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 by Ira Hirschfield

Perspectives That Match Filter Criteria

Kites over Crissy Field

Celebrating 20 Years of Crissy Field

| by Ira Hirschfield in Crissy Field

Celebrating a place created of, for, and by the community.

Following a difficult year for the Bay Area and communities worldwide, we are seeing hints of a brighter future.

Following a difficult year for the Bay Area and communities worldwide, we are seeing hints of a brighter future. And it’s at places like San Francisco’s Crissy Field—with walkers, bikers, picnickers and nature all a…

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window of we are orlando Letter from the President

After Orlando

| by Ira Hirschfield in LGBT Equality

The next steps for LGBT equality

While marriage equality was a huge win for gay and lesbian rights, discrimination remains an enormous and deeply pervasive problem throughout the country.

As we mourn the victims of the Orlando shooting—shown above in window images on the Haas, Jr. Fund offices in San Francisco—let’s pledge to continue the work of making our country live up to its highest values and i…

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Sylvia Yee Letter from the President

VP of Programs Sylvia Yee to Step Down

| by Ira Hirschfield

A brilliant and committed champion of equity, opportunity and social justice for 23 years

From the very beginning of her time here, Sylvia has played an indispensable role in the evolution of the Fund’s work and the growth of our ambitions and reach.

I am writing to announce that Sylvia Yee will be stepping down at the end of August as Vice President of Programs with the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. A brilliant and committed champion of equity, opportuni…

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VP of Finance Michael Blake to Step Down

| by Ira Hirschfield in Fund News

22 years of service at the Fund, and to the field of foundation finances

Michael has served as a superb and ethical steward of the Fund’s finances and a steadfast champion of its guiding values of equity and opportunity.

I am writing with the news that Michael Blake will be stepping down in December as Vice President of Finance with the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. In his 22 years at the Fund, Michael has served as…

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Citizenship fair Letter from the President

Working Together for Progress

| by Ira Hirschfield in Fund News

Spring 2016 Letter from the President

As the Presidential election sparks heated debate about the future of our country, the Fund remains committed to supporting the incredible work of our grantee partners.

The Presidential election has surfaced deep differences and sparked heated debate about the future of the country. It is against this backdrop of change and uncertainty that I find hope and inspiration in the steadf…

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Marriage Equality Celebration Letter from the President

Marriage Equality from Coast to Coast

| by Ira Hirschfield in LGBT Equality

Winter 2015 Letter from the President

President Ira Hirschfield reflects on how marriage equality is a fitting reminder of what it takes to achieve real and lasting progress in advancing rights and creating opportunities for all people.

The past year will go down in the history books as a year when fairness and justice prevailed for gays and lesbians across the country. It was a year when a movement of hundreds of thousands of people across the cou…

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On the Cusp of Greater Equality Letter from the President

On the Cusp of Greater Equality

| by Ira Hirschfield in LGBT Equality

Summer 2015 Letter from the President

With the Supreme Court set to rule on marriage equality, president Ira Hirschfield reflects on the enormous progress that's been made, and the work still ahead.

Read the update from Senior Director Matt Foreman, on the Supreme Court’s June 2015 ruling on marriage equality. As we await a Supreme Court ruling that could bring marriage equality to the entire country, it i…

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