Message from Leadership

Annie Donovan

President and CEO, RDF

Daniel Ortega, JR.

RDF Governing Board Chairman

Dear Friends,

This year marks an important milestone for RDF: 25 years of impact, partnership, and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. From our earliest days, we understood a fundamental truth about creating change — it happens when people come together, when resources meet opportunity, and when we invest not just in projects, but in one another.

That belief—that when we lift communities, we all rise together—has been our North Star. Put simply: Juntos, We Rise. We've seen it proven time and again as we've partnered with educators shaping futures, healthcare providers healing neighborhoods, developers building homes, community leaders driving change, and small business owners creating opportunity. Their stories of resilience and vision have shaped and driven our journey. When they succeed, we succeed.

That's why we knew this anniversary report needed to spotlight their voices. These are the stories that matter, the true measure of our work. 

RDF’s mission has been constant through the years: expand economic opportunity and ensure resources reach those who need them most. We’ve helped finance schools, clinics, affordable housing, small businesses, and community spaces. Each is more than investment; each is an act of hope, a possibility made real.

And while we’ve come far, this is just the beginning. As we celebrate our milestone, we're setting our sights on tomorrow. The challenges ahead may be different from those we've faced until now, but our purpose is the same. We continue to believe in the power of investing in our shared future and remain committed to ensuring opportunity reaches everyone who needs it.

To all who have been part of this extraordinary journey—our clients, partners, funders, and staff—thank you. This report is a celebration of all we have accomplished together and a reminder of the incredibly important work still ahead.

Here’s to the next 25 years!

Our mission

Unleashing the power, potential and promise of Latino and other under-resourced communities.

RDF Board of Directors

The work we do would not be possible without the leadership, support, and guidance of our Board of Directors. Their dedication and expertise help shape our mission, ensuring we continue to create lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Daniel Ortega, Jr.

RDF Governing Board Chairman

Brenda Loya

RDF Board Vice Chair

Kenneth I. Trujillo

RDF Board Secretary

Janet Murguía

Evergreen Board Member

Annie Donovan

Evergreen Board Member

Aaron Dominguez, Ph.D.

Board Member

Donna J. Gambrell

Board Member

Luis Granados

Board Member

J. Reymundo Ocañas

Board Member

Matt Reilein

Board Member

Maria S. Salinas

Board Member