For Immediate Release: Somos El Poder Receives Major Three-Year Fidelity Charitable® Catalyst Fund Grant to Empower Latinx Nonprofits Nationwide

January 8, 2025
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Bolinas, CA — Somos El Poder (SEP), a leading organization dedicated to strengthening Latinx-focused nonprofits through fundraising capacity building and professional development, is proud to announce it has received a three-year grant from the Fidelity Charitable® Catalyst Fund. This support bolsters SEP's mission to empower not just Latinx communities but all communities by equipping nonprofits with the tools, strategies, and networks necessary for sustainable funding.

"We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund; this reinforces the importance of building a strong philanthropic culture within the Latinx community," said Armando Zumaya, Founder and Executive Director of Somos El Poder. "We teach individuals and organizations how to raise funds from the millions of Latinos in the U.S., challenging the stereotype that Latinos are non-givers. This grant allows us to continue providing accessible training and guidance to organizations that are the backbone of our communities. Together, we are breaking barriers in fundraising and creating opportunities for growth and resilience.”

The grant will support SEP's key programs, including:

• Fundraising Con Ganas Conferences: Hands-on training for nonprofit teams to develop effective fundraising strategies.
• La Vanguardia Academy: A cohort-based program that trains individual fundraisers in best practices and innovative approaches.
• Monthly Consulting Hours: Personalized guidance to address specific fundraising challenges faced by nonprofits.
• Online Communities and Webinars: Facilitating ongoing professional learning and collaboration among Latinx nonprofit professionals.
• Poderoso Awards & Panel Discussions: Recognizing excellence in Latinx philanthropy and hosting public conversations on critical topics affecting the community.

Through these initiatives, Somos El Poder has empowered its member organizations to improve their fundraising efforts, trained more than 350 nonprofit leaders, and provided over 800 free consulting hours. This grant from the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund will enable SEP to expand its reach and continue fostering a culture of philanthropy within the Latinx community.

“At the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund, we’re dedicated to empowering organizations that create lasting, meaningful impact," said Tony Bowen, Executive Director of the Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund. "Somos El Poder’s work in strengthening Latinx nonprofits aligns with our mission to connect donors with organizations driving change in their communities. By building fundraising confidence and enhancing donor engagement, they’re paving the way for a stronger, more resilient social sector—and we’re proud to support their efforts."

Latinx-focused nonprofits play a critical role in addressing the needs of over 62 million Latinos in the United States, yet they receive less than 2% of philanthropic dollars. Somos El Poder works tirelessly to bridge this gap by providing the necessary resources and support to these organizations, ensuring they can continue to serve and uplift their communities effectively.
For more information about Somos El Poder and its programs, please visit www.somoselpoder.org.

About Somos El Poder
Somos El Poder strengthens Latinx-focused nonprofits nationwide through capacity building in fundraising and tailored professional development opportunities. By challenging stereotypes and fostering a culture of philanthropy, SEP envisions a future where Latinx nonprofits are empowered with the financial resources, knowledge, and professional networks necessary to achieve their missions and create lasting social change. www.somoselpoder.org.

About Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund
The Fidelity Charitable Catalyst Fund is a grantmaking program of Fidelity Charitable separate from its donor-advised fund program. Led by the Fidelity Charitable Board of Trustees, the Catalyst Fund envisions a world where promising nonprofits that strengthen our communities have access to the resources they need to flourish. For more information, visit:  www.fidelitycharitable.org/catalyst-fund.
 
 
Media Contact:
Armando Zumaya, Founder & Executive Director
Somos El Poder
[email protected]
707-853-1779