Since 2006, Bay Area asset building funders have collaborated to advance regional wealth building and economic mobility initiatives; strengthen the economic security field through original research and mapping; connect local practitioners and funders for intersectional peer learning; and influence economic justice policy reforms. Bay Area AFN became the first regional affiliate of the Asset Funders Network in the early 2010s.
Membership is open to funders (including select intermediaries with active grantmaking portfolios) who invest in issue areas that build assets for Bay Area residents—from financial stability and wealth equity to community wealth building strategies. Grantmakers investing in an inclusive Bay Area economy should contact Rebeca Rangel to learn more about joining.
Regional Focus Areas
Wealth Equity – systems change strategies to close racial and gender wealth divides, address occupational segregation, and repair past and present harms
Economic Mobility – advancing upward mobility for immigrant communities and those historically and currently othered, including addressing barriers like predatory debt and wealth extraction
Financial Stability – income, cash, and safety net supports through demonstration projects, pooled funds, narrative change, and policy reforms
Community Wealth Building – public option solutions and community-led movements, including social housing, public banking, the care economy, and employee ownership
Founding Members of the Bay Area AFN Chapter include: The California Endowment, Citi, the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, the Friedman Family Foundation, the Levi Strauss Foundation, the San Francisco Foundation, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, United Way of the Bay Area, the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, the Walter S. Johnson Foundation, and the Y&H Soda Foundation.
2025 Bay Area AFN Summit
On November 6, 2025, Bay Area funders and advocates gathered for our inaugural Inclusive Economic and Immigrant Rights Summit to explore what becomes possible when we recognize immigrant people as essential rights-holders whose flourishing is foundational to our collective prosperity.
The call from movement leaders was clear: Be brave. Be bold. Block and Build.
Together, we surfaced the urgent need for paradigm shifts in how we center people in our economy; understand the Bay Area’s immigrant communities; fund movements over time, at scale, and through failure; and practice authentic solidarity.
Check back soon; over the next couple of weeks and months, we will be lifting up valuable takeaways from our gathering. In the meantime, check out this graphic recording by the brilliant Rio Holaday, capturing the wisdom and vision shared throughout the day.
Featured Resources
Preserving Economic Security for California’s Immigrant Communities
For philanthropic leaders advancing economic mobility, the destabilizing effects of immigration enforcement cannot be overlooked. When a family’s primary earner is detained, deported, or disappeared, the financial consequences are immediate and severe—threatening housing stability, interrupting educational progress, and eliminating pathways to long-term economic security.
Across California, funders and community organizations are stepping up to meet this urgent need. The economic stability funds listed below provide critical support to immigrant people impacted by immigration raids and campaigns of fear. These include unrestricted cash assistance and other forms of mutual aid to provide financial stability and maintain a foothold toward upward economic mobility.
Now more than ever, preserving the economic security of immigrant communities is foundational to building an inclusive economy. We invite funders committed to economic justice, financial stability, and asset building for all to learn more and take action. View the list
California CBOs Supporting the Economic Security of Immigrant People
View the database created as part of AFN’s Supporting the Economic Security of Undocumented Californians primer, which includes strategies and solutions to advance economic mobility and justice for people who are undocumented and their communities, and build a more equitable and resilient California for all.
Steering Committee
The Sobrato Family Foundation
The James Irvine Foundation
San Francisco Foundation
East Bay Community Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation
Bay Area AFN is grateful for financial support from the following sponsoring and contributing member foundations:
Asian Pacific Fund
Bank of America
Blue Shield of California Foundation
East Bay Community Foundation
eBay Foundation
Excite Credit Union
Heising-Simons Foundation
Hellman Foundation
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Kaiser Permanente
Magic Cabinet
Marin Community Foundation
Rising Communities
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Sobrato Family Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation
The James Irvine Foundation
San Francisco Foundation
U.S. Bank
Wells Fargo
Y&H Soda Foundation
Chapter Highlights
Who Owes What? Lessons from Palm Springs on the Path to Reparations in Southern California
Born from a plenary at the 2025 AFN Bay Area Conference, Who Owes What? Lessons from Palm Springs on the Path to Reparations in Southern California was selected as a session at the Southern California Grantmakers 2025 conference, Acts of Courage. The interactive session explored the shared responsibility of government, business, philanthropy, and civil society in advancing reparations—not just in Palm Springs, but across Southern California. Multiple perspectives, frameworks, and approaches to funding reparations and sustaining a culture of repair were addressed with the audience playing an active role in shaping the conversation. Learn more
Philanthropy’s Role in Supporting the Intersection of Immigrant Rights and Housing in Silicon Valley
On June 24, 2025, Bay Area AFN co-sponsored a funders briefing to explore the intersection of housing and immigrant rights in Silicon Valley. Immigrant residents are nearly twice as likely to experience housing insecurity, stemming from low wages that have not kept pace with rising rents, along with the systemic exclusion of non-citizens from shelters, rental relief, and public benefits.
Learn more about the briefing.
Read the AFN blog highlighting insights and perspectives from the event.
California Social Housing: A path toward achieving affordable housing, permanently
On June 10, 2025, attendees from across California joined a virtual conversation on how to catalyze California’s social housing study into a future where all Californians can afford to live and thrive. Learn more
Bay Area 2025 Conference
California Philanthropy: A Roadmap for Repair
On March 20, 2025, 150 economic justice and philanthropic leaders gathered in Oakland, California, to reckon with the root causes of America’s racial wealth inequities and explore a roadmap for repair. Amid a harmful political era, new ways of seeing, being, and doing the work to build a more just and equitable future emerged.
Check out conference highlights, resources, recommended actions, photos and more.
Learn more about the conference agenda and sessions.
Read the AFN blog describing the racial repair framework developed by Liberation Ventures.
The Promise of Worker Cooperatives to Build Economic Security for Immigrant Communities
A February 13, 2025, webinar held by Bay Area AFN and Democracy at Work Institute, showcased the successes and lessons learned from the worker centers and cooperative development nonprofits that participated in California’s SEED program, and their continued collaboration to strengthen the co-op ecosystem. Learn more
Public Banking in California: A Pathway to Community Wealth Building and Inclusive Local Economies
On November 19, 2024, Bay Area AFN held a webinar discussion about the benefits of public banking and its potential to build community wealth and meet local needs, the roadmap to establishing a public banking system throughout California, and catalytic philanthropic investment opportunities to make public banking a reality in California. Learn more
Bay Area Small Business Funders Networking Event
BA AFN held a meeting and networking event for funders dedicated to supporting the small business ecosystem in the Bay Area. It was a unique opportunity to connect with peers, share insights, and explore collaborative strategies that can amplify philanthropy’s collective impact on small business ownership in our region. Hosted by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, the meeting was designed to foster relationships among small business grantmakers, build a supportive community where funders can learn from each other’s investment strategies, and explore shared priorities in supporting thriving small businesses and an inclusive local economy.
All Guaranteed Income is Narrative Change:
How Grantmakers Can Better Understand, Practice, and Support Narrative Change Efforts
Anne Price and Jhumpa Bhattacharya of The Maven Collaborative led this two-part training for grantmakers to learn the narrative change basics, exchange philanthropic practices, and explore actionable opportunities to support narrative change. Part one, held on September 5, 2024, was open to all funders in AFN’s network and grantmakers were left with a solid foundation of what narrative change is and is not, the impact of narratives on economic security policy change, and how to know whether your narrative change funding is advancing progress. Part two was an in-person workshop held October 24 in Oakland, California for funders making grants benefiting the East Bay. AFN members can access the part 1 recording via the member portal.
California Guaranteed Income Pooled Fund Launch Briefing
On July 29, 2024, Bay Area AFN in partnership with The Office of the Governor and California Department of Social Service (CDSS), Economic Security Project, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, and Social Finance, invited funders to learn about the exciting progress of the Guaranteed Income Pooled Fund. Attendees heard CDSS Director Kim Johnson share reflections on this milestone. GI Pooled Fund partners also shared their perspectives on the current state of the GI field and early learnings from the pilots.
Improving Economic Security, Wealth-Building Opportunities and Equity for Low-Income Californians through the Tax Code
Bay Area AFN along with Tax Equity Funders Network, Northern California Grantmakers, and the League of California Community Foundations, held a three-part virtual learning series in 2024 for California funders. The series focused on improving economic security, wealth-building opportunities, and equity for low-income Californians through the tax code. This series was informed by a recent scan of the CA tax credit ecosystem and responded to California charitable foundations’ interested in learning about and addressing the challenges faced by low-income Californians at tax time and the potential to use tax systems to improve equity. LEARN MORE
Building Right Relationship: A Philanthropic Call to Support Indigenous Land Sovereignty Through Shuumi
The Bay Area Asset Funders Network (AFN), along with Bay Area AFN members San Francisco Foundation (SFF) and East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF), issued a joint statement on the 10th Anniversary of the Shuumi Land Tax: As philanthropic organizations operating on the unceded territories of the Lisjan Ohlone people, we have an opportunity—and responsibility—to move beyond acknowledgment toward meaningful action. Today, we invite our colleagues across the funding landscape to join us in supporting Indigenous land sovereignty through the Shuumi Land Tax. LEARN MORE
East Bay Community Foundation awards $850K to promote community ownership and stewardship
Bay Area AFN member East Bay Community Foundation is launching a new grantmaking initiative that will focus on community ownership and stewardship, with an inaugural round of grantmaking deploying $850,000. This program strategy supports work that shifts capital, economic decision-making, and the stewardship of resources toward communities that are building inclusive local economies. LEARN MORE
The California Wellness Foundation commits a record $67M to support health and racial justice
The California Wellness Foundation, a Bay Area AFN member, commits a record $67 million in grants and impact investments to communities across California. These funds will bolster civil rights protections, strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, and provide flexible support when rapid response is needed most. LEARN MORE
Richard Tate, President and CEO of Cal Wellness, recently issued these courageous statements: Solidarity Keeps Freedom Alive and We Shall Not Be Moved
Silicon Valley Community Foundation awards $2.4M to small local nonprofits serving marginalized communities
On June 23, 2025, Bay Area AFN member the Silicon Valley Community Foundation announced it will award $2.4 million to 96 organizations through its Community Action Grants program, which provides funding to small local nonprofits working with communities that have historically faced discrimination and lack of access to resources. Learn more about SVCF and the Community Action Grants program on their website. LEARN MORE
San Francisco Foundation courageously commits an additional $15M to strengthen community partners building a more racially equitable and economically inclusive Bay Area
Bay Area AFN member San Francisco Foundation has approved allocating an additional $15 million from our endowment and reserves to strengthen our community and grantee partners, enabling them to continue fighting for and serving our communities with resilience and determination. LEARN MORE
California’s Philanthropic Leaders Stand United Against Hate & Division
Bay Area AFN members East Bay Community Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, and The California Wellness Foundation, joined fellow leading philanthropic organizations to issue a joint statement.
“As California’s philanthropic leaders, we stand committed to advancing the resilience, renewal, and unity of the communities we serve. Forces may try to terrorize, divide, and demonize us — but we will not let them define us or our story…” LEARN MORE
East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) launches the Oakland Small Business Resiliency Fund
The Oakland Small Business Resiliency Fund is a grant fund supporting diverse small businesses with a physical presence in Oakland. The Fund will provide a one-time infusion of grant capital to Oakland small businesses to boost their resiliency and ability to withstand and recover from the economic and community safety challenges they face or to build their capacity and readiness to take on other forms of capital and investments.
The grants (ranging from $5,000 to $25,000) are dedicated to helping businesses thrive and address challenges that limit their growth and threaten their survival, including hiring shortages, lack of affordable commercial space, and barriers to accessing low-cost capital. LEARN MORE
Unity and Progress: California Leaders Pledge Bold Action in Defense of the Golden State’s Values and the American Dream
Five Bay Area AFN members, The California Wellness Foundation, East Bay Community Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, joined a coalition of California’s Leading Philanthropic Organizations to issue a joint statement underlining their commitment to investing in communities and protecting progress. LEARN MORE
San Francisco Foundation Doubles Down on Commitment to Social Justice and Racial Equity
Coming out of the 2024 election cycle, San Francisco Foundation chooses to forge ahead with renewed determination. Read CEO, Fred Blackwell’s statement where he shares: “We choose to double down on our commitment to social justice and racial equity, to embrace a vision of a Bay Area – and a nation – where everyone, regardless of background or identity, can thrive.” LEARN MORE
eBay Foundation Awards $3M to Help Drive Inclusive Entrepreneurship
With the aim of unleashing the power of entrepreneurship and building economically vibrant and thriving communities, the eBay Foundation is proud to announce our 2024 Global Give grantees, with a total award of nearly $3 million to 31 grantees across the globe.
The program is an extension of eBay Foundation’s grantmaking, enabling us to partner with nonprofit organizations around the world that are addressing and removing barriers to entrepreneurship for people who identify with historically excluded groups. LEARN MORE
Kaiser Permanente Invests $15M to Help Small, Diverse Oakland Businesses Grow
Kaiser Permanente is investing $15 million in grants over three years that support small and diverse businesses through access to low-interest loans, grants, technical assistance, training, and networking opportunities.
The grants, made through a Kaiser Permanente fund at the East Bay Community Foundation, support Kaiser Permanente’s long-term commitment to improve health and vitality in the city of Oakland, home to their national headquarters. LEARN MORE
Sobrato Philanthropies Awards $3.5M to Support a Strong Multiracial Democracy
These organizations, all regrantors led by people of color, are supporting community-led grassroots organizations in Silicon Valley, California, and across the nation to protect the integrity of our election system and the rights of all Americans. They are focused on organizing, advocacy, and civic engagement to ensure equitable participation, voice, and power for communities most impacted by injustice. LEARN MORE
All Guaranteed Income is Narrative Change: How Grantmakers Can Better Understand, Practice, and Support Narrative Change Efforts — AFN Members can watch Part 1 of this training series to gain a solid foundation of what narrative change is and is not, the impact of narratives on economic security policy change, and how to know whether your narrative change funding is advancing progress. This recording is offered only to AFN members inside our member portal. Register or login to view.
Supporting the Economic Security of Undocumented Californians
A primer by AFN and California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) providing an overview of the intersectional issues impacting economic security for undocumented Californians. It is designed to provide funders, policymakers, advocates, and practitioners with strategies and solutions to support economic mobility and justice for undocumented immigrant communities, and ultimately build a more equitable and resilient California for all.
California Community Based Organizations Working on Intersectional Economic Security for Immigrants
View or download a database of organizations working on economic security for immigrants, created as part of the Supporting the Economic Security of Undocumented Immigrants primer.
Small Business Vulnerability Map
The COVID-19 pandemic hit minority-owned businesses disproportionately harder. Given the ongoing challenges in obtaining data on BIPOC-owned business vulnerability, Bay Area Asset Funders Network commissioned the Urban Displacement Project to conduct research and create this online mapping tool which highlights vulnerable BIPOC owned-businesses and a set of explore the feasibility of a permanent infrastructure for collecting data, monitoring business health, and recommending policies to support BIPOC-owned businesses.
Guaranteed Income: A Primer for Funders
This primer was developed to educate foundations, individual donors, and other funders about the ways in which guaranteed income and related cash-based policies not only strengthen low and moderate income communities and communities of color, but also build a healthy and more resilient economy for us all.
Preserving Economic Security for California’s Immigrant Communities
The economic stability funds listed below provide critical support to immigrant people impacted by immigration raids and campaigns of fear. These include unrestricted cash assistance and other forms of mutual aid to provide financial stability and maintain a foothold toward upward mobility.
Note: If your organization is hosting or organizing a relevant fund and would like to be added to this directory, please complete this form or email beth@assetfunders.org.
| Name of Fund | Fund Organizer | Fund Host | Fund Purpose | Donate Here Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALMA Fund | Mission Asset Fund | Mission Asset Fund | direct cash assistance up to $5,000, access to financial services, and community-led support | Support ALMA |
| Emergency Assistance Fund | 805UndocuFund | 805UndocuFund | direct financial relief to undocumented and mixed-status families impacted by immigration enforcement—including those currently in deportation proceedings or whose loved ones have already been deported | Contribute to EAF |
| Help Immigrant Families - Ayuda a las familias inmigrantes | Faith in Action East Bay | Faith in Action East Bay | direct cash assistance for lost income, funding for rental assistance and food | Donate Now |
| Long Beach Neighbors Supporting Neighbors | City of Long Beach | California Community Foundation | direct cash assistance for lost income, and funding for rental assistance, food and grocery distribution, and rapid response efforts | Pledge to LB |
| Los Angeles Neighbors Support Fund | California Community Foundation | California Community Foundation | grants to community non-profits directly serving individuals by delivering groceries, providing wrap around supports, and assisting small businesses to help them remain open | Pledge to LA |
| Stand Together Bay Area | San Francisco Foundation | San Francisco Foundation | direct emergency grants to local nonprofit organizations that ensure families receive essential assistance for rent, food, and basic living expenses. | Pledge to Stand Together |
| Worker Solidarity Fund | LA Worker Center Network (LAWCN) and Organized Power in Numbers (OPIN) | Organized Power in Numbers (OPIN) | regrants to LAWCN member organizations to support detained workers and their families in meeting basic needs, including food, rent, travel, and emergency cash assistance; also provides direct payments to attorneys | Donate to the WSF |
California Guaranteed Income Pooled Fund
In December 2022 Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of the Guaranteed Income Pooled Fund, a philanthropic endeavor to help organizations fund their Guaranteed Income Pilot Programs by helping pilot projects unlock more than $25 million in grants from the state. The Pooled Fund contributors include the Bay Area AFN members Silicon Valley Community Foundation, California Wellness Foundation, and Blue Shield of California Foundation. Read the press release and learn more in recent news.
Bay Area AFN Strategic Priorities
How We Work
- Connect: Bay Area AFN members support peer-to-peer learning and cross-sector collaboration. Members identify and leverage replicable and scalable high-impact strategies and innovative approaches to connect and inform influential funders of actionable investments. Members provide an insightful voice to inform both regional and national conversations.
- Build: Bay Area AFN works to increase the number of grantmakers and resources focused on strategies that help low and moderate income people build and protect assets. Members leverage one another’s interests and investments and actively look for additional funders willing to co-invest in Bay Area.
- Inform: Bay Area AFN members learn from one another and other stakeholders as they seek solutions to local challenges. The chapter hosts issue-based programming and calls- to-action that reflect research and philanthropic thought leadership that highlights actionable roles for philanthropy. While focusing on a variety of topics, the chapter gathers local leaders and national experts together to share data and ideas, promote innovative approaches, and help establish common language to build collaboration.
- Influence: Bay Area AFN is working to raise the visibility of asset-building strategies within the broader community of foundations, public-sector funders, and financial institutions. Members seek opportunities to accelerate economic prosperity, especially for low-income individuals and communities while also reducing racial, ethnic, and gender wealth gaps by addressing structural and systemic changes which have created barriers to individuals ability to build and preserve their wealth.
