Perspectives by Cathy Cha

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 & CEO

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

Looking Ahead in Uncertain Times

March 17, 2026 | by

The Time Has Come to Build What’s Next

In 2026, the Haas, Jr. Fund is advancing our ambitions by focusing on root causes, bold ideas, greater agility, and deeper collaboration with funding and community partners to drive innovative solutions.

Even though the chaos continues, this year feels different to me. For Haas Jr., 2025 was a year for listening, shifting gears, and setting out to defend and respond to the fast-changing world around us. It was a yea…

Parents and two children sitting on a couch in their living room, evoking hope and togetherness in a season of financial need and community support.

Helping Our Neighbors in a Season of Record Need

December 8, 2025 | by

Nonprofits are doing vital work and need additional support to help people

Season of Sharing has distributed nearly $220 million to Bay Area residents and families staring down unexpected financial crises.

The 2025 holiday season is feeling different to me—and I’m guessing I am not alone. It’s been an incredibly challenging year for our communities. The recent government shutdown, the high costs of housing and food, a…

From Crisis Response to Lasting Change

September 29, 2025 | by

How can we build a future where people are not just surviving, but also thriving?

At Haas Jr., we are seeking to find a balance between responding to the many emergencies our communities are facing and the work that needs to be done to seed change

The heartbreaking stories are piling up. Immigrant neighbors living in fear of what’s next for them and their families. Lifelong public servants cast aside, their livelihoods gone. College students dealing with disa…

Photo of an interfaith vigil in Los Angeles

Freedom, Courage and Caring

June 16, 2025 | by

Finding Inspiration in Our Grantee Partners

We are inspired by the courage and care we’re seeing as people in California and nationwide exercise their constitutional right to organize and peacefully protest.

The economic, cultural, and community fabric of California depends on immigrants—their safety and well-being are essential to all of us. We are inspired by the courage and care we’re seeing as people in California a…

Group of demonstrators with their hands raised

United Against Hate & Division

January 31, 2025 | by

Standing By The Communities We Serve

We reaffirm our commitment to protecting communities, defending progress, and keeping the California Dream within reach for all.

The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund signed on to the following statement alongside a coalition of California’s leading philanthropic organizations.“As California’s philanthropic leaders, we stand committed to advan…

A voter holding up an American flag while waiting in line to vote

Values and Commitment

November 5, 2024 | by

A Promise to Our Communities and Partners

The Haas, Jr. Fund’s dedication to our values and communities remains unwavering no matter what the election outcome.

The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund signed on to the following statement alongside the CEOs of California’s leading philanthropic organizations.“On this historic election day, we stand united as leaders of Californ…

A sign held by a demonstrator reading "Stronger Together"

Building a “Bigger We”

September 23, 2024 | by

Why Alliances Matter

Bringing people, groups, and sectors together and finding common purpose have long been part of the Haas Jr. DNA.

Every four years, there’s feverish energy to build coalitions that can win an election. Time and again, we’re reminded that presidential elections—and all elections—come down to how you broaden your base of support…

Young athletes huddling on the basketball court with their coach

Lessons From A Successful Nonprofit Merger

August 19, 2024 | by

Connecting with the Leaders of Positive Coaching Alliance

Mergers can be a strategic way for nonprofits to grow even stronger and have greater community impact.

Our President Cathy Cha currently serves on the board of the Positive Coaching Alliance.Compared to the for-profit sector, the nonprofit world tends to view organizational mergers through a more skeptical lens. A no…