The initiative will select up to 20 partners to receive programmatic funds or technical assistance

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA) in the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) has announced the launch of the Capacity Strengthening Grants for Immigrant Focused Community Based Organizations initiative, a program to support community organizations serving Los Angeles County immigrant residents who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative’s goals include evaluating, sharing, strengthening, and implementing the best practices from the pandemic response and service for immigrant communities into the post-pandemic recovery period and beyond.

The grant program participants, 20 in total, will be selected through an application process administered by the Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM), an organization with a proven track record of strengthening nonprofit capacity, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs. Ten recipient organizations will receive a grant award of $150,000 over a two-year period, along with technical assistance. Another 10 organizations will receive vital technical assistance and coaching from CNM to strengthen their capacity. Funds for this grant project originate from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“This is a model for the way government can partner with community members so that everyone has a chance to succeed,” said Chair of the Board of Supervisors Holly J. Mitchell. “By centering the expertise of local community partners that are working with the County, we are able to strengthen the support and services we provide our immigrant communities that face unique experiences in the pursuit of their American Dream.”

“This critical initiative is part of the County’s compassionate, inclusive, and dignified approach to supporting our community of immigrants,” said Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. “This investment empowers partners doing this critical work, and we are grateful for every partner rolling up their sleeves so that immigrant inclusion and empowerment is recognized as the asset that it is.”

“DCBA serves, protects, and strives to strengthen the economic wellbeing of every member of the Los Angeles County community, regardless of immigration status, and we are proud of the expanding scope, reach, and impact of our services to immigrant communities within the county,” said DCBA Director Rafael Carbajal. “It is a privilege to continue partnering with community organizations who are doing great work every day to improve the lives of the people we all serve.”

“Center for Nonprofit Management (CNM) is proud to partner with nonprofit organizations, working together to create greater effectiveness and reach, ultimately to support our immigrant communities across the county,” said Regina Birdsell, CNM president and CEO.

For more information about the initiative, visit cnmsocal.org/capacity-strengthening-grants-for-immigrant-focused-cbos/. The application period for organization applicants is now open and interested applicants can register for an information session here. Grant-specific questions can be addressed to CNM’s Joni Byun at grant@cnmsocal.org or (213) 266-8448.