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Hispanic Wealth Project Expands Financial Empowerment Programs with Support from the San Diego Foundation’s El Camino Fund
For nearly 50 years, The San Diego Foundation (SDF) has been at the heart of the region’s philanthropic movement, driving change, funding progress, and building equity. Since its founding in 1975, SDF has granted more than $1.8 billion to initiatives that directly impact San Diego’s communities, tackling challenges in education, housing, economic opportunity, and environmental sustainability. Today, its mission is more critical than ever as it continues to bridge opportunity gaps and invest in long-term solutions.
SDF manages over 2,300 charitable funds, directing resources toward racial and social justice, financial empowerment, and environmental resilience. Whether expanding homeownership access, funding financial literacy programs, or supporting businesses in underserved areas, the foundation takes a strategic approach—ensuring every dollar goes toward measurable impact. One of its latest initiatives, Opening the Outdoors, awarded nearly $840,000 to nonprofits improving access to green spaces for historically underserved communities, proving that economic mobility isn’t just about financial resources—it’s about creating opportunities at every level.
Now, in a major step toward closing the Latino wealth gap, SDF’s El Camino Fund Latino/a Impact Initiative has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Hispanic Wealth Project (HWP) to expand programs that drive Latino wealth-building. The grant, announced at the Strengthening the Latino Community: El Camino Fund Celebration on June 12th, reinforces SDF’s commitment to economic equity and marks a new chapter in its partnership with HWP.
With this funding, the Hispanic Wealth Project will expand three key initiatives aimed at financial education, investment, and entrepreneurship:
The impact of this funding extends beyond individual success stories—it strengthens the Latino economic ecosystem by fostering entrepreneurship, homeownership, and wealth accumulation at scale.
To better understand the vision and strategy behind this partnership, we reached out to Miguel Lopez for further insight:
How does SDF determine which nonprofit organizations receive grants like the El Camino Fund?
Miguel: San Diego Foundation is an organization committed to just, equitable, and resilient communities. As part of our mission to create a region where all San Diegans can thrive, prosper and feel like they belong, we value community expertise and community-led initiatives to support our grantmaking decisions. El Camino Fund is a community-led initiative guided by six Latino community leaders who advise San Diego Foundation on the best use of its grant strategy. The fund is committed to investing in organizations that uplift and empower the Latino community in San Diego. When selecting grantees, the fund prioritizes Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations with a strong impact history. Successful applicants demonstrate expertise, financial sustainability, and a clear vision for expanding programs that enhance financial mobility for Latinos. The fund also looks for organizations with well-defined, achievable goals that align with its mission. By supporting organizations with the capacity and commitment to create lasting change, El Camino Fund helps build a stronger, more inclusive future for the Latino community.
What specific impact does SDF hope to achieve by supporting the Hispanic Wealth Project’s initiatives?
Miguel: San Diego Foundation’s (SDF) partnership with the Hispanic Wealth Project (HWP) aims to expand economic mobility for San Diego Latinos by increasing access to capital, mentorship, and financial education. Through NAHREP REACH Labs, Latino PropTech entrepreneurs gain exposure, funding opportunities, and industry connections to help scale their businesses. Wealth Workshops and the HWP Angel Community also provide financial literacy and investment training, empowering Latinos to build assets and long-term wealth.
Through these initiatives, SDF seeks to increase the success rate of Latino-owned businesses, improve financial literacy, and foster greater participation in investment and angel funding opportunities. This investment aligns with El Camino Fund’s evolving focus on entrepreneurship, reinforcing SDF’s commitment to building a stronger, more financially empowered Latino community in San Diego.
How does SDF measure success in advancing racial and financial equity in the San Diego region?
Miguel: At San Diego Foundation (SDF), we believe that our success in advancing racial equity and economic mobility is intrinsically linked to the achievements of our partners and the communities we serve. By embracing trust-based philanthropy, we collaborate closely with local organizations to empower historically underserved populations.
A prime example of this collaborative success is our Access Granted Homebuyer Program. Launched in partnership with LISC San Diego and the Urban League of San Diego County, this initiative provides up to $70,000 in grants to qualifying first-time homebuyers from Black, Latino/a, Native American, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. As of August 2024, the program has enabled over 80 families to purchase their first homes, collectively generating approximately $36 million in home equity.
Our mission is to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region. By fostering deep-rooted partnerships and entrusting local organizations with the resources they need, we measure our success through the tangible impacts achieved together—such as increased homeownership and wealth accumulation among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)communities.
Through these collaborative efforts, SDF remains committed to creating just, equitable, and resilient communities across the San Diego region.
Can you share an example of a nonprofit or community program that has been transformed by SDF’s funding?
Miguel: San Diego Foundation’s El Camino Fund is transforming Latino entrepreneurship by investing in culturally relevant programming that meets the unique needs of small business owners. A standout example is Accessity, which received a $100,000 grant to expand its Latinas Emprendiendo Juntas Community—an online learning community tailored to support Latina entrepreneurs in a way that acknowledges cultural and language barriers.
With this funding, Accessity is developing a digital platform that provides business education, peer networking, and mentorship opportunities in Spanish. The platform empowers Latina entrepreneurs with knowledge of financial literacy, business growth strategies, and access to capital—critical resources for scaling their businesses into wealth-building enterprises. This initiative ensures that Latinas receive the culturally relevant tools they need to thrive, breaking down systemic barriers to financial success.
By investing in programs like this, El Camino Fund is not just funding businesses—it’s building pathways for generational wealth and economic mobility within the Latino community.
What future opportunities exist for Latino-led organizations to collaborate with SDF on wealth-building initiatives?
Miguel: San Diego Foundation (SDF) is dedicated to fostering just, equitable, and resilient communities by focusing on key impact areas that address the diverse critical needs of our region. These areas include Children & Families, Education, Environment, Housing, Workforce Development, and Crisis Philanthropy. By collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders, SDF implements initiatives that drive meaningful change across these sectors.
SDF actively seeks collaborations with Latino-led organizations to advance regional wealth-building initiatives. A prime example is El Camino Fund, launched with a $2.5 million endowment to empower local Latino leaders and strengthen economic mobility. Latino-led organizations are encouraged to engage with SDF through El Camino Fund to develop and expand programs that support Latino entrepreneurs. By partnering with SDF, these organizations can access resources and networks designed to help small businesses grow into wealth-building enterprises. For instance, the Hispanic Wealth Project received a $100,000 grant from El Camino Fund to support programs like NAHREP REACH Labs, which connects Latino PropTech entrepreneurs with real estate practitioners, and Wealth Workshops that provide financial literacy and wealth-building strategies.
To stay informed about funding opportunities, events, and resources related to these impact areas, we encourage organizations and individuals to subscribe to SDF's monthly newsletter. It provides valuable insights and updates, enabling partners to engage effectively with SDF's programs and initiatives.
For nearly five decades, The San Diego Foundation has done more than fund community projects—it has helped reshape the economic landscape of the region. By partnering with organizations like the Hispanic Wealth Project, it continues to push for systemic change, elevate Latino wealth, and create lasting opportunities for future generations. The work isn’t done, but one thing is clear: SDF isn’t just funding change with El Camino Fund—it’s leading it.
SDF manages over 2,300 charitable funds, directing resources toward racial and social justice, financial empowerment, and environmental resilience. Whether expanding homeownership access, funding financial literacy programs, or supporting businesses in underserved areas, the foundation takes a strategic approach—ensuring every dollar goes toward measurable impact. One of its latest initiatives, Opening the Outdoors, awarded nearly $840,000 to nonprofits improving access to green spaces for historically underserved communities, proving that economic mobility isn’t just about financial resources—it’s about creating opportunities at every level.
Now, in a major step toward closing the Latino wealth gap, SDF’s El Camino Fund Latino/a Impact Initiative has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Hispanic Wealth Project (HWP) to expand programs that drive Latino wealth-building. The grant, announced at the Strengthening the Latino Community: El Camino Fund Celebration on June 12th, reinforces SDF’s commitment to economic equity and marks a new chapter in its partnership with HWP.
With this funding, the Hispanic Wealth Project will expand three key initiatives aimed at financial education, investment, and entrepreneurship:
- Innovation Showcases: These events, held both virtually and in person, provide a platform for Latino PropTech and FinTech entrepreneurs to present their solutions to industry leaders. Participants receive coaching to refine their pitches and gain visibility, helping drive investment and adoption of new financial technologies.
- Wealth Workshops for Financial Wellness: These workshops focus on financial literacy, homeownership strategies, and long-term wealth-building to equip Latino communities with tools to achieve economic security. Participants gain access to financial education, resources, and actionable strategies tailored to their needs.
- HWP Angel Community for Financial Wellness: Designed to cultivate a network of Latino Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists, this initiative connects aspiring investors with experienced mentors, increasing access to capital for Latino entrepreneurs and expanding asset diversification opportunities.
The impact of this funding extends beyond individual success stories—it strengthens the Latino economic ecosystem by fostering entrepreneurship, homeownership, and wealth accumulation at scale.
To better understand the vision and strategy behind this partnership, we reached out to Miguel Lopez for further insight:
How does SDF determine which nonprofit organizations receive grants like the El Camino Fund?
Miguel: San Diego Foundation is an organization committed to just, equitable, and resilient communities. As part of our mission to create a region where all San Diegans can thrive, prosper and feel like they belong, we value community expertise and community-led initiatives to support our grantmaking decisions. El Camino Fund is a community-led initiative guided by six Latino community leaders who advise San Diego Foundation on the best use of its grant strategy. The fund is committed to investing in organizations that uplift and empower the Latino community in San Diego. When selecting grantees, the fund prioritizes Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations with a strong impact history. Successful applicants demonstrate expertise, financial sustainability, and a clear vision for expanding programs that enhance financial mobility for Latinos. The fund also looks for organizations with well-defined, achievable goals that align with its mission. By supporting organizations with the capacity and commitment to create lasting change, El Camino Fund helps build a stronger, more inclusive future for the Latino community.
What specific impact does SDF hope to achieve by supporting the Hispanic Wealth Project’s initiatives?
Miguel: San Diego Foundation’s (SDF) partnership with the Hispanic Wealth Project (HWP) aims to expand economic mobility for San Diego Latinos by increasing access to capital, mentorship, and financial education. Through NAHREP REACH Labs, Latino PropTech entrepreneurs gain exposure, funding opportunities, and industry connections to help scale their businesses. Wealth Workshops and the HWP Angel Community also provide financial literacy and investment training, empowering Latinos to build assets and long-term wealth.
Through these initiatives, SDF seeks to increase the success rate of Latino-owned businesses, improve financial literacy, and foster greater participation in investment and angel funding opportunities. This investment aligns with El Camino Fund’s evolving focus on entrepreneurship, reinforcing SDF’s commitment to building a stronger, more financially empowered Latino community in San Diego.
How does SDF measure success in advancing racial and financial equity in the San Diego region?
Miguel: At San Diego Foundation (SDF), we believe that our success in advancing racial equity and economic mobility is intrinsically linked to the achievements of our partners and the communities we serve. By embracing trust-based philanthropy, we collaborate closely with local organizations to empower historically underserved populations.
A prime example of this collaborative success is our Access Granted Homebuyer Program. Launched in partnership with LISC San Diego and the Urban League of San Diego County, this initiative provides up to $70,000 in grants to qualifying first-time homebuyers from Black, Latino/a, Native American, Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. As of August 2024, the program has enabled over 80 families to purchase their first homes, collectively generating approximately $36 million in home equity.
Our mission is to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region. By fostering deep-rooted partnerships and entrusting local organizations with the resources they need, we measure our success through the tangible impacts achieved together—such as increased homeownership and wealth accumulation among Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC)communities.
Through these collaborative efforts, SDF remains committed to creating just, equitable, and resilient communities across the San Diego region.
Can you share an example of a nonprofit or community program that has been transformed by SDF’s funding?
Miguel: San Diego Foundation’s El Camino Fund is transforming Latino entrepreneurship by investing in culturally relevant programming that meets the unique needs of small business owners. A standout example is Accessity, which received a $100,000 grant to expand its Latinas Emprendiendo Juntas Community—an online learning community tailored to support Latina entrepreneurs in a way that acknowledges cultural and language barriers.
With this funding, Accessity is developing a digital platform that provides business education, peer networking, and mentorship opportunities in Spanish. The platform empowers Latina entrepreneurs with knowledge of financial literacy, business growth strategies, and access to capital—critical resources for scaling their businesses into wealth-building enterprises. This initiative ensures that Latinas receive the culturally relevant tools they need to thrive, breaking down systemic barriers to financial success.
By investing in programs like this, El Camino Fund is not just funding businesses—it’s building pathways for generational wealth and economic mobility within the Latino community.
What future opportunities exist for Latino-led organizations to collaborate with SDF on wealth-building initiatives?
Miguel: San Diego Foundation (SDF) is dedicated to fostering just, equitable, and resilient communities by focusing on key impact areas that address the diverse critical needs of our region. These areas include Children & Families, Education, Environment, Housing, Workforce Development, and Crisis Philanthropy. By collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders, SDF implements initiatives that drive meaningful change across these sectors.
SDF actively seeks collaborations with Latino-led organizations to advance regional wealth-building initiatives. A prime example is El Camino Fund, launched with a $2.5 million endowment to empower local Latino leaders and strengthen economic mobility. Latino-led organizations are encouraged to engage with SDF through El Camino Fund to develop and expand programs that support Latino entrepreneurs. By partnering with SDF, these organizations can access resources and networks designed to help small businesses grow into wealth-building enterprises. For instance, the Hispanic Wealth Project received a $100,000 grant from El Camino Fund to support programs like NAHREP REACH Labs, which connects Latino PropTech entrepreneurs with real estate practitioners, and Wealth Workshops that provide financial literacy and wealth-building strategies.
To stay informed about funding opportunities, events, and resources related to these impact areas, we encourage organizations and individuals to subscribe to SDF's monthly newsletter. It provides valuable insights and updates, enabling partners to engage effectively with SDF's programs and initiatives.
For nearly five decades, The San Diego Foundation has done more than fund community projects—it has helped reshape the economic landscape of the region. By partnering with organizations like the Hispanic Wealth Project, it continues to push for systemic change, elevate Latino wealth, and create lasting opportunities for future generations. The work isn’t done, but one thing is clear: SDF isn’t just funding change with El Camino Fund—it’s leading it.
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