IACEC Shines in

Big Day of Giving 2026:

A Remarkable 5th‑Place Finish

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The Iranian American Cultural & Education Center (IACEC) and Bamdad Radio achieved an extraordinary milestone during the 2026 Big Day of Giving (BDOG), securing 5th Place in the Small Nonprofit category. With the support of 117 generous donors, IACEC raised an impressive $46,200—more than double the $20,000 raised in its first year of participation in 2025.

For a young organization in the BDOG community, this leap is nothing short of remarkable.

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A Vision Introduced — and Realized

As an Advisory Board Member of IACEC, I am proud to have introduced the organization to BDOG last year. Having worked for years in the nonprofit sector, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this regional day of philanthropy can be. Hundreds of organizations—large and small—depend on BDOG to fuel programs that government alone cannot sustain.

I believed IACEC belonged among them.

After conversations, planning, and a bit of persuasion, I encouraged IACEC Founder & President Moe Golshani and his team to take the leap. Their dedication, paired with the community’s generosity, produced results that exceeded all expectations.

Moe shared this heartfelt reflection:

“I am very thankful to Martin Ross for coming to help us with this effort and for being a friend, nonprofit mentor, and technical advisor for BDOG to IACEC, and year‑round to the Iranian American and Farsi‑speaking community. He is like a piece of gold to us—always available to answer questions and help us grow into a more successful nonprofit.”
— Moe Golshani, Founder & President, IACEC

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Why IACEC and Bamdad Radio Matter

Supporters are invited to reflect on a simple question:
What would our community lose if IACEC and Bamdad Radio no longer existed?

Bamdad Radio—Northern California’s largest and only Farsi/English radio station—reaches 30,000 local listeners and 1.5 million worldwide. Its 52 exclusive programs and 16 weekly live shows feature experts in arts, health, business, psychology, sports, and more. It is a cultural bridge, a trusted resource, and a voice for communities often overlooked.

Organizations like IACEC and Bamdad Radio thrive because people choose to invest their time, talent, treasure, and trust. Philanthropy is one of the most powerful expressions of American generosity. When we give, we strengthen the cultural fabric of our region.

Imagine the silence if these voices disappeared.

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Looking Ahead: A Bold Goal for 2027

With BDOG contributions doubling from 2025 to 2026, the momentum is undeniable. Moe has set an ambitious but achievable goal for BDOG 2027: $100,000.

Collective generosity can make it happen.

Your continued support ensures that IACEC and Bamdad Radio remain vibrant, resilient, and able to serve both the Iranian American community and the broader Sacramento region for years to come.

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Big Day of Giving: A Regional Tradition of Generosity

Since its launch in 2013, Big Day of Giving has become one of the Sacramento region’s most impactful philanthropic events. On May 7, 2026, 886 nonprofits across El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties raised $15.4 million, bringing the cumulative total to $132 million since BDOG’s inception.

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Mark your calendar:
Big Day of Giving returns on May 6, 2027.
Every gift matters. Every nonprofit matters. And together, we make our region stronger.

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About the Iranian American Cultural & Education Center (IACEC)

Mission:
To strengthen civic engagement, cultural awareness, and information exchange within the Iranian American and Farsi/Dari‑speaking communities—and to enrich the broader Sacramento region through education and cultural celebration.

IACEC empowers migrant communities by fostering inclusive environments where diversity thrives. Through grassroots programs and strategic partnerships, the organization ensures equitable access to essential resources that help individuals and families reach their full potential.

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About the Author — Martin Ross

Martin Ross serves as Deputy Director of External Affairs, Partnerships & Workforce Development at the Health Education Council, an impactful organization that has partnered with IACEC on some past projects. He is Chairman of the Sacramento County Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee, a Commissioner with the Sacramento Housing & Redevelopment Agency, an Advisory Board Director for the Carmichael Community Planning Advisory Council, and an IACEC Advisory Board member.

A Master’s in Business Administration holder, and a UC Berkeley graduate in Chemical Engineering—with an Environmental Engineering option he helped design—Martin blends analytical problem‑solving with a passion for community transformation. He is a 2025 Top 20 Change Maker (Sacramento Bee & Nehemiah Leadership), a member of Carmichael Kiwanis and the Elks, and a candidate for the Los Rios Community College Board of Trustees in November 2026.