by Cathy Cha From Crisis Response to Lasting Change 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
Immigrant Rights by Elica Vafaie Building “Narrative Power” To Shift Policy and Opinion on Immigrants We need to put forward a clear, bold vision of belonging The national narrative around immigrants is being shaped by misinformation and fear over facts—with real-world consequences.
Democracy by Raúl Macías Lack of Language Services Keeps Too Many Eligible Immigrants From Voting We’re working with partners to make sure everyone can have a voice Making voting easier and more accessible for all eligible voters is essential to a strong and thriving democracy Photo courtesy of Common Cause of California
College Success by Monica Martinez Transferring From Community College Is Too Hard Students face too many inequitable barriers on the path to a four-year institution We’re working with partners to tackle a big part of the problem: lost credits Photo by Allison Shelley / Complete College Photo Library
Democracy by Raúl Macías Strengthening Democracy with Data How a New Initiative at UC Berkeley Is Using Research to Help Drive Engagement, Equity A Q&A with Jake Grumbach, Associate Professor at the Goldman School of Public Policy Photo courtesy of Goldman School of Public Policy
Latino Voters in Focus: From Misconceptions to Mobilization May 13, 2025 | by Raúl Macías in Democracy A Conversation with Julián Castro We spoke with the Latino Community Foundation CEO about prominent misconceptions of the Latino community, as well as what it will take to ensure that Latinos can fully participate in U.S. democracy. Latinos make up 30% of eligible voters in California and almost 15% nationally. It’s no wonder Julián Castro, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation (LCF), says “America’s destiny and the destiny of Latinos are inte… Continue Reading
Uniting for Immigrant Rights and a Just Future March 12, 2025 | by Elica Vafaie in Immigrant Rights Rising Above Fear Now is the time to practice courage, resilience, and collective action. Leading the immigrant rights program at the Haas, Jr. Fund is an honor and, like many of you, I’ve had to dig deep to find my footing in these times. As the daughter of Iranian immigrants and an immigration lawyer,… Continue Reading
Following Six Students as They Chase Their College Dreams March 12, 2025 | by Monica Martinez in College Success New PBS Docuseries, "The Class," Premiering March 18 The Haas, Jr. Fund is honored to help sponsor this documentary as part of our commitment to expanding college access for more students. Navigating the college application and admissions process is never easy, especially for low-income students of color who may be the first in their families to go to college. A dramatic PBS docuseries funded in part… Continue Reading
Giving More People A Voice in Orange County March 12, 2025 | by Raúl Macías in Democracy A Look at Two Civic Engagement Initiatives in the Region The steadily growing and diverse California county is becoming a model for innovative solutions to expand voting and civic participation. Voter turnout in the 2024 election was down, particularly among young people and voters of color. In California, the overall turnout of eligible voters during the general election dropped by nearly 11 percentage poi… Continue Reading
Coming Together for Sustained Investments in Black Communities February 24, 2025 | by Raúl Macías in Democracy A Conversation with Marc Philpart of the California Black Freedom Fund The California Black Freedom Fund marks its fifth anniversary this year with bold plans for the future. The California Black Freedom Fund (CBFF) was founded in 2020 in the wake of George Floyd’s murder to build and sustain the power of organizations serving the Black community across California. CBFF has provided more… Continue Reading
United Against Hate & Division January 31, 2025 | by Cathy Cha in Leadership 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… Continue Reading