Launched in 2022, the Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity Fund (CIELO Fund) is an initiative housed at the Inland Empire Community Foundation. It aims to uplift and invest in Latino communities within Riverside and San Bernardino counties by supporting nonprofit organizations, youth leadership, original research, and positive narratives about Latinos in the Inland Empire. Now in its third grant cycle, the CIELO Fund continues its commitment to addressing equity and opportunity gaps across the region.
The CIELO Fund focuses on critical issues that impact Latino communities, guided by commissioned research and a recent poll from UC Berkeley. Identified needs include access to affordable housing, healthy food, childcare and eldercare, good jobs, reliable energy, quality education and job training, transportation, internet and cell service, safe neighborhoods, immigration support, and clean water. The Fund gives special consideration to organizations that are Latino-led and Latino-serving, defined through leadership demographics and service history. Applicants must be headquartered or deeply rooted in the Inland Empire, with preference for those with budgets under $500,000.
Eligible applicants must be nonprofit, public benefit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or those working under a qualified fiscal sponsor. All applicants must adhere to non-discrimination policies in hiring and service delivery. Media outlets and narrative-based initiatives may also be considered. Organizations should demonstrate a history of serving Latino communities and present strategies that are both impactful and innovative.
The grant provides general operating support to help organizations strengthen capacity and infrastructure in alignment with the Fund’s focus areas. Grant awards are for a one-year term with a maximum amount of $15,000. Applicants are advised not to request more than this amount, as overages result in disqualification. Awards may vary below the maximum depending on resources and review outcomes.
The application process for the 2025 cycle opened on January 15, with a technical assistance workshop on February 5 and a final application deadline of February 27. Applications are evaluated by the CIELO Fund Grantmaking Committee, which makes recommendations to the IECF Board of Directors. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in March 2025.
For additional questions, organizations can contact Celia Cudiamat, Chief Impact Officer, at ccudiamat@iegives.org or reach the CIELO Fund team via cielo@iegives.org. Full grant guidelines are available online, and applicants are encouraged to review them thoroughly before submitting their proposals.
Demonstrate alignment with Latino-led and Latino-serving criteria, and show innovation in addressing issue areas.
