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The James Irvine Foundation
@irvinefdn.bsky.social
270 followers 150 following 120 posts
Expanding opportunity for the people of California.
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irvinefdn.bsky.social
Congratulations to Charles Fields, Irvine’s executive vice president of programs, for being appointed to the Board of Trustees of Blue Shield of California Foundation!

Read more: bit.ly/4opCwDy
November 4, 2025 at 5:37 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Don recently sat down with Kristine Michie to discuss the role of #philanthropy in the AI-driven world, our grantee-partners' efforts to support workers paid low wages, and the importance of having a people-focused strategy.

Listen to the full episode of #ThePlayfullPodcast here: bit.ly/4nwkKx8
October 30, 2025 at 6:57 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
@obi-belonging.bsky.social is launching a new podcast series on October 21 at 9–10:30 a.m. PT!

Each episode connects lived experiences to forward-looking policies that can move us toward a future where everyone belongs and thrives.

Sign up for the launch event at bit.ly/realsolutionspodcast
October 14, 2025 at 4:56 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
This summer, Irvine’s #BetterCareers initiative supported a group of grantees and key registered apprenticeship organizations in LA to join a delegation of SoCal leaders traveling to Zurich for the CEMETS Summer Institute.

What did they learn? Check out the top takeaways below.
September 24, 2025 at 4:21 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Closing off our #LaborDay content series is the California Coalition for Worker Power (CCWP), a grantee of our #FairWork initiative!

CCWP ensures that every worker in California has the power to come together and improve their work conditions and their communities. Learn more: bit.ly/4mqgrUj
CCWP is a group of worker centers, worker advocates, labor policy experts, and labor unions dedicated to ensuring that every worker in California has the power to come together and improve their work conditions and the lives of their families. They believe that all working people must have a voice in order for California to succeed in creating a society that works for everyone. The coalition was formed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, their victories for workers have included securing millions in state funding for worker rights outreach and engagement, and leading the advocacy efforts that led to passage of the Equal Pay & Anti-Retaliation Act in 2023.
September 4, 2025 at 4:54 PM
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We’re continuing our #LaborDay content series by highlighting Power California, a grantee-partner of Irvine's #JustProsperity initiative!

Power California believes we can make California stronger if everyone has a say in the decisions that impact our lives. Learn more: bit.ly/3JdGKyf
Power California believes we can make California stronger if everyone has a say in the decisions that impact our lives. They’re working to achieve this vision through building the leadership and capacity of local youth to lead civic engagement activities; using art and storytelling to shift the public toward embracing outcomes that benefit everyone; and holding leaders accountable for issues impacting young people, such as the housing crisis and economic instability. With an expertise in engaging young people of color and their families, the organization has pre-registered and registered more than 100,000 young voters and engaged in more than 609,000 voter conversations in the last several elections. More than 7,000 youth of color have also successfully participated in Power California’s training programs and workshops.
September 3, 2025 at 4:33 PM
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This #LaborDay, we’re highlighting Central Coast United Alliance for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE), a grantee of our #FairWork initiative!

CAUSE aims to create a community where everyone can contribute to and benefit from a sustainable economy that is just & environmentally healthy: bit.ly/3HGHTy9
CAUSE aims to create a community where everyone can contribute to and benefit from a sustainable economy that is just, prosperous, and environmentally healthy. They lead activities and campaigns to engage workers paid low wages in civic and community affairs. This includes regularly providing space for farmworkers to talk about issues affecting them and their families, as well as supporting workers in speaking at public hearings. Through the California Worker Outreach Program (CWOP), CAUSE ran two 10-week promotor programs in 2024, reaching nearly 4,000 workers and training 900 participants. They also worked with statewide partners to make CWOP permanent, securing millions in state funding.
September 2, 2025 at 3:35 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
This #LaborDay, we're highlighting some of the organizations Irvine is proud to support.

First up: Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), a grantee of our #FairWork initiative, working to build an economy rooted in good jobs, thriving communities, and a healthy environment: bit.ly/3Hw7860
LAANE works to build an economy rooted in good jobs, thriving communities, and a healthy environment for all. They bring together community and labor power to advance policies that improve the lives of Los Angeles and Long Beach families. Their recent policy wins include securing the highest minimum wage in the country for hotel and hospitality workers in Long Beach, alongside their labor and nonprofit partners. They also helped expand the Fair Work Week ordinance, which aims to provide more predictable work schedules, to cover 5,000 additional workers.
September 1, 2025 at 4:24 PM
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The latest issue of @johnsoncenter.bsky.social’s The Foundation Review features an article by Irvine and our partners at Engage R+D: bit.ly/3JETU7N 

It explores how grantees can be engaged early in strategy & evaluation design, and how to build reciprocal relationships.
August 29, 2025 at 4:39 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Interested in learning about how Irvine and the Kessler Foundation are advancing disability justice and inclusion in workforce development?

Join the Workforce Matters Funders Network's webinar on August 13 at 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT: irvine.ly/4moT2mp

This webinar is open to funders only.
Peer Learning Strategy Series: Investing in Disability Justice and Inclusion in Workforce Development. Aug 13 | 3-4 PM EST.
August 7, 2025 at 5:14 PM
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We’re proud to announce the second group of awardees of The Courage Project, which includes Irvine grantee-partner PICO California!

From faith leaders to veterans to business owners, these new honorees show how kindness, conviction, and care strengthen our communities every day: irvine.ly/4kjz2zu
July 3, 2025 at 5:59 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
We’re proud to announce the second group of awardees of The Courage Project, which includes Irvine grantee-partner PICO California!

From faith leaders to veterans to business owners, these new honorees show how kindness, conviction, and care strengthen our communities every day: irvine.ly/4kjz2zu
July 3, 2025 at 5:59 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Interested in connecting with #apprenticeship practitioners, industry partners, funders, and key stakeholders from across the state to explore innovative apprenticeship models?

Register now to join the Advancing California Apprenticeship Summit in Riverside: web.cvent.com/event/a9757f...
Advancing California Apprenticeship Summit Registration is Open October 7 - October 9, 2025 Riverside, California Hosted by Foundation for California Community Colleges and LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network
May 13, 2025 at 5:01 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
As co-directors of Rou Dalagurr: Food Sovereignty Lab & Traditional Ecological Knowledges Institute, Cutcha Risling Baldy & Kaitlin Reed have mentored students to lead initiatives that integrate Indigenous knowledge & practices into both academia and the community. More on: youtu.be/3jT2G6Dhinw?...
May 12, 2025 at 7:33 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Polls show that most Californians overwhelmingly support essential services for everyone, regardless of immigration status. Californian's state budget should reflect that.

Our coalition urges the state to prioritize people, not politics. Read our full joint statement: irvine.ly/42P3MmB
California should have a budget that protects our state's prosperity, affordability and values. Limited resources should be spent on what matters most: our people. Protecting essential services for all Californians—regardless of immigration status—is not only the right thing to do, it's a smart economic strategy that keeps our communities healthy and safe. The majority of Californians agree. Statewide polling shows overwhelming support for ensuring safety net services for all low-income residents, regardless of immigration status. 59% support continuing current services. 68% Support access to Medi-Cal and Covered California. 57% support Medi-Cal even if federal funding is at risk. 64% support food assistance. 58% support low-income tax credits. Voters understand that immigrants are essential members of our communities who grow our food, build our homes, and care for our most vulnerable. Their hard work and contributions drive prosperity for all. While only 12% of voters identify immigration as a top concern, 70% cite the cost of living and housing. Our organizations represent diverse sectors spanning philanthropy, health care, business, labor, education and community organizing, united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of all Californians and sustaining a strong economy. We acknowledge that tough fiscal choices lie ahead—but those decisions must reflect our shared values. It is our values that have propelled our state to become the fourth largest economy in the world. By protecting our people, we will ensure a stronger, more resilient California for all.
May 9, 2025 at 4:59 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
In honor of #AANHPIHeritageMonth, @domesticemployers.bsky.social's Lindsay Imai Hong and Stacy Kono reflected on the wrongful incarceration of the Japanese and Japanese American community during World War II and its connection to the injustices that communities of color face today. (1/2)
What does Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Heritage Month mean to you? The Alien Enemies Act of 1798—meant to provide U.S. presidents wartime authority to defend itself on U.S. soil—was used by President Roosevelt during World War II to incarcerate 120,000 members of the Japanese and Japanese American community, including members of my own family, because we looked like the enemy. It is now being invoked again to target Venezuelan immigrants as young as 14 years old for detention and deportation. The current administration is also using a similarly obscure law to rationalize the disappearance of international students for exercising protected speech.  In light of this dangerous abuse of power, this AANHPI Heritage month, I am reminded that we cannot take our freedom for granted and of just how important solidarity is, across Asian American communities and across all communities committed to social justice. - Lindsay Imai Hong, California Director, Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network My parents were toddlers when they were removed from their communities in the 1940s, alongside 120,000 people of Japanese descent across the West Coast, because of the color of their skin. When they were released from incarceration, most of the jobs the community could secure paid low wages, including for my grandma who was a domestic worker. My family’s experience of exclusion, exploitation and erasure is similar to what other Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian communities face in the U.S., historically and today. I organize for racial and economic justice because I believe everyone deserves dignity, respect, and belonging in this country. - Stacy Kono, Executive Director, Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network
May 5, 2025 at 5:16 PM
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Stacy L. Smith, 2025 #IrvineAwards recipient, founded the @inclusionists.bsky.social in 2008, where she leverages the Initiative’s research to develop programs and policies that address systemic biases in the media.

Learn more at: youtu.be/N7zCR0xq3wg?...
May 2, 2025 at 6:49 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Under Nayamin Martinez's leadership, the Central California Environmental Justice Network equips Fresno residents with tools to advocate for systemic change while addressing immediate needs with initiatives like community resilience kits and clean drinking water access.

youtu.be/WGmC7BZonNo?...
April 28, 2025 at 7:19 PM
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Skye Patrick, County Librarian of LA County Library and 2025 #IrvineAwards recipient, has transformed the Library into a hub of inclusion, innovation, and impact, expanding its mission far beyond book lending.

Learn more: youtu.be/byLdgiUdlkk?...
April 24, 2025 at 5:12 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Earlier this year, Shantay R. Davies-Balch, CEO of BLACK Wellness & Prosperity Center, received an Irvine Foundation Leadership Award for her work in improving Black maternal health and promoting culturally competent care.

Learn more about her work at: youtu.be/YkNOhkdEUkc?...

#IrvineAwards
April 7, 2025 at 5:06 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Helen Torres grew @hopelatinas.bsky.social into a fully staffed training, research, and advocacy organization that builds Latina community power. This year, she received an Irvine Leadership Award for her work in advancing democracy and strengthening communities.

More on: youtu.be/iNwoPBA7YdU?...
April 2, 2025 at 7:08 PM
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We deeply mourn the loss of former board member Robert (Bob) Denham, whose contributions to Irvine’s work will always be remembered.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by his principled leadership: www.linkedin.com/posts/don-ho...
March 19, 2025 at 6:52 PM
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In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth, LA Sentinel spotlights Skye Patrick, director and CEO of L.A. County Library and 2025 #IrvineAwards recipient.

Since 2016, she has launched IT initiatives and other programs dedicated to improving the lives of Californians.

lasentinel.net/womens-histo...
March 12, 2025 at 5:29 PM
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Nominations for the 2026 @irvineawards.bsky.social close this Wednesday, and the process is now easier than ever!
#IrvineAwards celebrates leaders who are advancing breakthrough solutions to critical issues facing California.

Learn more and submit your nomination at: irvine.ly/nominate
Nominate a leader who inspires change in your community. #IrvineAwards Introducing a simpler way to Nominate Leaders Step 1, Due March 12: An initial nomination only requires basic details about the nominee and their impact. Step 2, Due April 30: The nominee’s submission provides the opportunity to expand on their achievements and impact in their own words. Your Voice Can Make a Difference – Nominate a Leader Today! When you nominate, you’ll answer three questions: - Why is the nominee’s work important for California? - What about this leader or their work inspires you? - How does the leader create opportunities for underserved communities?
March 10, 2025 at 3:40 PM
irvinefdn.bsky.social
Do you know a leader or a leadership pair who are advancing breakthrough solutions to critical issues facing California?

Nominate them for the 2026 #IrvineAwards!

Want to learn more about how to nominate a leader? Check out the informational webinar at: irvineawards.org/announcing-t...
Nominate a leader who inspires change in your community. Introducing a simpler way to Nominate Leaders. Step 1, Due March 12: An initial nomination only requires basic details about the nominee and their impact. Step 2, Due April 30: The nominee’s submission provides the opportunity to expand on their achievements and impact in their own words.
March 5, 2025 at 5:32 PM