Perspectives by Cathy Cha | Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund

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.

Cathy Cha President

Cathy leads the Fund’s work to advance rights and create opportunities for all people.

Changing the Odds

September 30, 2019 | by

Testing New Approaches for Protecting and Advancing Basic Rights and Opportunities for All.

Haas, Jr. Fund President Cathy Cha on moving past a challenging moment in U.S. history and investing in positive, long-term solutions for immigrants and communities of color.

Whether I am picking up my seven-year-old daughter or attending a performance at her elementary school, the scenario is often the same. I see her little face scanning the room to find me in the crowd. Then our eyes…

Lifting Up Community Voices

June 17, 2019 | by

Summer 2019 Letter from the President

In this letter, President Cathy Cha shares how new communities across the country are making their voices heard through organizing and coming together to work for change.

No matter where we are on the political spectrum, I think we can all agree that more participation in our democracy makes the country stronger. As we mark the 50-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising for LGB…

Rethinking Social Justice Grantmaking

February 4, 2019 | by

Cathy Cha on Philanthropy and the Power of Partnership

The Haas, Jr. Fund’s new president talks with Philanthropy News Digest about breaking down silos, advancing equity and diversity, and working together to strengthen democracy.

This piece was originally published in Philanthropy News Digest. Cathy Cha, who officially stepped into the role of president of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund in January, has long worked to advance new mod…

A Letter From President Cathy Cha

January 7, 2019 | by

The Haas, Jr. Fund’s new President pledges to advance a positive vision of a just and compassionate society for all.

In a letter to partners and colleagues, Cathy Cha says the Fund will work collaboratively and boldly for change.

I am honored and humbled to step into my new role as President of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Whether in the Bay Area or in other places across the country, our communities and our democracy are f…

New Vice President of Programs

October 23, 2018 | by

Welcoming Robert Joseph to the Haas, Jr. Fund

President-elect, Cathy Cha, writes about the Fund's new Vice President of Programs, Robert Joseph.

I’m writing to share some exciting news. The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund has appointed Robert Joseph as its new Vice President of Programs. This is a role I’ve filled for the past two years as part of the Fund’…

California Campus Catalyst Fund

April 9, 2018 | by

Helping Dreamers find safety and support on campus

New initiative supports California colleges and universities to offer expanded services for undocumented students and their families.

I am excited to share news about a new initiative that will help undocumented young people in California find urgently needed support at a time of unshakable anxiety and fear in their lives. Right now, in Califor…

Why I Am Hopeful

July 12, 2017 | by

Reflections on a Café with a Mission

In a column for Philanthropy News Digest, Vice President of Programs Cathy Cha lifts up some reasons for hope in a challenging environment for the work of social justice.

This article was originally published in Philanthropy News Digest. It all started with an email from a friend late last year. She said she was concerned about the tone of our politics and the direction in which o…

Teaming to Help Immigrants Become Citizens

May 30, 2017 | by

Why Five Grant Makers Came Together to Form the New Americans Campaign

Cathy Cha, Angela Cheng, Leslie Dorosin, and Geri Mannion on the five principles that are essential to successful collaborative grant-making efforts.

This article was originally published in the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Six years ago, five grant makers came together to form the New Americans Campaign because they believe immigrants can and do…