Perspectives | 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.

The Hero’s Journey

July 12, 2018 | by

Students Reflect on How They Made It to a Four-Year Degree

Undocumented graduates’ stories show the value of investing in critical supports and services for a very vulnerable population.

People who study storytelling know that one of the universal themes found in the ancient stories of many cultures is the “hero’s journey.” During this journey, heroes grapple with fear, encounter guides who help the…

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Welcoming Sepi Aghdaee

July 5, 2018 | by

Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund Hires New Program Officer

Sepi Aghdaee will support the Fund’s grantmaking across programs and issues, including longtime community partnerships in the Bay Area.

The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund announced today that it has hired Sepi Aghdaee as program officer. Sepi joins the Fund after a two-year fellowship with the San Francisco Foundation for emerging leaders in phila…

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…

It’s Time for a Federal Solution to LGBT Discrimination

June 11, 2018 | by

Masterpiece Cakeshop Decision Shows Need for National Protection for LGBT People

Supreme Court ruling opens door to wave of new anti-LGBT laws in the states, makes federal action essential to protect LGBT families.

This piece was published by The Advocate. In the wake of last week’s inconclusive Supreme Court decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, here’s a prediction of what happens next: an…

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…

Jon Davidson

No Time to Sit Back

Longtime civil rights leader Jon Davidson discusses the urgency of this moment for LGBT equality, and the enduring power of telling stories.

Since the dawn of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, Jon Davidson has played an integral role in the push for equality and justice for LGBT people across the United States. In this video, he reflects on the historic prog…

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Masen Davis

Fighting Fear Together

Longtime activist Masen Davis reflects on his leadership role in the movement to fight discrimination against LGBT people.

Since graduating from college in the early 1990s, Masen Davis has spent his entire career working to advance LGBT equality. Today, he is CEO of Freedom for All Americans Education Fund, a bipartisan campaign to secu…

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