The Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity (CIELO) Fund supports organizations, initiatives, and innovations that are led by–and serve–Latinos in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
Donor Name: Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF)
State: California
County: Riverside County (CA), San Bernardino County (CA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 01/31/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
The Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity Fund (CIELO Fund) is dedicated to uplifting and investing in the Inland Empire’s Latino community. The CIELO Fund also invests in the next generation of leaders through the CIELO Fund Scholarship Program, commissions original research, and works on efforts that promote positive narratives for Latinos in the IE.
Objectives
- Seek local, regional, and state policy solutions;
- Address a high need impacting Latinos;
- Provide flexible, unrestricted support to carefully selected nonprofits that demonstrate the interest and ability to strengthen their organizational effectiveness and capacity.
- Support nonprofits providing quality, essential services in the areas of leadership development & capacity building, economic mobility, educational equity, health equity, housing security, environmental equity & climate change, racial equity and immigrant inclusion.
- Support small budget sizes, levels of capacity, and infrastructure.
- Benefit a large number of disadvantaged, vulnerable, marginalized, and/or underserved people.
- Shape and promote positive narratives about Latinos in the Inland Empire and beyond.
Scope
Organizations that demonstrate a commitment to impactful, innovative solutions to the issue areas below will be prioritized for funding by the grant committee:
- Affordable Housing: The CIELO Fund will prioritize investments in organizations seeking to identify and support housing initiatives or campaigns aimed at identifying stable, dignified living conditions that increase awareness or access to affordable housing.
- Food Insecurity: The CIELO Fund will support programs that improve access to fresh, affordable foods, building a foundation for healthier communities.
- Childcare and Eldercare: The CIELO Fund will support organizations and initiatives that expand access to affordable, quality childcare and eldercare options, enabling families to thrive across generations.
- Good Jobs and Reliable Energy: The CIELO Fund will back initiatives that advocate for attracting high-quality jobs, promote fair wages, and advance access to clean, reliable energy for all.
- Quality Education & Job Training: The CIELO Fund will invest in education and workforce training programs or initiatives led by organizations concerned with preparing the region for success in high-demand careers and emerging industries.
- Transportation: The CIELO Fund will support organizations and initiatives seeking to enhance public transit and infrastructure, ensuring affordable and reliable transportation options for Inland Empire residents.
- Cell and Internet Service: The CIELO Fund will support organizations and initiatives aiming to close the digital divide, ensuring equitable access to affordable and high-speed internet and cell service.
- Safe Communities: The CIELO Fund will support organizations and initiatives that promote safety, restorative justice, and community resilience to create environments where all residents feel secure.
- Support for Immigrants: The CIELO Fund will support organizations and initiatives that provide critical legal, financial, and rapid support to immigrant families throughout the region.
- Clean Water: The CIELO Fund will support organizations and initiatives that protect and expand access to clean, safe drinking water for vulnerable communities in the Inland Empire.
Funding Information
The maximum request and award is $15,000 for one year.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nonprofit, public benefit organizations with evidence of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not classified as a private foundation. Organizations with fiscal sponsors are also eligible to apply.
- Organizations that operate so that they do not discriminate in the hiring of staff or in providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin or disability.
- Organizations with operating budgets of $500k or less.
- For media and narrative grants, consideration will be given to media outlets and projects.
For more information, visit IECF.
