Every Voice Shines New Light

The value of an idea increases exponentially when it’s shared. From our staff, partners and grantees to the people impacted by their efforts, each perspective offers new insight into the critical issues at the heart of our work.

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Photo of someone registering to vote

Working to Expand Voter Registration Access in California

| by Raúl Macías in Democracy

Reflecting on National Voter Registration Day

Californians have a lot to celebrate about voter registration trends in our state, but there is still work to do.

As we mark National Voter Registration Day on September 19, Californians have a lot to celebrate about voter registration trends in our state. Over the past decade, our state has seen voter registration increase rem…

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Photo of an undocumented college grad hugging someone on stage during graduation Letter from the VP

The Power of Narrative

| by Robert Joseph in Leadership

How We're Leaning into Narrative Change to Advance Equity

Across our programs, we're supporting grantee partners to share perspectives and stories that can break through the noise.

As college and university students in California and around the country settle into the rhythms of another academic year, there’s a troubling narrative making the rounds that a college education just isn’t worth it.…

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Closeup of a demonstrator during a Health4All rally

Persuasion is Possible

| by Elica Vafaie in Immigrant Rights

Taking a Look at the Immigrant Strategic Messaging Project (ISMP)

The California Immigrant Policy Center developed the ISMP between 2017 and 2021—one of the most far-reaching immigration messaging research projects in the country.

Undocumented immigrants in California historically were excluded from government healthcare programs. But today California has the most expansive healthcare program for undocumented older adults in the nation—all be…

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AAPI youth at a 2022 AAPI Unity March

Nothing Changes Until the Narrative Changes

| by Maliha Sadiq in Democracy

Shaping a Powerful New Narrative about AANHPI Communities

Asian American Futures is using investments in research, field testing, and other activities to help AANHPI communities feel "seen, heard, empowered, and united."

At Haas, Jr. Fund partner Asian American Futures, Reshma Shamasunder and Kana Hammon are leading an effort to advance a shared story—and a shared future—for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANH…

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Oakland community canvassers walking in a residential neighborhood

PIVOT: Breaking Ground on Trust-Based Philanthropy

| by Raúl Macías in Democracy

Betting Big on Narrative Change to Support a Multiracial California

Powerful Innovations for Voter Organizing and Transformation (PIVOT) seeks to build power for communities of color.

Diana Colín is the director of an exciting new grantmaking initiative housed at the California Community Foundation called Powerful Innovations for Voter Organizing and Transformation (PIVOT). As a collaborative “ta…

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Headshot of Immigrant Rights Program Director Elica Vafaie

Welcoming Elica Vafaie, Our New Immigrant Rights Program Director

| by Robert Joseph

Elica is a civil rights lawyer with a career focused on advancing immigrant rights.

She will lead the Fund's strategies and partnerships to build the power and voice of immigrants to find safety, opportunity, and representation in California and nationwide.

The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund today announced it has hired Elica Vafaie as program director for its Immigrant Rights program. In this position, she will lead strategies and partnerships to build the power and…

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Haas, Jr. Fund Newsletter

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June 2023
Seven Leaders Transforming California and Beyond
March 2023
Imagine A California Where We All Belong
December 2022
Reflecting on the 2022 Midterm Elections
October 2022
Back to School is a Time of Possibility