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Walter And Elise Haas Fund

Annual Giving
$15.3M
Grant Range
$25K - $3.5M

Walter And Elise Haas Fund

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $15.3 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: Varies by program ($25,000 - $3.5 million)
  • Geographic Focus: Bay Area, California (primarily Oakland and San Francisco)

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1952 by Walter and Elise Haas, this private family foundation has invested over $390 million in grants over its 70+ year history. With total assets of $262 million and annual charitable disbursements of $15.3 million (representing 90.3% of total expenses), the fund envisions a Bay Area where all people can reach their fullest potential and live with a sense of purpose, dignity, and joy. Under the leadership of Executive Director Jamie Allison (since 2018), the foundation has undergone significant strategic shifts, including establishing the $24.5 million Endeavor Fund in 2023 to address racial and gender wealth gaps.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Endeavor Fund: $3.5 million over 7 years per organization ($500,000 annually) - focused on closing racial and gender wealth gaps
  • Creative Power Awards: $1.575 million in unrestricted funding for artists and arts nonprofits
  • Responsive Community Grants: Amount varies - supporting immediate community needs
  • Capital Projects: Amount varies - infrastructure and facility support

Priority Areas

  • Economic Well-being (closing racial and gender wealth gaps, nonprofit worker well-being, youth and adult self-determination)
  • Social Well-being (fostering belonging for Bay Area residents)
  • Supportive Grantmaking (supporting leaders, place, and policy)
  • Philanthropy field-building

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated on website; contact foundation for specific exclusions

Governance and Leadership

The fund was originally led by Walter and Elise Haas along with their children Walter Haas, Jr., Peter Haas, and Rhoda Goldman as trustees. Currently led by Executive Director Jamie Allison (since 2018), who oversees a staff where 70% participated in the Endeavor Fund selection process. The foundation has evolved from family-led governance to professional management while maintaining its commitment to the Haas family values of Family, Possibility, Shared Responsibility, and Belonging.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations can access the Grantee Portal at https://haassr.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new. Each individual must register for their own account (credential sharing is discouraged). Multi-Factor Authentication will be required starting January 5, 2026. For accommodation needs or questions, contact grantsmanager@haassr.org.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified; varies by program

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified on website

Application Success Factors

Based on the Endeavor Fund selection criteria, successful organizations demonstrate:

  • Clear mission alignment with closing racial and gender wealth gaps
  • Prioritization of quality, empowering jobs
  • Service to primarily BIPOC communities
  • Combination of direct services and structural change work
  • Majority BIPOC leadership in executive, senior staff, or board positions
  • Budget between $5M-$10M for larger grants
  • Location in Oakland or San Francisco for place-based initiatives
  • Strong references who can provide detailed testimony about impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The fund has committed to allocating the majority of grants to marginalized communities and dedicating at least 25% to social justice strategies
  • They value trust, learning, transparency, and accountability in grantmaking relationships
  • Strong preference for Black and POC-led organizations with demonstrated community impact
  • The foundation seeks to "support grantees to win on their own terms" rather than imposing external metrics
  • References play a prioritized role in selection decisions
  • Organizations serving both youth and adults have an advantage in alignment with funding priorities
  • The fund has evolved significantly since 2018, showing openness to transformative approaches

References

  • Walter & Elise Haas Fund Official Website (www.haassr.org) - Accessed December 31, 2025
  • ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Walter And Elise Haas Fund Profile - Accessed December 31, 2025
  • GuideStar Profile (EIN: 94-6068564) - Accessed December 31, 2025
  • Foundation Center Online Profile (HAAS005) - Accessed December 31, 2025
  • Walter & Elise Haas Fund Grantee Portal (https://haassr.fluxx.io) - Accessed December 31, 2025
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