The James Irvine Foundation

ICYMI: This week, we announced that 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 in Fresno, Stockton, Salinas, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Merced.  We will also 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.  Learn more in Philanthropy News Digest: https://lnkd.in/gSJPfSR6 

ICYMI: Talent Rewire released a case study on the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP)—a collaborative effort between DART and Joby Aviation, with support from The James Irvine Foundation.  The study highlights AMAP's success in driving inclusive economic development through partnerships among private businesses, local community members, and regional economic stakeholders. The pilot effort has already resulted in a paid training pathway, state-level policy support, and quality jobs for local community members in a growing tech industry. It has enhanced economic mobility for participants, resulting in a 22% increase in median wages.  Learn more about the impact of AMAP at: https://irvine.ly/49GMaek 

We’re happy to announce that Irvine’s #PriorityCommunities initiative is committing $220 million in grantmaking through 2031 and expanding to Merced! The initiative launched in 2020 with a focus on building inclusive economies in five cities critical to California’s future: Fresno, Stockton, Salinas, San Bernardino, and Riverside. The expansion to Merced provides an opportunity to leverage and scale existing partnerships and resources for greater impact, given the city’s regional economic proximity to Fresno, Stockton, and Salinas. Our CEO, Don Howard, shares: “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.” The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors also approved $27.6 million in grants last week to support Education First Consulting, LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network, Disability & Philanthropy Forum, National Domestic Workers Alliance, Access Plus Capital, Just San Bernardino, and Borealis Philanthropy. Learn more: https://irvine.ly/3P0ny6I

Who are the 2025 #IrvineAwards recipients? Learn about them and their innovative efforts to address the challenges Californians face on February 10. Follow The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards for the latest updates.

National Domestic Workers Alliance’s new portrait series honors Black care workers across the country who have shaped generations of families and communities, yet often face inequities and erasure.  Legacy of Care celebrates Black domestic workers through intimate family portraits. Each photo tells an intergenerational story, highlighting their lives, contributions, and the often-unseen stories behind their labor. The portraits reveal care workers as they genuinely are—everyday people who do so much for those in need of care.  For Betsy Tyler, a 56-year-old care worker from Charlotte, North Carolina, the portrait series is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to educate and inspire: “I want people to see where we come from and understand that we all have the power to make life better. It starts with one small step—speaking up, getting involved, or simply showing care.”  Read more about Legacy of Care in Essence: https://lnkd.in/gaJC9mja #LegacyOfCare #DomesticWorkers #CareWork 

Where do #California funders stand after the election results? We remain committed to equity, opportunity, and justice—values that guide our work to ensure everyone in California and across the nation feels welcome and has the chance to thrive. One example of how funders, including Irvine, are advancing this work is by supporting We Are California. The collaborative is dedicated to building a California where everyone belongs, is safe, can afford to live, can thrive, and where everyone—including corporations and wealthy Californians—contributes their fair share.  Its efforts include advancing policies of inclusion and justice for immigrant communities and communities of color; protecting gender justice; pursuing care-based approaches to poverty, homelessness, migration and substance abuse; investing in clean air, clean water and climate resiliency; and expanding social safety nets.  Learn more in Inside Philanthropy: https://lnkd.in/epC5gVJj #Philanthropy

For Californians, the outcome of the election raises questions about the potential impact of the next president and Congress on economic conditions – and their jobs and financial situations.  In their latest survey, Irvine grantee partner Public Policy Institute of California explored Californian’s views on fiscal priorities for the next president, the state’s economic outlook, personal finances, the impact of AI on jobs, and public funding for job training.  They found that 45% believe that “building an economy that gives every American a chance to succeed” should be very high economic priorities for the next president. Overwhelming majorities also favor increasing government funding for job training programs so that more workers can gain the skills they need for today’s jobs.  Learn more: https://irvine.ly/3D8urQV 

Interested in hearing about the latest Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Economic Well-Being from the Public Policy Institute of California? The latest survey explores Californians’ views on fiscal priorities for the next president, the state’s economic outlook, personal finances, the impact of AI on jobs, and public funding for job training. Tune in tomorrow morning as they share key findings and discuss takeaways: https://lnkd.in/gcjwijef #Economy #California

Workers who complete registered #apprenticeships earn an average of $300,000 more over their careers compared to peers who do not, making it a key strategy for improving job quality and creating access to family-sustaining jobs. At Irvine, our #BetterCareers initiative supports organizations offering equity-centered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, which includes the Institute for Local Government (ILG). For this year’s #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, ILG shared their perspectives on the importance of registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) in the public sector, what progress looks like, and how private and public funders should support these programs. ILG shared: "Progress in public sector apprenticeships means seeing a steady, sustainable increase in skilled workers who come from their local communities and who are passionate and well-prepared to meet local government needs. We envision a future where local governments of every size and demographic across California have the tools they need to build robust, diverse apprenticeship programs that provide access to stable, well-paying careers."   Read on: https://irvine.ly/4eDKt2f 

What is a good job in child care? The seventh and final program in Irvine and Zócalo Public Square’s “What Is a Good Job Now?” series brought together practitioners and leaders in child care law and advocacy to discuss solutions to the child care staffing crisis in California and the nation. Ai-jen Poo, President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, said, “Until we invest in this work force, no amount of training is going to address this issue. We need to stop talking about upgrading the worker and start talking about upgrading the jobs.”     Read more and watch the recorded discussion at: https://irvine.ly/4hqjx8A #ChildCare #GoodJobs