The election results have California and the nation grappling with a new reality. 

As a private foundation, The James Irvine Foundation does not and cannot participate in electoral politics or the legislative process. But we do speak out when politics and actions by elected officials contradict our values and, worse, threaten the well-being of organizations we support and the Californians they serve. 

This is of particular concern to us now, based on our singular goal: a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically. 

“All” is a very important word in that goal, and achieving it is not possible when immigrants are demonized, scapegoated, and threatened. Our state‘s and nation’s strength – economically and culturally – stems in no small part from the diversity of people who call America home. 

Sadly, there is a long history of systemic racism in our country and casting blame on immigrants and people of color for society’s ills. Such attacks are not just misguided but also dangerous — for families working hard to make a living in our country and in avoiding the root causes of our nation’s economic problems. 

Threats to round up and deport millions of undocumented workers would damage our state, and worsen conditions for businesses, our economy, and families already struggling to make ends meet. Undocumented immigrants make up 7% of California’s workforce, primarily in the agriculture, construction, meatpacking, and garment industries. And a study found that in 2019 undocumented workers generated $77 billion in tax revenue in California alone, $9 billion of which went to the Social Security fund. One out of every five children in California lives in a household with mixed immigration status, and often undocumented workers are breadwinners for their homes.  

That’s why the Irvine Foundation has proactively supported immigrant rights and power-building organizations to plan for different election scenarios. Moving forward, we are committing additional resources for rapid-response efforts that will help California families know their rights and have access to timely and accurate information on how to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors.   

We are also investing in our grantees’ resilience and safety by supporting them to strengthen their legal, security, and operational infrastructure. These efforts respond to the political rhetoric and potential actions targeting nonprofits. 

We recognize that new or emerging needs may arise for organizations because of the election and have heard from grantees the importance of flexibility in such moments. We remain committed to being nimble and responsive, including adjusting timelines, grant goals, and reporting requirements — and hearing about concerns or evolving needs. 

We need to name and discuss how frightening some of the rhetoric is, address immigration policy challenges ahead, and bridge growing divides in our society. It’s not an issue of political ideology but rather human decency that we act to protect the most threatened among us. In this moment that includes immigrants of color and all people of color who are too often targets in our society.  

We in philanthropy have the privilege to speak out. We also have a moral imperative to support organizations that protect and organize working people to protest threats and to tackle the real causes of racial and economic inequity in our society. We seek to do just that and welcome any partners who share our values in doing so.