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.
by Elica Vafaie Let the Games Begin 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.
by Cathy Cha Looking Ahead in Uncertain Times The Time Has Come to Build What’s Next In 2026, the Haas, Jr. Fund is advancing our ambitions by focusing on root causes, bold ideas, greater agility, and deeper collaboration with funding and community partners to drive innovative solutions. Photo courtesy of Theo Rigby
Immigrant Rights by Elica Vafaie Standing Up for Immigrants, Standing Up for Democracy What This Moment Is Calling on Us to Do Community organizations are showing us what it means to build community, stand up for each other, link arms across issues, and stand up for democracy Photo courtesy of Peg Hunter
Democracy by Raúl Macías Protecting the Right to Vote New Partnership Seeks to Safeguard, Expand Californians’ Democratic Rights The California Democracy Partnership unites a growing network of funders and organizations around a shared agenda to establish California as a model of inclusive, multiracial democracy Photo by Sue Peri
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