2015 Annual Report

Our Shared Vision

October 20, 2016

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Throughout 2015, many of us in philanthropy, government, and community spent much time and effort deepening our understanding of the Bay Area’s growing levels of inequity. The economic gap has widened in many cities and regions in the United States, but is particularly evident in our region. The increasing economic divide is a challenge to the Fund’s mission of building a healthy, just and vibrant society.

We are deeply concerned for those who lack equal access and for those who are denied the opportunities they need to thrive. We remain committed to doing what we can to address inequity, both as a family and as a foundation with deep roots in this community. We recognize the dimensions of this challenge — and have no illusions about being able to reduce inequality and injustice on our own. Even with the support and partnership of colleagues in the public, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, we know there are limits to the magnitude of change on which we can have some impact.

There may not be a clear course ahead of us, but this is a road we must go down. As a result, we have sharpened our focus across all of our program areas. At the same time, we have recommitted to maintaining a $1 million safety net fund for those organizations addressing basic needs in our community.

Through our grantmaking, we are working to find the right balance between stabilizing critical community institutions and investing in new approaches. Our challenge is to remain true to the values upon which we were founded, to maintain a long-term view, and to keep focused on the changes to which we aspire. Our intent is to ensure that our contributions, while modest on their own, make sense as part of bigger and broader cross-sector efforts that create platforms for increased opportunity and shared prosperity.

We recognize — with gratitude — that we are just one of many applying pressure to make large and enduring impacts on the Bay Area and beyond. We know we cannot do this on our own, and that we must be thoughtful, committed, and strategic as we build partnerships for change.

Fortunately, we have never been on our own.

Walter and Elise Haas understood and accepted their responsibility for the communities in which they lived and with which they identified. As a foundation, our staff and trustees continue that sense of accountability to our community in all of its diversity and beauty. During these challenging times, we renew our commitment to equality and justice, to access and opportunity, and towards building a better future for us all. It is in this spirit that we present our 2015 Annual Report.

We thank you for your support and your partnership.

Walter J. Haas
President of the Board of Trustees

Pamela H. David
Executive Director

Program Area Perspectives

The Arts

Economic Security

Education

Jewish Life

Financials

Grants By Program Area

Grants By Program Area

Change in Net Assets

Change in Net Assets

Financial Position

Financial Position

Download the 990-PF