Melgar envisioned a fund created by Latinos for Latinos and began reaching out to Latino leaders in the community, building a committee that includes Helen Torres; Tomás D. Morales; Diana Z. Rodriguez; Elizabeth Romero; Silvia Paz; Luz Gallegos; Angel Rodriguez; Sergio Bohon; Marisa Valdez Yeager and Marco Robles.

The committee worked on raising funds while also partnering with the UC Riverside Center for Social Innovation to publish “Aqui Estamos: A Data Profile of the Inland Empire’s Latino Community.” The report examines the strengths and challenges of the Latino community and will provide guidance for the CIELO Fund’s initiatives.

“It’s been so humbling and exciting to see the momentum and it all goes back to our extraordinary leadership committee and the staff at IECF,” Melgar said. “We are on to something, and the community recognizes the need for grassroots philanthropic effort that centers and uplifts the Latino community.”

While Melgar is encouraged by the Fund’s initial fundraising success, he noted that there is more to raise to have a greater impact. Those wishing to support the fund can find more information and give through the CIELO Fund’s page on IECF’s website. Melgar also hopes the community will help spread the word to organizations of which they may not yet be aware when the call for grant applications goes out later this year.

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