John C. Riccio Grant

Sharing our Italian culture is a source of pride for Italian Community Services. To that end, the John C. Riccio Grant program recognizes schools and non-profit organizations that teach the Italian language and culture in the San Francisco Bay Area. By supporting schools and programs, the Riccio Grant aims to foster a deeper connection to our Italian heritage, enhancing cultural diversity and enriching the community.

In partnership with ICS, funds can be used to support, grow, or start a program of language and cultural enrichment. Most Riccio Grants are used to purchase classroom materials or fund teacher enrichment or salaries.

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of our 2025 Riccio Grants!

Congratulations to all the schools and organizations for their outstanding commitment to promoting Italian language and culture across the San Francisco Bay Area.
We are honored to support your incredible work with nearly $100,000 in funding this year! 🇮🇹✨

In no particular order, congratulations to:
Museo Italo Americano – Ita Lingua SF – La Scuola International School – Lowell High School – Saints Peter & Paul School – Spazio Italiano – St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School – Marin Catholic – Istituto Italiano Scuola SF – San Rafael High School – Burlingame High School – Telegraph Hill Arts and Literature

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Applications for 2026 funds will open in Spring 2026.

Recipient Stories

Featured
Generations Meet: Stories and Smiles
Generations Meet: Stories and Smiles

A heartwarming intergenerational exchange took place at Italian Community Services as students from La Scuola International School visited our senior members. Before sharing lunch together, the children engaged in a lively Q&A session with the ICS President and colored Easter greeting cards for the Easter Care Packages. Through heartfelt conversations, they practiced their Italian while discovering stories of the past, creating a meaningful connection between generations. A day filled with curiosity, joy, and shared memories.

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A Special Visit from La Scuola International School!
A Special Visit from La Scuola International School!

In October, we received a special visit from 4th graders from La Scuola International School! (www.lascuolasf.org)

We were delighted to welcome the bright young students from La Scuola for a memorable luncheon with our community. These Italian-speaking children filled our space with curiosity, warmth, and excitement, sharing their stories and asking thoughtful questions of our seniors. Their visit was a joyful reminder of the importance of connection across generations, and it brought smiles all around.

Moments like these bring us closer and fill us with gratitude for the wonderful spirit of our community.

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A Memorable Day at Italian Community Services! 
A Memorable Day at Italian Community Services! 

Last Wednesday, February 21st, was a special day for us at Italian Community Services (ICS), as we had the pleasure of welcoming students from Burlingame High School's Italian class and their teacher, the talented Celine Perry as well as representatives from the BHS Italian Exchange Boosters Program.

Burlingame High School is one of the 8 schools that received the John C. Riccio grant from ICS that nurtures and inspires Italian cultural appreciation, language, and community connection.

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