We are looking ahead to the future, ever dedicated to finding ways the Fund can make a unique contribution to this very special place in which we live.
Evelyn D. Haas
Founded On Values
Walter A. Haas, Jr. and Evelyn Danzig Haas started this foundation in 1953, inspired by their vision of a society in which every person has opportunities to thrive and to live life with dignity and hope.
Walter and Evelyn’s vision is at the heart of the Haas, Jr. Fund’s commitment to tackle some of society’s most pressing and complex issues. Rooted in the Bay Area, the Haas, Jr. Fund is guided by an enduring set of core values:
Inclusion
We celebrate the rich differences in human identity and embrace the perspectives of all people.
Respect
We are guided by the wisdom and voices of people and communities working for change.
Collaboration
We believe in the transformative power of working together to advance a shared vision.
Courage
We take a stand to make a deep and lasting difference on urgent social issues.
I always seemed to have a consciousness about people who really struggled with great challenges and adversity, while trying to live positive, productive and healthy lives. Evie and I wanted our Fund to help those in need and to try to make a difference in people’s lives. It’s most gratifying when the Fund, quietly, can help people help themselves.
Walter A. Haas, Jr.
Board Leadership
Today, the legacy of the late Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. is carried on by their children and three of their grandchildren.
Learn About Our BoardOur Areas of Focus
Under the family’s leadership, the Fund leverages its partnerships and grantmaking to make a positive difference across six priorities:
It’s in the genes…
Philanthropy runs deep in the Haas family. Walter A. Haas, Jr.’s great-great-uncle, Levi Strauss, founded the legendary company and became a generous philanthropist in the San Francisco Bay area. Walter and his wife, Evelyn Danzig Haas, continued the family tradition with the creation of their family foundation in 1953.
Read More About Our FoundersA Tradition of Changemaking
Building on a long family history of philanthropy and community leadership, the Haas, Jr. Fund partners with other organizations to find common ground, to dream, and to take action to improve people’s lives. In our local community, throughout our state and across the nation, the Fund strives to advance rights and opportunities so that all people can have a chance to live the American dream.
Crissy Field
Once a military airfield, Crissy Field was created through unprecedented community input and volunteer efforts, and continues to serve as a place for connection and inspiration for all.
San Francisco
Unified School District
Despite being one of the highest-performing urban districts in California, too many students are still being left behind. District leaders and teachers are helping to improve life chances for all kids.
Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund
Since 1986 the Chronicle Season of Sharing Fund has channeled the Bay Area’s compassion into emergency assistance for individuals and families who are facing hard times.
New Americans Campaign
There are eight million eligible green card-holders who live, work and pay taxes in this country, yet only about eight percent of them naturalize each year. NAC is working to help reduce the barriers to citizenship for aspiring Americans.
Freedom for All Americans Education Fund
Freedom for All Americans works to coordinate and implement public education campaigns to increase understanding and support for the need to protect LGBT people from discrimination.
Flexible Leadership Awards
The FLAs provide long-terms leadership support to grantees who are working on some of society’s most pressing social issues, while dealing with the day-to-day challenges of leading their organizations.
$695 million in grants,
71 years of changemaking
Explore our digital timeline to learn more about the Fund’s work and to find out about the heroic accomplishments of the leaders and organizations we have the privilege of supporting.
- Visit Our Timeline
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2023Reflecting on Our Latest Grantee Perception Survey -
2023Celebrating 70 Years in Partnership with Transformative Nonprofit Leaders -
2021Introducing The LeadersTrust -
2021California Black Freedom Fund -
2020A Focus on Democracy -
2020Leveling the Playing Field in Higher Education -
2018A Farewell Message -
2018Fund Welcomes New Directors -
2017Welcoming Raquiba LaBrie -
2017A new leadership team -
2016Ira Hirschfield steps down as President -
2015Love wins, once and for all -
2015Building a bridge between PreK and elementary school education -
2014Lighting the way for kids and families -
2014Vision 2025 -
2012Toward a fair and inclusive society -
2011Equal education for all -
2010A change in leadership -
2010‘There will never be another’ -
2009America’s Best Idea -
2008Advancing rights, creating opportunities -
2007Gifts to a city -
2005Building strength on the field as well as in the classroom -
2004A new collaborative on marriage -
2004Promoting the need for immigration reform -
2003Honoring Our 50th Anniversary -
2003Exploring immigrant rights -
2001Stepping beyond our backyard -
2001Launching the Gay and Lesbian Rights program -
1999Providing critical assistance -
1999Keeping Score with the Symphony -
1999Leadership is a new priority -
1998Expanding diversity and inclusiveness -
1997More art for more people -
1995Losing our visionary co-founder -
1994Haas Pavilion -
1994Creating Beacons of hope -
1993A new emphasis on children, youth and families -
1990A commitment to children, youth and families -
1989Building a world of public art -
1972Grantmaking grows with experience -
1960“It’s in the genes.” -
1953The Haas, Jr. Fund is born
