Destino invites proposals for $72,000 in grants

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation’s Destino: The Latino Legacy Fund is accepting proposals for grants to fund programs that expand opportunities for Latino high school students to succeed through college preparedness.

The grants will provide support for programs delivering curriculum that measurably increase academic achievement as well as college preparation and access; educate Latino youth and parents about higher education requirements, financial aid, college admissions and self-advocacy within the educational system; and, are proven to increase access into advanced placement and college-preparatory courses for Latino youth.

Deadline for proposals is 4 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2013.

Those submitting a proposal are required to attend an informational meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 29 in the Board Room at the VCCF Nonprofit Center, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo.

A minimum of $72,000 is available for the 2013 grants program, and requests in any amount up to a maximum of $30,000 will be considered. Grant funds in all categories are to be used for programs serving Latino residents of Ventura County.

To attend the mandatory informational session, contact Ashley Sundstrom, VCCF program assistant, at 805-988-0196, ext. 103, or at asundstrom@vccf.org.

For more information and to view the Request for Proposals, visit VCCF’s website at http://www.vccf.org/grants/index.shtml.

About Destino:

Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund was established in 1996 by local residents in partnership with VCCF and is dedicated to meeting the needs and creating philanthropic and leadership opportunities for Latinos in Ventura County. Since its founding, Destino has awarded 112 grants totaling over $804,402, impacting over 46 community organizations and 36,000 Latino youth and adults in Ventura County. Visit www.vccf.org for more information.

About VCCF:

Celebrating its 25th year, VCCF invests the charitable capital that drives the philanthropic engines of Ventura County. Its portfolio performance ranks in the top 11 of all community foundations in the United States for long-term growth. With total assets of  nearly $126 million, as of March. 30, its mission is to promote and enable philanthropy to improve our community for good for ever, which it does through grantmaking, scholarships and training at its Center for Nonprofit Leadership. In April, VCCF dedicated its new home —- the VCCF Nonprofit Center in Camarillo —- a place where nonprofits and the community can come together to work together. Visit www.vccf.org or call 805-988-0196 for more information.