In Memoriam
Carmen’s Legacy
An era has ended. Carmen Castellano, co-founder and past president of the Castellano Family Foundation was a devoted wife and mother, community advocate, philanthropist and the inspiration behind the foundation and its founding mission as a charity dedicated to the cultivation and enrichment of Latino family values and promoting the arts in Santa Clara County, California. Long before her husband Al won the California Lottery in 2001, Carmen was already a philanthropist in the true sense of the word – One who makes an active effort to promote human welfare or show goodwill to fellow members of the human race. She and Al were dedicated community advocates and volunteers who made modest contributions to civic organizations like the San Jose GI Forum and to arts and culture organizations like MACLA and The School of Arts and Culture long before winning the lottery. As several grantees have observed, not much changed after they won. They continued their advocacy and support for these and many more nonprofit organizations, but “the checks just got bigger.” Carmen used their newfound wealth to scale-up their philanthropy and invest in the long-term future of their community.
Carmen was a trailblazer in many ways and unique as a philanthropist. She embraced her role as the only brown face in the room and became a vocal advocate for Latinos within philanthropy even when it was risky and made others uncomfortable. As a Mexican-American parent advocate and community leader herself, her grantmaking approach was a unique blend of personal, high-touch relationships and high standards of due diligence which challenged organizations to diversify their boards, develop leaders of color, and build their long-term capacity and sustainability. Rather than dictate what applicants should request, she trusted them to decide if they needed general or project support. Written grant reports were not required. Instead, she communicated with grantees via phone and email, attended their events, hosted fundraisers for them in her home, and invited them over for face-to-face meetings at her kitchen or dining room table.
Her trust-based and community-based approach went against the grain of traditional mainstream philanthropy. In fact, these terms are only just now beginning to take hold within philanthropy as foundations are becoming “woke” to the realities of social injustice and inequities and the need for change. In light of recent social and political upheaval, foundations are finally taking an honest look at themselves with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion – values and guiding principles which define the Castellano Family Foundation. The foundation’s focus areas and giving approach were directly shaped by Carmen’s values of family, community, and social change, influencing the next generation of family philanthropy and the entire family’s legacy of giving and, hopefully, that of other philanthropists and foundations for years to come.
Donate in Her Name
In light of the current restrictions, a community celebration of Carmen’s life is planned for the future when gatherings are allowed. A classical pianist herself, Carmen loved music and, in later years, became a collector, benefactor, and patron of the arts. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation in her name to School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza and/or MACLA
Tributes to Carmen
– Sí Se Puede Collective | EASTSIDE Magazine (pg. 26)
Tributes to Carmen
“Many Latinx organizations in San Jose owe a great deal to the Castellano Family Foundation and to Carmen Castellano in particular. Opera Cultura would not exist if it had not been for her advocacy and support.“
– Héctor Armienta, Composer and Artistic Director, Opera Cultura
Tributes to Carmen
– Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley
Tributes to Carmen
“It is with a heavy heart that I take in the news of the passing of Carmen Castellano. Her commitment to our comunidad has been unwavering even before the Foundation was even imagined. Her work will be felt for many years to come through our students who’ve participated in these programs.“
– Alicia Cortez, De Anza Latinx Association, Co-Chair
Tributes to Carmen
– Magdalena Carrasco, San Jose District 5 Council Member
Tributes to Carmen
Tributes to Carmen
Tributes to Carmen
“I don’t have to tell you what a remarkable woman Carmen was. She was forever centered in principle and a sense of higher purpose. With Al, she helped to change the shape of Latino philanthropy in our state and in so many ways, by her example, across the nation. “
– Henry A. J. Ramos
