In The News

In pursuing our vision, we believe that it is important to provide the best and most up-to-date information possible about our work , what drives it, and the grantees and partners who move it forward—as well as to make connections among people and organizations who are working toward common goals.

Immigration Reform Series Airs on HBO

On March 24, HBO began broadcasting How Democracy Works Now, a series examining the personal struggles and political challenges behind today's immigration reform movement. Six years in the making, the series opened with The Last Best Chance, the inside story of the final battle for Senator Kennedy's dream of immigration reform. (March 2010)
Foundations Invest in Census Outreach Across California

With the 2010 census count around the corner, a group of private foundations are working with nonprofit partners across California to make sure everyone is counted. As the Contra Costa Times reports, the group is focusing their outreach efforts to connect with hard-to-reach communities who are often left out of the critical count. (December 2009)
New Report Documents Decade of Progress on LGBT Equality in U.S.

As the decade draws to a close, a new report shows the past 10 years have been a period of dramatic gains in equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in America.
A Decade of Progress

While enormous inequities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people remain a painful reality in the U.S., the past ten years have included remarkable progress in the struggle for equal rights. The San Francisco Chronicle covers the release of a new report on the decade's gains, and the challenges that still lie ahead. (December 2009)
Keeping Score Returns

A new season of the San Francisco Symphony's Keeping Score program brings the wonder of classical music to all. Haas, Jr. Fund President Ira Hirschfield talks about the inspiration behind the public outreach project in its earliest stages. (October 2009)
"America's Best Idea" Previewed at the White House

Back from a recent visit to Yellowstone with his family, President Obama gets a sneak preview of "America's Best Idea" and talks about the Parks
Diversity and the National Parks

Shelton Johnson, an African American storyteller, musician and interpretive specialist at Yosemite National Park, talks about race and the national parks. Johnson appears in Ken Burns' upcoming film, "America's Best Idea." (August 2009)
Looking Ahead: Marriage Equality Experts Weigh in on Next Steps

As opponents of California's Prop 8 continue to strategize about next steps for making marriage equality a reality across the state and country, the Haas, Jr. Fund's Program Director Matt Foreman weighs in on the challenges ahead. (July 2009)
Marriage Equality Partners Win Award for Excellence in Communications

The Council on Foundations has honored Let California Ring with their top award in Public Policy communications. The campaign, which aimed to create dialogue and build public support for marriage equality, included groundbreaking ethnic media ads in print, radio and online news. (March 2009)
Opinions from the Pulpit

An in-depth survey of mainline Protestant clergy shows growing support among some religious leaders for gay and lesbian equality. The report, funded by the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, challenges assumptions made by many that faith-based communities and their leaders pose a monolithic barrier to the struggle for lesbian and gay civil rights. (March 2009)