Recently, Irvine announced its commitment of $1 million in new funding to support California-based efforts to reunite and advocate for the families being separated and imprisoned for seeking refuge in the U.S. We are pleased to share that The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approved four grants to support this effort.

Most of the funding will go toward organizations helping families reunite. This will include support for a bond fund to help parents in prolonged detention because they are seeking asylum but cannot pay high bond fees for their release.

Other funding will focus on advocacy and litigation that could change the zero-tolerance policies that are leading to family separations.

The full list of board approved grants are:

CASA Cornelia Legal Services: A two-year grant of $150,000 to provide legal representation and support services for reunited families in San Diego.

Freedom for Immigrants (formerly CIVIC): An 18-month grant of $300,000 to administer its revolving bond fund and provide case management resources to people released from immigration detention and their families in California.

Immigrant Defenders Law Center: A two-year grant of $350,000 to expand legal representation and protections for immigrants in or released from federal custody in California.

National Center for Youth Law: An 18-month grant of $200,000 to expand oversight, policy awareness, and legal protections of immigrant children in federal custody in California.

We are deeply grateful for the critical efforts of these and other organizations who are helping families during this crisis. Irvine remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting organizations that uphold California’s values as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all.

Finally, thanks to Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees (GCIR) for its leadership in helping funders respond to this crisis. If you are interested in learning about additional organizations that need support, please contact Aryah Somers Landsberger with GCIR at aryah@gcir.org.