Member Article: Therapists of Color (TOC) Grant Award Committee

LA-CAMFT Therapists of Color Grant Award & Awardees

Christina “Tina” Cacho Sakai, LMFT, SEP, TOC Grant Award Committee Chair

On March 7, 2026, the most recent awardees of the LA-CAMFT TOC Grant Award were randomly selected. They are Ticemen Merriweather and Jennifer Guerra. Each will receive a check for $530 and free admission to 3 LA-CAMFT workshops or networking events, except for the Law & Ethics Workshop.

At this time, the TOC Grant Award will be paused as the program undergoes a period of review and evaluation. This pause will allow LA-CAMFT leadership to assess the program and explore opportunities to strengthen and sustain the grant moving forward.

As a result, the next grant cycle will not begin on May 1, 2026, as previously planned.

Updates regarding future grant cycles will be shared once the review process has been completed.

Description of Grant Stipend

Every 4 months (3x per year), a grant award has been offered to two applicants who meet the following criteria:

(1) must be a current LA-CAMFT member,

(2) identify as a Therapist of Color, and

(3) must be either an Associate, Trainee, or Student still in graduate school.

Grant winners receive:

• $530 to be spent at the winner’s discretion

• Free admission to 3 LA-CAMFT workshops or networking events of the winner’s choosing, with the exception of the Law & Ethics Workshop

The $530 award can be used at the recipient’s discretion based on their own individual needs (whether it be for BBS fees, testing materials, memberships, rent, groceries, etc.). Confirmation of how the money is used is not required.

Application and Selection Process

Interested members complete the application on the LA-CAMFT website. The selection process entails using a randomized generator of applicants who meet the full criteria and complete the application online. This approach is intended to reduce human bias and decrease activation of one's trauma history.

The drawing is recorded via Zoom and posted on social media along with an announcement naming the grant winners, who are also contacted directly via email.

While the grant program is currently paused for re-evaluation, no new application cycles are open at this time. Updates and future application dates will be shared once the review process has been completed.

Warm Regards,

The LA-CAMFT TOC Grant Committee