by Cathy Cha Imagine a California Where We All Belong We need to keep pushing for belonging for people that historically have not had equal access Reflecting on the good work happening across many fronts to make our state more inclusive.
Democracy by Raúl Macías Advancing Belonging Through Budget Advocacy Ensuring local leaders have a voice in the budget process The Budget Power Project aims to support communities across California to have a voice and influence in decisions on public spending.
College Success by Monica Martinez A Black Community Space at Cal UC Berkeley center enables Black students to find community and support A conversation with Takiyah Jackson, director of the Fannie Lou Hamer Black Resource Center.
Democracy by Cathy Cha Beyond the Midterm Elections: Next Steps to a Stronger Democracy Year-round dedication is needed to ensure our democracy leaves no one behind We may have avoided the worst-case scenario during the midterms, but our work is not yet done.
Democracy by Raúl Macías Grantee Spotlight: Jessica González of Free Press Working to strengthen democracy through a more just news media The Haas, Jr. Fund’s Raúl Macías recently sat down with González to reflect on the midterms and learn about Free Press’ work to combat mis- and disinformation.
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
Values and Commitment November 5, 2024 | by Cathy Cha in Leadership A Promise to Our Communities and Partners The Haas, Jr. Fund’s dedication to our values and communities remains unwavering no matter what the election outcome. The Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund signed on to the following statement alongside the CEOs of California’s leading philanthropic organizations.“On this historic election day, we stand united as leaders of Californ… Continue Reading