Siembra Latinos Fund

Siembra Latinos Fund

The Siembra Latinos Fund (SLF) was created to improve the quality of life for Latino residents of Monterey County

What is the Siembra Latinos Fund?

The Siembra Latinos Fund was created by a group of local Latino leaders to inspire giving by and for Latinos and build on a culture of philanthropy. “Siembra” means “to sow” and the fund seeks to grow opportunity for the Latino Community in Monterey County.

Mission

To inspire philanthropy and giving by Latinos for Latinos in Monterey County

Vision

Healthy, safe and engaged Latino communities

Impact

  • Improved educational opportunities for youth in Salinas
  • Supported boxing classes and training for youth in King City
  • Expanded arts and cultural experiences in Seaside and Salinas
  • Invested in health and wellness in South County
  • Backed leadership development for youth in Greenfield
  • Funded Census outreach and education for Latinos throughout Monterey County in 2019
  • Granted $15,000 to provide immediate financial relief to 50 families at the onset of the pandemic in 2020
  • Granted $23,000 to six organizations in 2021

2021 grantees include: First Night Monterey for its Greenfield Cultural Arts Program, Salinas Community Science Workshop for Saturday School Science Workshop, Digital NEST to support youth members conducting research to address community needs, Santa Cruz Community Ventures for Economic Recovery of Rural Monterey County Latinos, King City Boxing Club to provide positive activities for youth in King City, YWCA Monterey County for Youth Education and Advocacy.

Past Grants

Past Grants

2020: $15,000 to CFMC COVID-19 Relief Fund

  • The $15,000 was awarded to Palenke Arts to support the immediate needs of Latino families, primarily those ineligible to receive federal assistance and unemployment.

2019: $5,000 to Census 2020 Fund

  • Awarded 4 grants to organizations working for a fair and accurate Census count: California Rural Legal Assistance; Centeral Coast Center for Independent Living; Loaves, Fishes & Computers; Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance

2018: $20,000 Awarded

  • Awarded grants to organizations including: Palenke Arts; YMCA; King City Boxing; Centro Binacional; Life is for Everyone; Loaves, Fishes & Computers

Be a Part of the Siembra Latinos Family

My parents instilled in us culture, family, values and philanthropy. – Judy Guzman Krueger, Siembra Latinos Fund Donor

Siembra Latinos Fund Advisory Board

A local advisory board provides oversight, sets grantmaking priorities, and raises funds to grant to nonprofit organizations serving Monterey County Latino youth, seniors and families. The advisory board members are: Ida Lopez (Chair), Chris Barrera, Lluvia Del Rio, Elsa Jimenez, Alexis Arrazola, Lorraine Yglesias and Martha Zarate.

  • Lorraine Yglesias

    Why Siembra? Because I want our Gente to understand their economic power and  influence. – Lorraine Yglesias, SLF Advisory Board

  • Para mi es importante apoyar a Siembra Latinos Fund porque es una oportunidad para los latinos con sueños de superación. (For me it’s important to support Siembra Latinos Fund because it’s an opportunity for Latinos with dreams of self-improvement.) – Martha Zárate, SLF Advisory Board
  • You cannot hope to build a better world without helping those around you. I joined Siembra to do exactly that. To uplift voices and to ensure that through a collaborative effort, we can do our part in making our communities stronger than ever. – Alexis Garcia-Arrazola, SLF Advisory Board
  • Lluvia Del Rio
    Why Siembra? Because we need to guide people to the realization that giving will improve our community. – Lluvia Del Rio, SLF Advisory Board
  • Ida Lopez Chan HeadshotThe Siembra Latinos Fund allows me to pay it forward to honor the legacy of my family who came here seeking the American Dream.  It is the foundation for our community to prosper, grow, and thrive. – Ida Lopez Chan, SLF Advisory Board

Give Now – Double Your Gift Thanks to Union Bank

Union Bank will match all gifts up to $10,000

The goal of the fund is to make grants now while building an endowment for the future.

  • Half of your gift will go to the endowment to become a permanent resource for Latinos in Monterey County and half will be available to make local grants.
  • All potential grants will be reviewed by the SLF advisory board.
  • Gifts in the name of loved ones, planned gifts and legacies established through your estate are additional ways to support the SLF.
  • You can support the fund by clicking the Give Now button below.

Give Now

Why Give?

Watch this video from the Siembra Latinos Fund Launch to hear why donors support the fund.

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.