With support from the California Arts Council, HOUSE OF CHAMORROS will strengthen its volunteer‑run organization by improving internal systems, supporting cultural practitioners, and expanding equitable access to Chamorro arts and heritage. As a 100% volunteer‑led nonprofit applying for General Operating Support for the first time, funds will enhance volunteer coordination; provide stipends for weaving, language, and cultural arts instructors; and modernize communication, record‑keeping, and administrative processes to better serve a diverse public. Funding will also upgrade our website and social media outreach to reach more families and share accessible cultural content. These investments will improve free public programs, increase accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, and ensure Chamorro culture remains visible, vibrant, and welcoming to the San Diego community.
The House of Chamorros offers year‑round cultural programs at Balboa Park that share Chamorro heritage with families, visitors, and the broader San Diego community. Our signature Håfa Adai Festival brings together cultural practitioners, musicians, dancers, and artisans for a full day of celebration and hands‑on learning. We also participate in major park events such as December Nights and the Ethnic Food Faire, where thousands of visitors experience Chamorro food, music, and cultural displays.
Beyond public events, we support families through our Children’s Health Program, which assists individual families from Guam and the Mariana Islands who travel to the mainland for medical care. Our volunteers help them connect with medical staff, navigate housing options, and receive guidance during their stay. We also uplift youth through our Queens Program, which provides leadership development and cultural education for young women representing the Chamorro community. Together, these programs create a welcoming, intergenerational space where Chamorro culture is celebrated, taught, and shared with people of all backgrounds.