Perspectives by Jennie Lehua Watson

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.

Jennie Lehua Watson President

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

Moving Forward

December 6, 2018 | by

A Farewell Message From the President

President, Jennie Watson, reflects on her 18 years at the Haas, Jr. Fund including the last two years as president.

In my 18 years at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, including the last two years as President, I have had the opportunity to witness firsthand the transformation that can happen when people stand up for fairness…

Statement on Family Separation and Detention

June 22, 2018 | by

Philanthropy Responds to Inhumane Family Separation and Detention Policies.

More than 200 institutions sign a statement in support of children and families seeking refuge in the United States.

This statement was originally published by Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR). In an effort to punish immigrants crossing the Southern border of the United States, the current administrat…

LGBT Rights After Masterpiece

June 11, 2018 | by

Federal Law Protecting LGBT People is Realistic and a Long-Overdue Goal

Supreme Court decision shows the work of protecting LGBT families from discrimination is not done.

We have made significant progress for LGBT equality in our country in recent years. Many of us hoped last week’s Supreme Court Masterpiece Cakeshop decision would help blaze another trail to end the discrimination t…

California Funders Stand Up for DREAMers

September 7, 2017 | by

Joint statement highlights “devastating impact” of ending DACA for California and the nation

Haas, Jr. Fund and other funders denounce White House DACA decision, call on philanthropy to speak out and do more for DREAMers.

This statement was originally published by Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR). Statement The Trump Administration announced the termination of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (D…

Love, Unity, and Respect

August 23, 2017 | by

Let’s Show the World the Same Spirit that Restored Crissy Field

Haas, Jr. Fund Interim President Jennie Watson reflects on the meaning of Crissy Field, and expresses her hopes for a safe weekend.

As many of you have heard, there will be a Patriot Prayer rally at San Francisco’s Crissy Field on August 26th.The San Francisco event was confirmed after hate groups rained down mayhem and violence in Charlottesvil…

From Inspiration to Action

June 26, 2017 | by

Summer 2017 Letter from the Interim President

The Haas, Jr. Fund continues to engaged in deep, ongoing conversations with our many partners about what we can and should be doing differently to address the challenges and the opportunities of this moment.

It was six months ago when I stepped into my current role as Interim President of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Since then, I have been inspired by the amazing upsurge of leadership and activism across this…

Joint Foundation Statement on Immigration

February 3, 2017 | by

Foundations Unite to Oppose Immigration Executive Orders

The Haas, Jr. Fund joins with other immigrant rights funders in support of policies that advance diversity, inclusion and human dignity

This statement was originally published by Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR). Statement The United States stands at a historical crossroads. Founded as a refuge from religious persecu…