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
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