The Siembra Latinos Fund (SLF) was created by a group of local Latino leaders to build on a culture of philanthropy. It grants to local nonprofits working to advance economic mobility for Monterey County’s Latino community. “Siembra” means “to sow” and the fund seeks to grow opportunity and improve quality of life, now and for the future.
Cultivating Latino leadership and opportunity in Monterey County
Healthy, safe and engaged Latino communities
The 9th Annual Siembra Latinos Celebration was held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at One Main Street in Salinas. It was a truly special event that honored the impact of the Latino community and the power of collective giving. Guests enjoyed delicious food and wine, live music performed by Nancy Cardiel and heartfelt stories of impact shared by evening emcee Veronica Macias, Siembra Latinos Fund Advisory Council members and Jacob Ayón from Siembra grant recipient, Digital NEST. The evening culminated with the presentation of the 2026 Alfred Diaz-Infante Award to Anna Velazquez, Mayor of the City of Soledad, dedicated public servant and community advocate.
Event proceeds benefit grants to local nonprofits working to advance economic mobility for Monterey County’s Latino community. Thank you to everyone who joined us, including donors, supporters, friends and our generous event sponsors.
Presenting Sponsor – Clinica de Salud
Diamond Sponsor – PG&E
Platinum Sponsors – CalWater, Center for Community Advocacy (CCA), Monterey Bay Aquarium, Natividad Medical Foundation, Pacific Valley Bank, Trinidad and Lupe Gomez Family Fund, Wendy Root Askew, Anna Velázquez and Felipe Melchor
Gold Sponsors – Jose & Brenda Arreola, Bay Federal Credit Union, Central Coast Community Energy, CHISPA, Hartnell College Foundation, Soledad Community Health Care District, Judge Lydia Villarreal, Voler Strategic Advisors
Sound System – Soledad Hair Company
Coffee – KAFENS, Café de Olla
Beverages – Vallarta Supermarkets
Media Sponsor – KION Central Coast, FOX35 & Telemundo
Thank you to Richard Green for the beautiful event photography.
The Alfred Diaz-Infante Award honors the spirit of Alfred Diaz-Infante, a community leader and nonprofit executive who created partnerships to elevate the Latino community in Monterey County.
Click here for more information, nomination timeline/form and more.
A local advisory council provides oversight, sets grantmaking priorities and raises funds to grant to nonprofit organizations serving Monterey County Latinos. The advisory council members are: Louie (Luis) Diaz-Infante Jr. (Chair), Jose Arreola (Vice Chair), Isaura Arreguin, Jose Luis Barajas, Jonathan De Anda, Gino Garcia, Dr. Ida Lopez Chan, Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Lorraine Yglesias and Martha Zárate.
The Seeds of Change campaign helps build the Siembra Latinos Fund endowment to create opportunities for Monterey County Latinos.
The SLF is a field of interest fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC). The CFMC provides financial stewardship, administrative support and the services of a fully accredited community foundation that is held to rigorous National Standards.
The goal of the fund is to make grants now while building an endowment for the future.
Join us in creating healthy, safe, engaged Latino communities!
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