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.
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
Fund News by Maliha Sadiq Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund Announces New President 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.
Building “Narrative Power” To Shift Policy and Opinion on Immigrants September 29, 2025 | by Elica Vafaie in Immigrant Rights 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. Why This MattersImmigrants are core to the fabric of California and integral to every aspect of life in our state—powering innovation and economic growth, sustaining our food and health systems, and enriching our ne… Continue Reading
Lack of Language Services Keeps Too Many Eligible Immigrants From Voting September 29, 2025 | by Raúl Macías in Democracy 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 Why This MattersCalifornia has the nation’s highest proportion of households (43%) who speak a language other than English at home. Approximately 3.2 million eligible California voters—one in eight voters—are limite… Continue Reading
It is Time to Tell a Powerful Story About Immigrants September 29, 2025 | by Elica Vafaie in Immigrant Rights A conversation with Shauna Siggelkow at Define American The cultural ground we stand on is contested—and reclaiming it is urgent. For U.S. immigrants and their allies, families, neighbors, and friends, this is a time of bracing fear and uncertainty. A surge in unlawful arrests and deportations is wreaking havoc on families, communities and the… Continue Reading
Transferring From Community College Is Too Hard September 29, 2025 | by Monica Martinez in College Success 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 Why This MattersCommunity college is an affordable, accessible on-ramp to a bachelor’s degree—especially for students who are low-income, first-generation, or from communities of color. With 2.1 million students at… Continue Reading
Strengthening Democracy with Data September 29, 2025 | by Raúl Macías in Democracy 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 In 2024, UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy launched a new initiative focused on strengthening democracy policy in California and nationwide through research, teaching, and collaboration with practitioner… Continue Reading
Broken Promise: Fixing the Community College Transfer Process September 29, 2025 | by Monica Martinez in College Success A Q&A with Jessie Ryan, the president of the Campaign for College Opportunity Streamlining the transfer process for community college students seeking to enroll in a four-year college or university is a critical issue for equity in higher education Jessie Ryan, president of Haas Jr. grant partner the Campaign for College Opportunity, has spent the last two decades pushing for policies that not only open the doors to college but ensure students walk out with de… Continue Reading