Public Policy News
In her remarks to the Peninsula Philanthropic Network on September 29, 2017, Congresswoman Jackie Speier noted that the Redwood City area is a version of “A Tale of Two Cities,” reflecting on her own experience visiting a mobile home community that has spiraled into severe disrepair despite its location mere miles from new luxury developments.
From immigration to affordable housing to criminal justice reform, the list of policy engagement opportunities for NCG keeps growing. Many urgent and important issues affect our region. To help us assess the greatest good that might come of our efforts...
“It seems that almost everyone in the Bay Area has a housing horror story to tell. Anecdotes abound of renters spending months looking for a new place, and the pound of flesh extracted when they do find one. Equally scary are the stories from aspiring, seemingly qualified homeowners who are turned away by banks...”
Philanthropy California joins our partners in philanthropy, advocates, and immigrant communities in standing against today’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). Our nation is built on the ideals of freedom, fairness, and prosperity, and we are stronger when everyone has the opportunity to thrive. DACA was a first step in fulfilling our nation’s promise to thousands of young immigrants – giving them the opportunity to learn, work, and, more importantly, contribute to the nation that they call home.
"...This is not the time for philanthropy to wait out current circumstances. Rather, foundations need to step up efforts to help safeguard the government’s viability and vitality." - Max Stier
Sometimes, opportunity knocks. Other times it opens the door and lets itself in. This is the case with NCG’s recent expansion into the public policy arena.
Today, NCG is once again bearing philanthropy’s voice in the region’s policy interests. NCG members are grappling with complex issues in a diverse and rapidly-changing region. We recognize that policy is a powerful tool to advance significant and sustained change and improve outcomes.
The voice of philanthropy policy advocacy in the Bay Area returns as Northern California Grantmakers brings powerhouse attorney Cecilia Chen aboard as the organization’s first Manager of Public Policy to marshal the network’s collective power.
NCG is gearing up to bring a united regional philanthropic voice to public policy. First stop: join six NCG members and other policy folks from around the state to explore the possibilities before us at the Philanthropy Public Policy Institute’s inaugural session in Sacramento.
The Foundation's support of communities in the U.S. and abroad, including immigrants, refugees, religious minorities and transgender citizens begins with 13 specific organizations, five of which are right here in the Bay Area.