Latino Giving Circles, Empowering Community

Interview with Anais Amaya, LGCN Director

Posted on February 4, 2024 by isajubes in BLOG, Literature, Journalism, Philosophy, Philanthropy..., Radio Show "Atenea Americana", SHOW ENG // 0 Comments

Latino Community Foundation

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Today we are talking with Anais Amaya, from the Latino Community Foundation to talk about the Latino Giving Circles. As the Director of LGCN, Anais plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic expansion of Latino Giving Circles in Southern California for LCF. Having recently relocated her family to Los Angeles, she also embarked on the entrepreneurial journey of launching her business, Raices, dedicated to supporting indigenous artisans in Mexico.

Before her tenure at LCF, Anais earned the prestigious Heroes and Hearts Award from the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. This accolade recognized her outstanding contributions as the program manager of the ZSFG Health Advocates. In this role, she led a multi-lingual program that actively screened patients to identify and address their social determinants of health by connecting them with the appropriate community resources.

The Latino Giving Circle Network encompasses a diverse array of individuals from various walks of life, spanning generations such as Baby Boomers to Millennials, and encompassing professionals ranging from CEOs to emerging talents. Inclusivity extends beyond nationality, encompassing both immigrants and US-born individuals, as well as Latinos and non-Latinos alike. Within this network, each participant has the opportunity to harness our collective influence, contributing to the growth of our community and fostering personal and civic leadership development. With over 500 Californians having joined this network, together, we exemplify the transformative power of generosity, cultural richness, and people-driven social change.

Participating in a Giving Circle provides an ideal platform to collaborate with leaders and organizations at the forefront of community-driven solutions, engaging in local civic action alongside like-minded individuals. The Latino Community Foundation (LCF) and its Latino Giving Circles (LGC) currently has more than 20 active circles, with new circles launched annually.

LCF realizes its mission by fostering a movement of actively engaged philanthropic leaders, directing investments towards Latino-led organizations, and amplifying the political involvement of Latinos across California.

LCF initially emerged as an affinity group under the United Way of the Bay Area, aiming to boost workplace donations to Latino organizations. In 2003, Sandra Hernandez, then President and CEO of The San Francisco Foundation (TSFF), transformed LCF into a supporting organization of TSFF, ushering in new leadership and expanding its scope of work.

Under the guidance of Board Chair Aida Alvarez and Vice Chair Arabella Martinez, LCF embarked on a trajectory of growth. Later, the Foundation spearheaded numerous initiatives enhancing the health and well-being of countless Latino families in the Bay Area. By 2016, LCF transitioned into an independent statewide foundation with a dedicated mission to unleash the collective power of Latinos in California. Positioned uniquely at the intersection of corporate, political, and grassroots influence, LCF cultivates and nurtures relationships, aiming to accelerate impact in unprecedented ways.

So, how does a Giving Circle work?

Each member commits a minimum annual contribution of $1,000 (or $85 per month). Collectively, the Giving Circle collaboratively determines its funding and collective action priorities. LCF collaborates closely with each circle, helping identify Latino-led organizations aligned with their focus areas and supporting circle leaders in facilitating member participation. Annually, each Giving Circle deliberates on how to invest their combined resources, all while enjoying the camaraderie of dinners filled with laughter and joy. We stand united as a movement of leaders, eager to invest our time, talent, and resources in uplifting those leaders and organizations dedicated to the prosperity of our communities.

As usual, thank you for listening to our show “Atenea Americana” as part of my effort at Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting. You can listen to all our shows here or on your favorite podcast apps. You can help to make programs like this possible by leaving your comments, subscribing to our website and podcast channels, following us, sharing links, contributing with your ideas or materials, sharing our social networks, and more. Remember to check our “Contribute” to learn more.