Who Funds Centro CSO? Understanding Its Funding Model

Centro CSO is primarily a member-funded grassroots organization that relies on individual donations through digital platforms such as Venmo and Zelle. Unlike large institutional NGOs, it does not appear to be a formally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with public tax filings. Instead, the group operates as an independent activist entity based in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights.

Distinguishing Centro CSO from Historical Organizations

Confusion often arises regarding the name of this organization. It is essential to distinguish between the modern activist group Centro CSO and the historical Community Service Organization (CSO). The original CSO was a major civil rights force founded in the 1940s by figures like Edward Roybal and Fred Ross Sr. That historic entity built massive coalitions involving unions like the UAW and various religious groups to fight segregation and promote civic engagement.

The current Centro CSO is a different, grassroots movement. It focuses on contemporary issues such as undocumented rights, public education, and police accountability. This group organizes rallies in Los Angeles and Boyle Heights to protest ICE presence and advocate for Chicano self-determination. They act locally. Their work involves "Barrio Walks" to monitor immigration enforcement activity.

The Grassroots Funding Model

Centro CSO identifies itself as a member-funded organization. This model prioritizes community support over large corporate or government grants. Because they operate outside the traditional nonprofit framework, their financial structure is less formal than established charities.

Funding typically arrives through direct transfers. Supporters use Venmo (under the handle @CentroCSO) or Zelle (323-580-3764) to provide resources. This method allows for immediate mobilization during protests or emergencies. It bypasses complex administrative layers. However, this lack of formal nonprofit status means they are not subject to the same public disclosure requirements as major NGOs.

Transparency levels vary based on their digital presence. The group uses free web hosting services like Google Sites and WordPress rather than high-budget institutional websites. Regarding specific donor profiles, some reports indicate a concentration of funds. In one fundraising session, an anonymous donor contributed two-thirds of the total amount. This highlights a common reality in grassroots organizing: small, individual contributions often form the backbone of operations, but single large donors can provide significant surges in capital.

Leadership and Organizational Ties

The leadership of Centro CSO is structured around an Executive Committee and three specialized committees: Education, Police Accountability, and Immigration. These committees drive their specific policy demands.

Key figures are deeply embedded in broader political movements. Carlos Montes is a prominent leader within the group. He was a co-founder of the Brown Berets and maintains ties to the Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO). His activism spans decades, ranging from protests against the Vietnam War to fighting for Chicano rights in the Los Angeles school system.

Marisol Marquez is another central figure. She serves as a member of Centro CSO and also holds membership in the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. Marquez has been active in launching fundraising efforts and speaking on issues like immigrant rights and defunding law enforcement. The group maintains strong ideological connections to the Chicano movement, which seeks self-determination for Hispanic people.

These ties influence how the organization interacts with other social justice movements. Centro CSO has organized rallies in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. While they support the fight against police brutality, their involvement has occasionally drawn criticism from local activists regarding the composition of rally organizers. They remain a focal point for radical-left activism in the Los Angeles area.