UKIAH, CA., 3/13/25 – A new grant program in Mendocino County has the goal of lifting up the county’s growing Latino population, the Community Foundation of Mendocino County announced last week.
The new Luz Latina Fund will support sustainable, long-term efforts to support the Latino community in myriad ways: entrepreneurship, financial literacy, college and work-readiness for youth, safety and protection, and access to wellness services, the foundation said. The priorities were chosen by a group of Latinos from across the county.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Latinos comprise 28.1% of the Mendocino County population, a 26.5% increase since 2010.
“For decades, the Community Foundation has worked to strengthen the fabric of Mendocino County,” said Ulises Velasco, a board member of the foundation and vice president of student services at Mendocino College. “The Luz Latina Fund continues this commitment by addressing both immediate needs and long-term opportunities, alongside our Latino community partners.”
Velasco, who also serves as chair of the new fund, said the program will empower the community.
“This Fund is a reflection of our dedication to collaboration, equity, and providing the necessary support for Latino families to thrive,” he said.
The fund’s first grants will be awarded in the next year. More information can be found at communityfound.org/.
There’s enough food trucks for this town.
Isn’t it discrimination to ONLY give grants to Latinos? This is racism folks. How long will we sit by and let out local and state government continue with discrimination and racist grant money payed for with out tax dollars? Enough is enough, how many of these grantees will be illegal aliens?