Part cultural education center and part touring band, Los Cenzontles is an artist-driven organization dedicated to promoting and preserving traditional Mexican culture through interactive programming. Started in 1987 by Eugene Rodriguez as a youth group performing traditional Mexican music, the organization has grown into a multi-cultural folk institution based in San Pablo, CA and national example for other institutions struggling with the loss of traditional cultures. The cultural center found a permanent home in 1998 and continues to act as a community hub and educational institution for more than 200 students annually. Los Cenzontles’s touring band has brought Mexican culture to audiences across the world and has performed with renowned musicians Los Lobos, Taj Mahal and Flaco Jimenez.

This commitment to preserving and redefining Mexican American culture inspired the Hellman Foundation to begin giving to the organization in 2012. Recently, the Hellman Foundation was pleased to invest more deeply in Los Cenzontles’ “Supporting Roots Campaign” to expand its cultural center, add staffing and programming and ensure the financial stability of the organization for years to come.