We support community efforts in six cities to create an economy that works for all residents.
We envision local economies where workers and their families — specifically those harmed by structural racism — have the power to drive economic change and influence public systems and employers for good jobs, economic development, and self-determination.
The Priority Communities grantmaking initiative launched in 2020 with a focus on five cities (Fresno, Stockton, Salinas, San Bernardino, and Riverside) that are critical to California’s future given their growth, diversity, and role in the state’s economy.
Since 2020, the initiative has invested approximately $125 million to strengthen the ability of communities in each city to improve the quality of jobs and create thriving economies, including helping leverage $1.2 billion in opportunities that will prioritize community needs and local workers. Read our report evaluating the first four years of Priority Communities grantmaking here.
In December 2024, the Irvine board approved an additional $220 million, through 2031, to add Merced as a sixth city, and to focus on three interrelated and complementary areas:
Read more here about what we now fund.
All Priority Communities Grants
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Senior Program Officer
Program Officer
Director of Impact Assessment and Learning
Senior Communications Officer
Initiative Director
Program Associate
Executive Assistant