Perspectives by Walter J. Haas

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.

Walter J. Haas Board Chair

In his leadership of the Haas, Jr. Fund, Walter J. Haas is guided by a commitment to serving the community and to creating opportunities for all people to succeed.

See Walter’s Perspectives

An Important Message from the Board of Directors of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund

June 1, 2026 | by in

Marking its 75th anniversary, the Fund will sunset its work in 2028.

We will continue to support our key programs in Democracy, Immigrant Rights, and College Success at current grantmaking levels for the 2027 and 2028 calendar years.

Dear Friends,Seventy-three years ago, my parents created the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund to further their shared vision of a society in which every person has opportunities to thrive and live life with dignity…
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Honoring Cathy Cha and Looking Ahead to Our Next Chapter

May 27, 2026 | by in

We Remain Deeply Committed to Our Vision and Our Values

Please share a message, photo, or favorite memory with Cathy.

Dear Friends,My parents created the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund in 1953 with a vision of a society in which every person has the opportunity to thrive and live with dignity and hope. Seventy-three years later,…
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Welcoming the Fund’s New President

January 7, 2019 | by

Cathy Cha brings a record of collaborative results and a passion for fairness and justice to her new role.

In a letter to partners and colleagues, the Fund’s Board of Directors praises Cha as an innovator and a powerful champion for families and communities.

We are delighted to announce that we have named Cathy Cha President of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Over the past two years, Cathy has served as the Fund’s Vice President of Programs during a planned leader…
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Starting a New Chapter of Leadership

January 12, 2017 | by in

The Fund’s Board of Directors announce Jennie Lehua Watson and Cathy Cha to leadership posts.

In a letter to the Fund’s partners and colleagues, Directors Walter J. Haas, Robert D. Haas and Betsy Haas Eisenhardt publicly welcome Watson and Cha as an “outstanding” leadership team for the Fund.

We are pleased to announce two important leadership changes to help us ensure that our family foundation can continue—and strengthen—its work to help advance rights and create opportunities for all people. Jennie Le…
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Reflecting on Ira Hirschfield’s Leadership

January 14, 2016 | by in

The Fund’s Trustees describe our departing President’s passion for philanthropy and for “lifting aspirations.

In a letter to the Fund’s partners and colleagues, Trustees Walter J. Haas, Robert D. Haas and Betsy Haas Eisenhardt offer their perspectives on Ira Hirschfield’s “visionary and highly effective” leadership. Ira “has dared so many of us to dream,” they write.

Ira Hirschfield will be stepping down in December 2016 as President and Trustee of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund after 28 years of visionary and highly effective leadership. Ira has been a constant source of…
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Every Voice Shines New Light

Walter J. Haas Board Chair

Perspectives That Match Filter Criteria

An Important Message from the Board of Directors of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund

Honoring Cathy Cha and Looking Ahead to Our Next Chapter

Welcoming the Fund’s New President

Starting a New Chapter of Leadership

Reflecting on Ira Hirschfield’s Leadership

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