Root 54 Giving Circle Awards Grants to Filipino Organizations

Root 54 Giving Circle with COPAO, ELI, KAMP and KCS

SAN DIEGO, CA -- For the second year in a row, Root 54 Giving circle provided grant money to four non-profi t organizations in San Diego’s Filipino Community. The grants ranged from $500 to $2,000. Grantees included second year recipients: KAMP - Kuya Ate Mentorship Program, and Kalusugan Community Services. While first year recipients included COPAO - Council of Pilipino American Organizations, and ELI - Emerging Leaders Institute.
     Combined with last year, they have granted over $9,000 to help foster new programs, community outreach, marketing, materials, and provide general operating support. Recipients applied for the grants in December 2014 and were notified in early February. The grants were awarded in a small ceremony at Filipino Food & Bakery in Barrio Logan. Attendees included Executive Directors from each organization as well as supporting staff.
     Root 54 was originally founded in 2013. Founding members include Mark Banez, Vince Blanco, Emmylou Dirige, Cindy Henderson, Aiza Henry, Marc Organo, Grace Pugal, Nicky Tuason, Hiyasmin Vargas, and Kathleen Vargas. Their mission is to strengthen non-profit organizations that promote Filipino-American culture and community involvement through philanthropic activities. Hiyasmin and Grace were inspired to help create the root 54 giving circle during their involvement with Southwestern College’s Pagkakaisa. Root 54 is one of 45 giving circles in the AAPIP - Asian American / Pacifi c Islanders in Philanthrophy which has collectively given over 2 Million dollars .
     Although there are no definite plans, Root 54 is looking to become even more involved this year especially through the community foundations in San Diego. They intend to expand their giving circle to those who are interested in helping out non-profit organizations in the Filipino-American community. Those who are interested in joining can contact reach them through their website http://root54givingcircle.strikingly.com