Latino Community Foundation

Apr 13, 2022

Organizations will advocate for and steward federal resources to address mental health, housing, broadband access, and small business relief, among other topics. April 13, 2022 10:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time SAN FRANCISCO--( BUSINESS WIRE )--As the American Rescue Plan enters its second year of implementation, the Latino Community Foundation (LCF) today announced $1.4 million in grants to 35 Latino-led organizations across the state of California working to ensure the equitable distribution and implementation of these federal funds. With local cities and counties expected to receive $16 billion of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, these organizations stand ready to ensure these federal dollars are aligned with the priorities of Latino communities. From broadband access and emergency rental assistance to mental health resources for youth, Latino communities across the state are prepared to make their rightful claim to these resources. A grantmaking committee comprised of community leaders across the state worked with LCF staff to select these organizations. “After a devastating season of loss and heartache for families across California, community leaders are determined to ensure that these federal funds reach the people most impacted by the pandemic,” said Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation. “We are honored to partner with these leaders to build a new normal that leverages President Biden’s decisive actions to help communities recover from this crisis.” “I was proud to cast one of my first votes in the United States Senate for the American Rescue Plan,” Senator Alex Padilla said. “This historic piece of legislation has already helped Latino families across California, many of whom were among the hardest hit by the pandemic, but our work continues. I am grateful that the Latino Community Foundation is working with grassroot leaders to ensure these federal resources continue to reach the people who need it most.” “Our community members were considered essential workers throughout the pandemic,” said Daniela Flores, Co-Founder of the Imperial Valley Equity and Justice Coalition in Calexico, California. “Now it is time to ensure these resources create the opportunities for our essential families to move from simply surviving to thriving.” These grants are part of the California Latino Power Fund , the $50 million philanthropic initiative led by LCF that seeks to unleash the civic and economic power of Latinos. On April 19th in San Francisco, LCF will be convening philanthropic, state and community leaders, and decision makers to discuss how the American Rescue Plan represents a power building moment for Latinos in the state. The grantees selected were: