Fund News by Walter J. Haas An Important Message from the Board of Directors of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund 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.
Democracy by Raúl Macías How UC Berkeley Is Bringing Community Voices into Democracy Policy A Conversation with Meredith Sadin We spoke with the director of the Center on Civility and Democratic Engagement about UC Berkeley’s Democracy Policy Fellowship bringing community leaders & faculty together to develop solutions to some of California’s most pressing challenges.
by Monica Martinez Higher Ed’s New Normal: Delivering on the Promise of Online Learning Emerging “hybrid learning” models can expand access and opportunity Online learning is here to stay. The question isn’t whether it can replace the traditional college experience. It’s how we make it work better for the students who rely on it. Photo by Allison Shelley/Complete College Photo Library
Democracy by Raúl Macías Local Election Official Armando Salud-Ambriz is Helping Strengthen Democracy from the Ground Up How can systems build trust with communities they serve? Strong public institutions depend on leaders who bring diverse experiences and a deep commitment to service. But leaders also need skills and networks that support them to have an impact.
Immigrant Rights by Elica Vafaie What the Birthright Citizenship Decision Reveals About Philanthropy’s Path to Protect and Defend Democracy What the Next Wins Will Take This case demonstrated the importance of strategic efforts to build broader coalitions. Photo courtesy of John Sailer
How UC Berkeley Is Bringing Community Voices into Democracy Policy September 15, 2026 | by Raúl Macías in Democracy A Conversation with Meredith Sadin We spoke with the director of the Center on Civility and Democratic Engagement about UC Berkeley’s Democracy Policy Fellowship bringing community leaders & faculty together to develop solutions to some of California’s most pressing challenges. What happens when community leaders working on the front lines to tackle California’s toughest challenges join forces with students and faculty at one of the country’s leading public policy schools?That question is… Continue Reading
Higher Ed’s New Normal: Delivering on the Promise of Online Learning August 27, 2026 | by Monica Martinez Emerging “hybrid learning” models can expand access and opportunity Online learning is here to stay. The question isn’t whether it can replace the traditional college experience. It’s how we make it work better for the students who rely on it. Over the last decade, we’ve seen a transformation in how students experience higher education. It’s no longer just about attending in-person classes in a campus setting; more and more students are taking classes onl… Continue Reading
Local Election Official Armando Salud-Ambriz is Helping Strengthen Democracy from the Ground Up August 11, 2026 | by Raúl Macías in Democracy How can systems build trust with communities they serve? Strong public institutions depend on leaders who bring diverse experiences and a deep commitment to service. But leaders also need skills and networks that support them to have an impact. Investing in community-rooted leaders is core to strengthening democracy in California and nationwide. That’s why the Haas, Jr. Fund has made leadership support a longtime and central focus of our Democracy program.… Continue Reading
What the Birthright Citizenship Decision Reveals About Philanthropy’s Path to Protect and Defend Democracy August 4, 2026 | by Elica Vafaie in Immigrant Rights What the Next Wins Will Take This case demonstrated the importance of strategic efforts to build broader coalitions. This op-ed was first published by the Center for Effective Philanthropy on August 4, 2026. Authored by Aarti Kohli, Executive Director of Asian Law Caucus, and Elica Vafaie, Program Director for Immigrant Rights wit… Continue Reading
Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund Announces New President June 22, 2026 | by Maliha Sadiq in Fund News Former Levi Strauss Foundation Leader Daniel Lee to Guide Haas Jr.’s Closing Chapter Lee brings deep roots in the Haas family’s philanthropic legacy and 25 years of field leadership. The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Daniel Lee will become Haas Jr.’s next President and CEO, effective August 24, 2026. The former executive director of the Levi St… Continue Reading
Let the Games Begin June 10, 2026 | by Elica Vafaie The World Cup is an Opportunity to Showcase Core Values and Democratic Principles Haas Jr. partners are working to promote joy, welcome, and safety for fans, immigrant communities. Every four years, I eagerly await the World Cup. Some of my best memories growing up involve gathering with community to watch matches and getting swept up in the excitement and joy of the game. Soccer is the… Continue Reading