Sobrato Philanthropies

Early Edge California published a new policy brief, "Supporting Student Parents and their Young Children in California’s Institutions of Higher Education," that shares insights into the unique needs and challenges these parenting students face and recommendations for how institutions of higher education (IHEs) can better position themselves to address and meet the needs of both parent and young child. Read more: https://bit.ly/4g7neiC

We believe that by putting ELs at the center of our education policies and practices, our systems can serve all students well. To get there, our systems must recognize and build on the assets ELs bring to the classroom and support the teachers that can help them thrive. In this article, CalMatters explores the history of the EL system in California and the continued work to ensure all students have equitable access to academic, language, and social and emotional learning opportunities: https://bit.ly/3VwVL1y

In October, The Sobrato Organization’s Chief Impact Officer and President of Sobrato Philanthropies Alexa Cortés Culwell spoke with Silicon Valley Business Journal's editor-in-chief Gary Boulanger at the Corporate Philanthropy event about our Housing Security Initiative. "We’re helping preserve multi-family units and keeping rents low with our new initiative by simply maintaining rents instead of raising them. It’s that simple.” Read more: https://bit.ly/4gCCc03

As we head into election week, we know that it is a concerning time for many. While we do not know what the outcome of the election will be, we are certain of our steadfast commitment to our community and region. The Sobrato Organization and family, alongside our team at Sobrato Philanthropies, stands unequivocally for equity, justice, and opportunity. We stand in community with Silicon Valley’s most vulnerable residents, especially women, people of color, documented and undocumented immigrants, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We stand against threats to undermine our Constitution and the rule of law, and strongly support the rights of every US citizen to safely access the voting booth without any form of threat or harassment. We denounce all forms of hate speech and intimidation that would keep people from accessing safe and secure elections. Read our full statement: https://bit.ly/48yGe6w

The Sobrato Organization (TSO) is excited to announce the appointment of Alexa Cortes Culwell as President of Sobrato Philanthropies and its first Chief Impact Officer, reflecting the company’s commitment to building a more integrated impact model across its enterprises of Real Estate, Capital, and Philanthropy. In these roles, Alexa will also serve as a vital member of TSO's executive leadership team. “Alexa's unique track record of success includes leading private foundations and a nationally respected philanthropic advisory firm, where she has worked as a strategic partner with some of the largest and most innovative philanthropists in the world,” said Tony Mestres, CEO of The Sobrato Organization. “That experience, combined with her passion for channeling ideas, talent, and capital in service of local communities, makes her the exact right person to serve as our inaugural Chief Impact Officer and President of Sobrato Philanthropies.” Read the full press release: https://bit.ly/407sEVt

The Silicon Valley Program (SVP) represents a pivotal evolution in Sobrato's philanthropic journey, which began over 25 years ago to address crucial human services and community needs in the region. Responding to growing regional disparities and aligning with The Sobrato Organization's broader vision for impact, the SVP team has implemented its new strategic framework. The framework expands on economic mobility, aiming to empower Silicon Valley's low-wage, housing-insecure residents and families by fostering community connection, economic advancement, and individual agency in shaping their futures. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4eyobPF

Our grantee, Democracy Frontlines Fund (DFF) just published their latest initiative report, "Realizing Our Vision." In yet another crucial election year, the work of funder collectives like DFF are more important than ever. Black-led organizing is critical to building a future that is safe and inclusive of us all. Read how DFF raised $79M (and counting) for their 12 grantee partners and the critical work being done on the ground to safeguard our democracy: https://shorturl.at/LlPDE #DemocracyFrontlinesFund #RealizingOurVision #FundingtheFrontlines

We've launched the Bay Area Housing Innovation Fund in partnership with the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, Destination: Home and Apple - activating the two highest-impact solutions for inequity, housing security & economic mobility: https://bit.ly/3y9rJIV

We are deeply grateful to have once again been recognized as one of the San Francisco Business Times' top corporate philanthropists. https://bit.ly/3LJHTeS

Given unprecedented challenges to our democratic institutions and ongoing efforts to suppress full voter participation in the upcoming U.S. elections, we are proud to announce $3.5M in renewed funding commitments to key grantee partners. These organizations, all regrantors led by people of color, are supporting community-led grassroots organizations in Silicon Valley, California, and across the nation to protect the integrity of our election system and the rights of all Americans. They are focused on organizing, advocacy, and civic engagement to ensure equitable participation, voice, and power for communities most impacted by injustice. In addition to regranting to grassroots organizations, these partners play an outsized role in supporting nonprofits to grow their impact by providing essential, complementary supports, including convening grantees, organizing donor learning, managing capacity building programs, leading coordinated advocacy efforts, and more. These investments follow our 2020 commitment of $6M to support the national movement for race equity following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We are deeply honored to continue partnering with these groups and to support their work at this critical moment. Learn more about our partners and their work at the links below: Democracy Frontlines Fund California Black Freedom Fund Latino Community Foundation Native Voices Rising (https://lnkd.in/g69FS3sV) New Breath Foundation