To a large extent, our past determines how we — as a family foundation — address the present and approach the future.

In 2019, with our transition to Jamie Allison’s leadership as executive director completed, and with a full complement of 4^th generation family participation on our board approaching, it seemed appropriate to review and reconnect with our organizational history. We wanted to be sure to calibrate our future work to the core values set forth by Walter and Elise Haas, because no matter what or where our grantmaking and leadership might take us, it’s their example we intend to honor.

As part of this process, the Board of Trustees studied the Fund’s archives and had substantive and revealing conversations about the historical context of the Fund and the passions of the founders. We looked at the causes and issues that were of greatest importance to them and reexamined the ways that their legacies could be continued and reinforced.

What this review revealed most clearly was that Walter and Elise Haas were futurists. They saw the world as it was while envisioning and investing in what could be.

They were generous in service to the community. They forged new ground as pioneers — as with Elise’s leadership at SFMOMA or with Walter’s social responsibility innovations at Levi Strauss & Co. And underpinning both their generosity and their leadership was a heartfelt concern and steadfast commitment for those who lacked privilege and for the world as a place of peace.

We live in disruptive times, and that makes the enduring values of my grandparents essential. Our challenge when considering the Fund’s legacy is to decide how to live up to their examples in the face of new challenges and new opportunities.

As an example of the way we’re doing this in 2019 and beyond, and as Jamie explains in her letter, we decided to refocus our Education Program. As both philanthropists and businesspeople, Walter and Elise Haas would have approved of reaching out to engage the private sector to meet public need.

Now we move into a future that probably would have amazed our founders. Yet, they would have encouraged — and maybe insisted — that we look forward with energy and enthusiasm, knowing that our new board members and executive director bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Coupled with the lasting legacy that Walter and Elise passed on to each generation, I am excited to see how we bring our values to bear on the world we all share responsibility for.

A more healthy, just, and vibrant society in which people feel connected to and responsible for their community — this is the vision of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund. In 2019 — my second year as executive director — we made adjustments both large and small to bring this vision to life.

The biggest shift was the adoption of a new Education grantmaking strategy. While we had been focused on teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development — goals we will continue to support within the context of our new focus — our Education Program now will support San Francisco and Oakland Unified School Districts in their Linked Learning and Career Pathways work.

To say it succinctly, we’re now aiming to provide a systemic, empowering response to all the Bay Area students who ask, “Why do I have to learn this?”

Linked Learning and Career Pathways contextualizes high school classes within a professional industry selected by the students. For example, if you’re interested in environmental science, then math might be about quantifying CO² levels. Students additionally receive real world training via internships and shorter externships within the local business community.

We see this strategy shift as a response to the widening income and wealth gaps in the Bay Area. While we have the country’s lowest unemployment and great wealth here, public high school students lack access to employment opportunities and the prosperity to which those connections lead. Career Pathways also helps engage private businesses in public education —investment needed to build the society to which we aspire.

The Fund launched other notable projects in 2019. In partnership with San Francisco Interfaith Council and the Jewish Federation, The Fund’s Jewish Life program gathered a task force of faith leaders and law enforcement personnel to address the increase in violent attacks on houses of worship across the country. A video the Fund’s Economic Security and Safety Net programs produced, A Tale of Two Tickets — illustrating how fines and fees inequitably effect those without sufficient assets — won a Shorty Award. And our Betting on the Bay blog series brought in new ideas from leaders across California.

One personal highlight of 2019 was the opportunity I had to listen to young people and let their wisdom guide my actions and fuel my passions. I eagerly anticipate the Fund’s direct involvement with Linked Learning as students come to work with us over the summer. Making meaningful investments in young people — that’s the key to the more vibrant society our founders envisioned.