Who We Are

About the Foundation

Honoring Dominican heritage, building community impact.

Traditional Dominican Carnaval Diablo Cojuelo mask
Our Foundation

About Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc.

Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. was created to preserve, celebrate, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic while using culture as a platform to create meaningful community impact.

Inspired by Dominican Carnaval traditions, especially the Carnaval of La Vega, the foundation honors one of the oldest and most recognized cultural celebrations in the Americas. Through cultural events, educational programs, community partnerships, and charitable initiatives, the foundation connects Dominican heritage with service, unity, and opportunity.

Carnaval represents more than celebration. It represents identity, resilience, creativity, family, music, art, and the strength of a people who continue to preserve their traditions across generations.

Our Mission

Culture that creates change

Our mission is to preserve and promote Dominican culture, arts, heritage, and Carnaval traditions while supporting youth, families, cultural groups, and underserved communities through education, cultural programming, community events, charitable outreach, and strategic partnerships.

"We believe culture can educate, unite, inspire, and create change."

Our Vision

A cultural bridge across communities

Our vision is to build a cultural and charitable foundation that becomes a bridge between Southwest Florida, the Dominican Republic, and Dominican communities across the United States.

We envision a future where Dominican culture is celebrated with pride, Carnaval traditions are preserved for future generations, and funds raised through cultural events help improve lives through education, outreach, community support, and humanitarian partnerships.

Dominican Cultural Heritage

Inspired by the Carnaval de La Vega

The Carnaval de La Vega is one of the Dominican Republic's most iconic cultural traditions, known for its colorful costumes, handcrafted masks, music, dance, and the unforgettable presence of the Diablos Cojuelos.

Carnaval for Change Foundation Inc. draws inspiration from this heritage to celebrate Dominican identity while creating programs that give back to the community. Our goal is to help preserve these traditions and share them with future generations.

Centuries
Tradition
Living
Heritage
Dominican
Spirit
Diablos Cojuelos performers in handcrafted masks at the Carnaval de La Vega
What We Stand For

Our Values

Cultural Preservation

We honor and preserve Dominican heritage, traditions, music, dance, art, costumes, and Carnaval history.

Community Empowerment

We bring people together through service, partnerships, family-friendly events, and community impact.

Youth Development

We support youth through cultural education, mentorship, leadership, creativity, and opportunity.

Family Support

We care about families and underserved communities by supporting programs that provide hope, resources, and connection.

Unity

We build bridges between Southwest Florida, the Dominican Republic, and Dominican communities across the United States.

Integrity

We operate with transparency, responsibility, respect, and accountability to our community, donors, sponsors, and partners.