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/ What We Do / Invest

Investing in the Growing Latino Community

Connecting with the Community, Growing Opportunity

The Latino Community Foundation seeks to increase financial investment in small to mid-size community-based organizations providing direct service in health care and education to Latino families in need. We achieve this through innovative grantmaking that fosters philanthropic giving among Latinos, the general public, foundations and corporations.

Serving the Latino Community

Building a community foundation that focuses on the growing Latino population is imperative. At LCF our goal is to build a highly specialized community foundation serving grantees, the community, and donors in new ways. Our core competency is identifying critical regional organizations serving Latino families, and growing their capacity through direct grants and collaborative technical assistance opportunities. Our grantmaking programs and other activities align with our mission to foster healthy and empowered Latino communities.

Most importantly, investing with LCF results in a "double bottom line," the expansion of vital community services and the strengthening of Latino families.

Bridging the Budget Gap

Over the past year a consistent theme has arisen. Community-based service organizations are experiencing a growing demand for services, while at the same receiving less government funding. Budget short falls at the local, county, state and federal levels have forced cuts to many critical social services. California's own budget crisis has resulted in mandatory cuts among all programs of 10% in current-year funding with additional cuts anticipated next year. For non-profits serving at-risk or minority populations the result will be challenging.

As a funder, we connect our community partners with donors in order to increase investment in Latino-serving organizations and build awareness of the impact they can have on Latino communities.