Our singular goal: a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically.
The California Dream — doing better than your parents — is increasingly out of reach for millions of working people. As our state and nation rebuild our economy, we have a chance — and an imperative — to do so in ways that honor, protect, and advance all workers.
California’s future is tied to the success of the millions of workers who live on low incomes, often in poverty. We invest in leaders and organizations that can address the daunting situation our state faces (before the fallout of COVID-19 and as we work to rebuild after it).
California families — 90% of which had a working adult — struggled to cover basic needs in 2019, before COVID-19 (Source: United Way).
of California’s low-wage workers in 2017 were people of color (Source: UC Berkely Labor Center).
In 2018 California’s top 10% of earners made 6.4X the income of the bottom 20%, which saw wages decrease 5.3% since 2006 (Source: Public Policy Institute of California).
We pursue impact through a portfolio of initiatives with specific goals, timelines, and grantees that inform our investments. Learn about our initiative model.
Connecting low-income Californians to good jobs with family-sustaining wages and advancement opportunities
Engaging low-wage workers to secure their wages, rights, and protections
Partnering with local leaders and organizations to create good jobs and inclusive economies
Investments that complement our initiatives, such as research and journalism
Ensuring the rights and dignity of all Californians, wherever they came from or however they arrived
Protecting Immigrant Rights
Learning how we might add value with new investments focused on specific issues
Exploratory Grantmaking
Areas of support we are culminating or integrating into other initiatives
Transitioning Grantmaking
Recognizing and supporting leaders who are advancing innovative and effective solutions to California’s most significant challenges.
Go to the Awards site