Quarterly Newsletter | September 2023

The Inside Scoop from Ruth

Coming This Fall: Fiscal Sponsorship Calculator

Community Initiatives has the privilege to partner with so many amazing leaders and projects across sectors. Many come from all walks of life with experiences that help inform their work and their navigation of the philanthropic sector. Fiscal sponsorship has the power to provide resources and infrastructure at a fraction of the cost than if these leaders were to go it alone, but often times, many are not aware of its existence!

I am pleased to share that we are developing a fiscal sponsorship calculator—the first of its kind—as a gift to the fiscal sponsorship sector and to all the community leaders changing the world, one mission at a time. The calculator can show you just how much you will save and gain through the wonderful services of fiscal sponsorship. Keep an eye out for our next announcement to try out the calculator!

Get Involved

Join our projects at these upcoming events…

Latino Outdoors

The group that inspires, connects and engages Latino communities in the outdoors is celebrating their tenth anniversary on Saturday, September 23rd. Join them for an evening of live performances by LosCenzontles, arte from their Crecemos Outdoors art show, comida from Los Cilantros, beverages from Seis Soles, Del Cielo Brewery and TopoChico, a keynote from Founder José González y muchomás!

Purchase Tickets.

The Carpentries

The teachers of foundational coding and other data science skills to researchers worldwide is turning 25! Celebrate their 25th anniversary by taking part in the online festivities set to last through the end of the year. See the full list of upcoming events to register. The next event in the series on Thursday, September 28th, spotlights the origins and activities of their community in Africa.

Projects in the News

Keep up with these projects making waves…

Immigrants Rising Appoints New Executive Director

The groundbreaking group that provides resources and support to undocumented people so that they can get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities has named its new executive director, Iliana G. Perez, Ph.D. Dr. Perez has served as IR’s Director of Research & Entrepreneurship since 2019 and has been an active member of the IR community since 2012. She brings over a decade of experience as a researcher and advocate for immigrant rights and is an esteemed leader in the field of immigrant entrepreneurship. Read more.

LOUD for Tomorrow in Kern Sol News

The grassroots Youth, Latinx, and LGBTQ+-led organization based in Central Valley, California, that builds youth power to transform schools and communities through civic engagement, advocacy, and community healing has opened its first office! Leader Julianna Munoz Torres shared how this new training center will strengthen local social justice issue awareness and mobilization in the Central Valley. Read more.

Available Funding

Follow our Opportunities page to stay up-to-date on grants and funding initiatives.

Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

Award: $150K – $1M
Application Deadline: September 19

The HEAR US funding opportunity will support Californian nonprofit organizations in expanding access to and utilization of behavioral health recovery services through a health equity approach that seeks to remove barriers to care for communities of color, Two-Spirit and LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and others who have faced discrimination and unequal access to behavioral health care systems. The HEAR US funding initiative is supported by the Center at the Sierra Health Foundation and the California Department of Healthcare Services. Learn more.

Health and Wellness

Award: Upon Request
LOI Deadline: Ongoing

The California Wellness Foundation is accepting letter of interests to their pools of funding in the following portfolios: Community Well-being, Equity in Access, Economic Security and Dignity, or Leading for Power and Change. Learn more.

From the Field

What we’re learning…

National Gathering in New Orleans

As steering committee members of the professional network of organizations and individuals working in the field of fiscal sponsorship field, Community Initiatives is delighted to join our colleagues at the annual gathering in New Orleans this November. Stay tuned for a full update in our next issue! Learn more about NNFS.

Meet Our New Staff

	Denice Liu Denice joins our Client Services team with over five years of nonprofit experience ranging from direct client work to nonprofit administration, risk management, and training design. Read Denice’s bio.
	Jessica Paik Jess joins our Client Services team as a dedicated professional with a passion for community-oriented work and drive to support diverse missions. Read Jess’ bio.
	Jake Russel Jake joins our Finance team as a seasoned accountant with a degree in accounting from California State University, Chico, and over 5 years of invaluable experience. Read Jake’s bio.
	Melia Roberts Melia joins our Finance team equipped with a degree in Business and an excitement for fiscal sponsorship and the diverse projects we support. Read Melia’s bio.