ECMC Foundation to Distribute $1 Million to 98 Nonprofits That Support Innovation and Racial Equity in Education

All organizations are nominated and chosen by ECMC Group employees

LOS ANGELES, July 19, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the ninth straight year, ECMC Foundation is distributing funding to nonprofit organizations working to improve education through innovation and racial equity. The national philanthropic organization has announced that 98 nonprofits will receive a portion of the total $1 million in grants, which will go to organizations nominated and chosen by employees of its parent organization, ECMC Group.

"As a national foundation committed to postsecondary students' success, we recognize that institutions and nonprofit organizations play a central role in making a meaningful impact on communities and across the nation," said Jacob Fraire, president of ECMC Foundation. "The GO! Program allows our employees throughout the country to become part of that mission and support the organizations they believe are the most deserving in the areas where they live and work."

Since 2015, ECMC Foundation has funded the GO! Program (Generating Outcomes: Funding Innovation and Racial Equity in Education), which provides grants to nonprofits selected by employees. Each year, team members are invited to nominate local organizations to receive grants in support of their educational work that aligns with ECMC Group's and ECMC Foundation's mission to help students succeed.

Grant dollars fund education programs spanning from early childhood through postsecondary education.

"Not only does the GO! Program provide creative and innovative education programs and solutions, but it also helps our team members feel connected to our efforts to give back and to our mission," said Dan Fisher, president and CEO of ECMC Group. "These organizations are addressing some of the major gaps exacerbated by the pandemic, from support for early learning to addressing workforce readiness and career preparation for our most under-resourced communities."

Here are a few testimonials from ECMC Group employees that illustrate the importance of the program in their own words:

• Brittany Scott, an operations specialist at ECMC Group's headquarters in Minneapolis, nominated Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities because of a personal connection to their programs. The organization received a $20,000 grant.

"As a child, I went there to do after-school activities while my mom, who was a single mom of four, worked longer hours to provide for our household," said Scott. "I wanted to give back to the same place that helped shape me years ago. I felt that with the donation, they can reach more families and keep more children out of harm and danger."

• Josephine Estepa, a records coordinator at ECMC Group's Sacramento office, nominated Loaves & Fishes because of the mission behind its work. The organization received a $20,000 grant.

"I nominated Loaves & Fishes because of their purpose to provide survival services to those in need," said Estepa. "I believe that education is an essential part of our path to success, but because of homelessness, some children may not be given this opportunity. The organization's commitment to providing children a safe, structured and nurturing environment is a great way to help children get the education they need and deserve."

• Saúl Valdez, a program officer for ECMC Foundation in Los Angeles, nominated First Gen Empower because he understands the experience of being a first-generation college student. The organization received a $20,000 grant.

"As a first-gen college graduate myself, I know how transformational it is when students are empowered and supported in high school and college to become leaders on campus and champions for change," said Valdez. "First Gen Empower is working to be a part of the solution by providing critical trainings and supports to students and educators alike in high schools and college campuses."

Including this year's GO! Program recipients, ECMC Foundation has awarded 734 GO! Program grants for a total of more than $10 million since 2015.

About ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes investments to remove barriers to postsecondary completion; build the capacity of institutions, systems and organizations; and transform the postsecondary ecosystem using a spectrum of funding structures, including strategic grantmaking and program-related investments, to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. Working with grantees, partners and peers, ECMC Foundation's vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org and ECMC Group by visiting www.ecmcgroup.org.

About ECMC Group
ECMC Group is a nonprofit corporation focused on helping students succeed by creating, providing and investing in innovative educational opportunities. Headquartered in Minneapolis, ECMC Group and its family of companies are focused on advancing educational opportunities through financial tools and services; support for postsecondary access, persistence and completion; and impactful and mission-aligned funding for innovative programs to help students achieve their academic and professional goals and to address the future of work. To learn more, visit www.ecmcgroup.org.

SOURCE ECMC Foundation