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.

Perspectives Search Filters

Show Me Perspectives In

Perspectives That Match Filter Criteria

Photo of a demonstrator holding a sign that reads "Love Over Hate" Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Inclusion and Belonging: No Time To Step Back

| by Cathy Cha in Fund News

Choosing to Remain Hopeful

The current moment calls on us to take a harder look at what we do and how we do it, and to explore new ways to find—and advance—our common humanity.

When I stepped into leadership five years ago at the Haas, Jr. Fund, I knew one thing for sure—we needed to keep pushing for a country and a society where we all belong.  The pandemic and the racial uprising of…

Continue Reading
Photo of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge overlooking the water Letter from the VP

Reflecting on Our Recent Grantee Perception Survey

| by Robert Joseph in Fund News

A Look Into What We Learned

As we continue to refine our strategies and grantmaking practices, these survey results provide helpful guidance on how we can better partner with our grantees

At the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, we strive for our work—both what we do and how we do it—to always reflect the insights of our community partners. That’s why we commissioned the Center for Effective Philanth…

Continue Reading
Voters waiting in line to fill out their ballots

Poll: Californians Identify Problems, Solutions for Advancing A Multiracial Democracy

| by Raúl Macías in Democracy

Participation Gaps And Voter Outreach Among Voters' Main Concerns

The IGS poll results reveal where we've made progress and how far we still have to go to achieve a truly inclusive, multiracial democracy in California.

The Institute of Governmental Studies (IGS) at UC Berkeley, with support from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, released polls this year that looked at how Californians are feeling about their democracy. The res…

Continue Reading
Photo of someone registering to vote

Working to Expand Voter Registration Access in California

| by Raúl Macías in Democracy

Reflecting on National Voter Registration Day

Californians have a lot to celebrate about voter registration trends in our state, but there is still work to do.

As we mark National Voter Registration Day on September 19, Californians have a lot to celebrate about voter registration trends in our state. Over the past decade, our state has seen voter registration increase rem…

Continue Reading
Photo of an undocumented college grad hugging someone on stage during graduation Letter from the VP

The Power of Narrative

| by Robert Joseph in Leadership

How We're Leaning into Narrative Change to Advance Equity

Across our programs, we're supporting grantee partners to share perspectives and stories that can break through the noise.

As college and university students in California and around the country settle into the rhythms of another academic year, there’s a troubling narrative making the rounds that a college education just isn’t worth it.…

Continue Reading
Closeup of a demonstrator during a Health4All rally

Persuasion is Possible

| by Elica Vafaie in Immigrant Rights

Taking a Look at the Immigrant Strategic Messaging Project (ISMP)

The California Immigrant Policy Center developed the ISMP between 2017 and 2021—one of the most far-reaching immigration messaging research projects in the country.

Undocumented immigrants in California historically were excluded from government healthcare programs. But today California has the most expansive healthcare program for undocumented older adults in the nation—all be…

Continue Reading
Newsletter

Haas, Jr. Fund Newsletter

Sign Up
March 2026
Looking Ahead in Uncertain Times
December 2025
Helping Our Neighbors in a Season of Record Need
September 2025
From Crisis Response to Lasting Change
June 2025
Freedom, Courage... and Caring