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 our culture, our generosity, and our community.

The Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle was formed early this year to address the philanthropic inequity for Latino-led nonprofits. SBLGC is one of 23 giving circles across California that partners with the Latino Community Foundation.

SBLGC is committed to paying it forward and taking civic action as we know commitment to family and community is inherent in our culture, and this has the power to change the destiny of our youth.

While Latinos make up 37% of California’s population, only 1.1% of philanthropic dollars’ support Latino nonprofits and even less (.4%) support organizations that advocate for immigrants and refugees.

When the COVID-19 crisis hit, we informed each other about the ways in which the virus impacted our communities. 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.

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.

“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.”

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.