our social media platforms.

When does LCF make grantmaking decisions?

LCF awards its grants year-round, on a rolling basis. If your organization is awarded a grant, a member of the team will contact you with information about next steps.

Grant Management & Reporting

What are the reporting requirements for grantees?
Reporting requirements vary by grant and are outlined in the grant agreement.

Who can I contact for further questions?
For additional inquiries, please email grants@latinocf.org

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

We invite you to be part of this bold vision. Invest in Latino leadership. Invest in the power of rest. We can build a future where leaders are cared for, celebrated, and ready to take on anything.