Questions, answered.
The most common questions we hear from immigrant families, partner organizations, public agencies, funders, donors and journalists about CVIIC and our work.
What is the Central Valley Immigrant Integration Collaborative (CVIIC)?
CVIIC is a Fresno-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates a regional network of nonprofits, public agencies, schools, law firms and other partners to empower immigrant families and strengthen the organizations that serve them across California’s Central Valley.
When and how was CVIIC founded?
CVIIC grew out of an October 2013 regional convening in Fresno that set immigration priorities for the Valley. A regional strategic plan was completed in January 2014, and CVIIC was launched on February 26, 2014. It became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2019. Read our full history →
What area does CVIIC serve?
The eight counties of the San Joaquin Valley: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Tulare. CVIIC’s office is in Fresno.
What does CVIIC do?
CVIIC works in four areas: free immigration legal services and community education; free entrepreneurship and digital literacy courses; 2030 Census preparation in the Central Valley; and building a regional network of nonprofits, community organizations, public agencies and private-sector partners. Our approach is regional coordination and collaboration.
Does CVIIC offer free immigration legal help?
Yes. Since 2014, CVIIC and its partners have organized more than 1,000 free immigration legal services workshops, where nonprofit legal services providers and pro bono attorneys help with naturalization (citizenship), DACA, U and T visas, VAWA and asylum screening. Learn about our workshops →
How can I find a trusted immigration legal services provider near me?
Download the Central Valley Immigration Legal Services Directory, published in English and Spanish. It lists nonprofit immigration legal services providers across the eight San Joaquin Valley counties.
How can I avoid immigration scams or "notario" fraud?
Only licensed attorneys and accredited representatives working for recognized nonprofit organizations can give immigration legal advice. “Notarios” and consultants cannot. Use the providers in our directory, and attend one of CVIIC’s free community presentations to learn the warning signs.
Can CVIIC give a know-your-rights presentation to my school, church or community group?
Yes. Every year, CVIIC staff give hundreds of free community presentations on know your rights, citizenship, DACA and other relief, avoiding notario fraud, and the services offered by trusted nonprofit legal agencies. Request a presentation →
Does CVIIC offer entrepreneurship or computer classes?
Yes. CVIIC staff teach free Spanish-language entrepreneurship and digital literacy courses, in person in five counties (Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Madera and Merced), with Kern County coming soon. Online courses on Zoom are open to immigrants in all eight San Joaquin Valley counties. Hundreds of students have graduated since 2020. Current courses are listed in Spanish on ValleCentral.org.
Through CVIIC’s collaboration with Santa Clara University’s My Own Business Institute (MOBI), students can also use MOBI’s online learning platform to take business courses at their own pace, in Spanish or English.
How can my organization join CVIIC's regional network?
Nonprofits, community organizations, public agencies, schools, libraries, media and law firms are welcome to join. Contact us to talk about how your organization can take part.
What is the CVIIC Regional Conference on Immigrant Integration?
CVIIC has organized regional conferences on immigrant integration since 2016. Beginning in 2026, CVIIC holds two each year. The August 2026 conference brought together representatives of more than 100 partner agencies from throughout the Central Valley, with keynotes by Thomas A. Saenz of MALDEF and Dr. Manuel Pastor of USC. Conferences & events →
Is CVIIC involved in the 2030 Census?
Yes. CVIIC is building the capacity of Central Valley organizations to help ensure a complete count in 2030, building on its 2017–2021 census research, advocacy and outreach. Visit our Census page → and our campaign site, CentralValleyCensus.org.
Can my agency use CVIIC's research and documents?
Yes. Reports, directories, policy documents, conference presentations and 2020 Census materials are free to download and cite in our resource library.
Is CVIIC a registered nonprofit? Are donations tax deductible?
Yes. CVIIC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 83-0682400). Donations may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. CVIIC holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator.
How can I donate to CVIIC?
You can give securely online through our PayPal donation page. For grants, sponsorships or program-specific gifts, please contact us.
Who funds CVIIC's work?
CVIIC is supported by foundations, companies, public agencies and individual donors, including The James Irvine Foundation, California Wellness Foundation, Central Valley Community Foundation, Rosenberg Foundation, The California Endowment and many others. See all our funders on the homepage →
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Pro bono attorneys and other volunteers help make CVIIC’s free workshops possible. Contact us to learn about current opportunities.
I'm a journalist. Who can I talk to at CVIIC?
Our media kit has approved descriptions, fast facts, leadership information, photos and the press contact. Interviews are available in English and Spanish.
How can I contact CVIIC?
Visit or call us at 5014 E. University Ave., Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93727 · (559) 666-6446.
Last updated: November 2026. This page will be reviewed when the new website is complete.