In addition to its four program areas (Arts, Economic Security, Jewish Life, and Education), the Fund is also engaged in Legacy and Mission-related Special Grantmaking. Legacy grantmaking encompasses several programs, each of which has a direct relationship to the Fund's founders, Walter and Elise Haas. Mission-related Special Grantmaking provides the Fund flexibility to respond to emerging and changing community needs, and to address key areas of interest that cut across or otherwise support the Fund's overall mission and categorical programs. Please note that, with one exception (San Francisco Parks), unsolicited letters of inquiry and proposals are not accepted in this program area.
Legacy Grantmaking:
- San Francisco Parks: A small percentage of the Fund's grantmaking budget will be allocated to exceptional community engagement initiatives that support and improve San Francisco's parks and open space because of Walter and Elise Haas's strong interest in this area (letters of inquiry are accepted);
- Annual Grants: A limited number of grants will be provided to organizations supported by Walter and/or Elise Haas during their lifetimes;
- Jewish Community Federation: In recognition of Walter Haas's leadership of, and commitment to, the Federation as an umbrella source of support for the Jewish community, the Fund makes a significant contribution to the Federation's annual campaign. This leadership gift complements the Fund's own Jewish Life program.
- Descendent Grants: In recognition of Walter and Elise Haas's belief in engaging future generations in philanthropy, a small percentage of the Fund's grantmaking is reserved for descendent-initiated grants.
- End-of-year Grants: Carrying on a family tradition, the Fund makes a number of small grants to organizations that serve very low-income families and individuals; most of these grants are designed to address some of the special needs that arise during the holiday season.
Mission-Related Special Grantmaking:
In keeping with our mission and values, the Fund
will continue to be an active participant in both our geographic
community, and in the philanthropic and nonprofit communities.
Most of our active engagement will fall within one or more of the
Fund's primary program areas. We recognize, though, that there
may be a relatively small number of special projects—consistent
with the Fund's mission, values, and overall strategy—in
which we will choose to participate. Such projects, for example,
might involve advancing the effectiveness and accountability of
philanthropy, or be in response to extraordinary opportunities
or crises facing critical community institutions and organizations.
Mission-related Special Grants are initiated by Staff and Board; letters of inquiry and proposals are not accepted.