by Cathy Cha Imagine a California Where We All Belong We need to keep pushing for belonging for people that historically have not had equal access Reflecting on the good work happening across many fronts to make our state more inclusive.
Democracy by Raúl Macías Advancing Belonging Through Budget Advocacy Ensuring local leaders have a voice in the budget process The Budget Power Project aims to support communities across California to have a voice and influence in decisions on public spending.
College Success by Monica Martinez A Black Community Space at Cal UC Berkeley center enables Black students to find community and support A conversation with Takiyah Jackson, director of the Fannie Lou Hamer Black Resource Center.
Democracy by Cathy Cha Beyond the Midterm Elections: Next Steps to a Stronger Democracy Year-round dedication is needed to ensure our democracy leaves no one behind We may have avoided the worst-case scenario during the midterms, but our work is not yet done.
Democracy by Raúl Macías Grantee Spotlight: Jessica González of Free Press Working to strengthen democracy through a more just news media The Haas, Jr. Fund’s Raúl Macías recently sat down with González to reflect on the midterms and learn about Free Press’ work to combat mis- and disinformation.
Celebrating California’s Path to Inclusion May 23, 2016 | by Cathy Cha in Immigrant Rights Two decades later, a very different approach to immigration How did California go from Proposition 187 to the TRUST Act in two short decades? In 1994, California voters approved one of the harshest anti-immigrant laws in U.S. history, Proposition 187. Today, as we mark the 20th annual Immigrant Day in Sacramento, our state is recognized as having the stro… Continue Reading
VP of Finance Michael Blake to Step Down April 29, 2016 | by Ira Hirschfield in Fund News 22 years of service at the Fund, and to the field of foundation finances Michael has served as a superb and ethical steward of the Fund’s finances and a steadfast champion of its guiding values of equity and opportunity. I am writing with the news that Michael Blake will be stepping down in December as Vice President of Finance with the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. In his 22 years at the Fund, Michael has served as… Continue Reading
Let Local Groups Lead with Their Issues April 13, 2016 | by Cathy Cha in Immigrant Rights Give families and communities a greater voice A new report shares reflections on what’s working to strengthen democracy in four California counties In 2012 in San Diego, a lot of people showed up to vote who had never (or rarely) voted before. The reason: local social change organizations worked together to mobilize tens of thousands of people—including large n… Continue Reading
Fundraising Answers Are All Around Us April 13, 2016 | by Linda Wood in Leadership How are some social change organizations achieving standout fundraising success? Hint: It’s less about the latest tools and techniques, and more about organizational culture, leadership and discipline. “Let’s find an outside expert who can help.” It’s a natural impulse in the search for answers to the chronic fundraising challenges facing so many nonprofit organizations. But what if the real answers were already a… Continue Reading
Letter from the President Working Together for Progress March 30, 2016 | by Ira Hirschfield in Fund News Spring 2016 Letter from the President As the Presidential election sparks heated debate about the future of our country, the Fund remains committed to supporting the incredible work of our grantee partners. The Presidential election has surfaced deep differences and sparked heated debate about the future of the country. It is against this backdrop of change and uncertainty that I find hope and inspiration in the steadf… Continue Reading
A Culture Shift for Fundraising February 29, 2016 | by Linda Wood in Leadership What is a “culture of philanthropy”—and why does it matter? New paper drills down on an emerging concept in nonprofit fundraising. Three years ago, the Haas, Jr. Fund joined with CompassPoint Nonprofit Services to produce a study, UnderDeveloped, documenting the chronic fundraising challenges facing today’s nonprofits. One possible path to addr… Continue Reading