Staff Report
In our most difficult moments, we lean on what makes us strong. For the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle (SBLGC), a local group of 15 community members connected through philanthropy, that means leaning into their culture, generosity and community.
The SBLGC was formed early this year to address the philanthropic inequity for Latino-led nonprofits. It is one of 23 giving circles across California that partners with the Latino Community Foundation.
The SBLGC has given its first grant to 805 UndocuFund. According to its website, 805 UndocuFund “is a collective effort among Ventura and Santa Barbara County-based grassroots organizations to assist local undocumented immigrant individuals and families who are excluded from federally funded safety net programs; that have been economically impacted by the loss of their homes, wages, and/or employment due to disasters in our community like wildfires, mudslides, and the coronavirus.”
“We are grateful for Santa Barbara’s Latino Giving Circle generous donation made to the 805 UndocuFund,” said Eder Gaona-Macedo, steering committee member with the 805 UndocuFund. “The local Latino Giving Circle’s commitment to support Latino-led nonprofits is a step towards to address philanthropic inequities.”
SBLGC says it is committed to paying it forward and taking civic action as the members know commitment to family and community is inherent in their culture, and this has the power to change the destiny of our youth.
The organization says that while Latinos make up 37 percent of California’s population, only 1.1 percent of philanthropic dollars’ support Latino nonprofits and even less (0.4 percent) support organizations that advocate for immigrants and refugees.
When the COVID-19 crisis hit, the group informed each other about the ways in which the virus impacted our communities. According to the SBLGC the COVID-19 pandemic exposed economic inequities tremendously affected Latino families throughout Santa Barbara County. From layoffs, lack of healthcare and childcare, to concerns over rent and food, Latino families bear the brunt of COVID-19.
SBLGC said immigrants and Latinos are keeping our nation alive, fed and resourced during this crisis, and deserve to have strong institutions that are invested in their health and success.
“We have to support families during this difficult time and also strengthen the organizations who will continue to advocate for the wellbeing of our communities long after COVID-19,” said Arcelia Sención, Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle member.
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 in improving the livelihood of Latino families. It is the only statewide foundation solely focused on investing in Latino youth and families in California. To learn more, visit https://latinocf.org/.
For more about the SBLGC, email Latinogivingcircle@gmail.com.
