Cec Ortiz, Receives Philanthropist of the Year Award: One Community. One Legacy $20 Million Endowment Campaign Announced

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By Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media

Cecilia “Cec” Sanchez de Ortiz was recognized as the Philanthropist of the Year at the 15th Anniversary of the Latino Community Foundation celebration held at the Denver Art Museum Oct. 13, 2022.

Carlos Martinez, President and CEO The Latino Community Foundation addresses the crowd at the 15th Anniversary of the organization

Hundreds of supporters and fellow philanthropists filled the beautiful circular glass encased space of the Lanny & Sharon Martin Building for this special celebration. Guests were treated to delicious treats at the various food stations and complimentary beverages throughout the evening.

Photo by Latino Community Foundation

Ortiz was recognized for her commitment to community empowerment and economic development which makes her one of the most influential women in Colorado. “As the recipient of this award, Cec has demonstrated a strong philanthropic spirit fueled by unwavering pride that will continue to have a monumental impact on Latino Coloradans for decades to come,” read a statement in her honor.

Cecilia “Cec” Sanchez de Ortiz was recognized as the Philanthropist of the Year at the 15th Annual Anniversary of the Latino Community Foundation celebration held at the Denver Art Museum Oct. 13, 2022. Photo by Latino Community Foundation

Stated Ortiz.

“I’m quite humbled and so thankful for this prestigious award. My passion for this work stems from a childhood shaped by watching my mother help Mexican immigrant families integrate and settle into our small, farming community in rural Colorado. What I took away from those experiences was a simple message of courage and belief in working for what’s fair for all.” Video by Latin Life Denver Media

Ortiz was a co-founder Clinica Campesina, a healthcare clinic for low-income families in rural Colorado. She later served as the executive director of Mi Casa Women’s Resource Center for women and girls of color in Denver.

Carlos Martinez, President and CEO The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado

Carlos Martinez, President and CEO The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado also recognized four other grantees including Betty Aragon-Mitotes, founder of Mujeres de Colores in Fort Collins, Jamie & Cristalray Dominguez, founders of Shooting Stars Cultural & Leadership Center, Angell Perez, Executive Director of Colorado Circles for Change, and Ricardo Perez, Executive Director of Hispanic Affairs Project.

Among the evening’s highlights was The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado announcement of the launch of an ambitious $20 million endowment campaign that will ensure investment in Latino communities and nonprofits continue indefinitely. 

More than $13 million has already been committed to the One Community. One Legacy campaign, including $5 million from the Colorado Health Foundation, $2.7 million from The S. Clement Trust and $1 million from the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Colorado.  

“The goal of One Community. One Legacy is to ensure that the work we do today will be supported into perpetuity so we can deliver on our mission for generations to come,” said Carlos Martinez, Chief Executive for the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado. “This is a transformational step in our journey.” 

The campaign, which will raise funds over three years, will focus on building strength in several key areas:  

  • A $10 million unrestricted Legacy Fund to advance community transformational work. 
  • A restricted $5 million Vision Fund to provide capacity building grants to nonprofits combined with leadership development, training, and coaching. 
  • A revolving $5 million Loan Fund that opens opportunities for ongoing working capital to build wealth.  

Endowment funds will be used to supercharge LCFC’s work across the state but especially in places like the San Luis Valley where the foundation is working with four communities, 40 miles apart, through a partnership with community organization Soul Players of the Valley. The project will develop a roadmap for these communities to leverage resources for economic growth, safety, youth development and improved living conditions.  

The fund will also enable LCFC to further engage in philanthropic advocacy and leadership development through coalition work and partner with government, charities, and corporate entities to build investment alliances.  

“We need to rethink the investment models that drive systemic change,” Martinez said. “It shouldn’t be about simply offering grants and walking away. Real and meaningful change comes by uplifting, encouraging, and working in partnership with leaders and the organizations on the ground on how to achieve the solutions they know are right for their communities.”  

Since LCFC’s founding in 2007, the foundation has invested more than $13 million and leveraged almost $50 million in Colorado’s Latino communities, as well as other communities of color and LGBTQ. 

The Latino Community Foundation of Colorado (LCFC) is a state-based philanthropic foundation—led by Latinos and for Latinos. We pursue civic, economic, and cultural opportunities that drive a more authentic narrative about Latinos in the state and cement a healthy and vibrant future where all Latino Coloradans will prosper. 

For more information on the One Community. One Legacy campaign please visit www.latinocfc.org/legacy 

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