The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors has approved $220 million in grantmaking through 2031 to support and expand the Priority Communities initiative’s efforts to build inclusive economies. The initiative launched in 2020 with a focus on five cities critical to California’s future given their population growth, diversity, and role in shaping the state’s future economy: Fresno, Stockton, Salinas, San Bernardino, and Riverside. The board approved an update to the initiative’s strategy, including an expansion to Merced as a sixth community.  

The Priority Communities team conducted a thorough analysis of the state’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas and chose Merced, in part, because its regional economic proximity to Fresno, Stockton, and Salinas provides an opportunity to leverage and scale the existing relationships, resources, and grant partners in those cities for greater impact. Additionally, the Foundation will make strategic, short-term (one- to two-year) investments in Bakersfield and the Imperial Valley to support leaders navigating a transition to a green economy.  

“The tremendous accomplishments of community leaders over the last four years are deeply inspiring,” said Don Howard, President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation. “We are grateful to be able to expand our grantmaking in these communities that are vital to California’s success so that leaders can build on their accomplishments and continue the critical work to make their local economies more equitable for all residents.” 

Since 2020, the initiative has invested approximately $125 million to strengthen the ability of communities in each city to improve the quality of jobs and create thriving economies, including helping communities leverage $1.2 billion in opportunities that will prioritize community needs and local workers.  

Over the next seven years, the initiative will focus on the following grantmaking strategies:  

• Increase the capacity, diversity, and coordination of organizations and coalitions to build worker influence and power and build the commitment of public and private institutions to advance equity-driven economic development goals  

• Grow public and private investment in community-led and -owned economic development models that boost the prosperity of resident workers, consumers, and business owners   
• Increase the ability of tribal and Black, Indigenous, people of color-led and-serving organizations to address the economic needs of residents most harmed by structural racism and ongoing lack of investment 

“It’s essential that communities and workers have the power to set an economic agenda that supports opportunity and prosperity for working families and those most impacted by economic inequality and structural racism,” said Jessica Kaczmarek, Initiative Director of Priority Communities. “Local leaders and organizations possess deep insights into their communities’ unique economic challenges and opportunities, making them essential in determining the most effective efforts to build an inclusive and thriving economy.”  

The Priority Communities strategy update is informed by lessons from an external evaluation of the grantmaking until now, input from a grantee advisory committee deeply knowledgeable about local work, and feedback from the board’s Program Committee.  

“As a proud Fresnan, I’ve witnessed the impact of Irvine’s investments in fostering inclusive economic growth,” said Tim Rios, Irvine Foundation’s board Chair. “I’m deeply grateful that the Irvine Foundation is increasing its support for these vital communities in California.” 

The board also approved seven grants totaling $27.6 million last week and the Foundation provided $28.6 million in grants this quarter that did not require board approval.  

The grants primarily support the Foundation’s four initiatives focused on working Californians: Better Careers, Fair Work, Just Prosperity, and Priority Communities. More information about all grants can be found in the Foundation’s database here, and the board-approved grants include:  

Better Careers 

Education First Consulting, LLC 

A three-year grant of $1.5 million to develop a statewide infrastructure for PK-12 educator registered apprenticeships in California.  

Foundation for California Community Colleges  

A three-year grant of $3.25 million to strengthen the capacity of regions across California to grow equity-centered registered apprenticeship programs, through an entity such as the LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network.  

Proteus Fund, Inc.  

A three-year grant of $635,000 to advance economic justice for Californians with disabilities by strengthening the capacity of foundations to implement disability inclusion strategies, through an entity such as the Disability and Philanthropy Forum. 

Fair Work  

National Domestic Workers Alliance Inc.  

A three-year grant of $4.1 million to ensure labor protections and improved conditions for domestic and home care workers in California.  

Priority Communities  

Fresno Community Development Financial Institution/Access Plus Capital  

A two-year grant of $2 million to deliver culturally competent technical assistance, business coaching, and capital investments to entrepreneurs of color and to strengthen the collaboration among Fresno’s small business providers.

Inland Empire Community Foundation 

A three-year grant of $7 million to support the capacity and expansion of a community-driven collaborative that improves economic conditions for low-income residents in San Bernardino, through an entity such as Just San Bernardino.  

Research and Development  

Borealis Philanthropy  

A three-year grant of $2.5 million to support a participatory grantmaking process for funding   for disability-led and -serving grassroots organizations in California that are building power at the intersection of disability and economic justice.  

Masthead photo credit: Ted Soqui