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East Bay Community Foundation

Annual Giving
$127.9M
Grant Range
From $15K

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East Bay Community Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $128 million (FY23)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Varies by programme; Women's Catalytic Fund reviews monthly
  • Grant Range: $15,000 (Women's Catalytic Fund) - amounts vary by programme
  • Geographic Focus: Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, California

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1928, the East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the Bay Area, managing $545 million in charitable assets through 512 charitable funds. The foundation distributed $128 million in grants during fiscal year 2023. EBCF's mission is to envision "an East Bay where everyone has the economic freedom to dream, heal, and belong." The foundation has earned four out of four stars from Charity Navigator and focuses on advancing racial justice and equity throughout Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Under the leadership of President and CEO James W. Head, EBCF has positioned itself as a catalyst for social change, prioritising power-building approaches and community-driven collaborations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

  • Women's Catalytic Fund: $15,000 one-time grants (Spring and Fall cycles) for nonprofits with budgets under $1 million working to end gender-based inequity
  • Oakland Small Business Resiliency Fund: $2.2 million invested in 170 Oakland small businesses
  • ASCEND: BLO Wellness Initiative: $30,000 grants to organisations in Alameda County
  • Arts and Culture Grants: $600,000 fund supporting 24 Oakland arts organisations
  • Community Ownership Fund: $850,000 for community ownership and stewardship initiatives
  • Donor-Advised Funds: Majority of grants distributed through individual donor funds

Priority Areas

EBCF focuses on four core programme strategies:

  1. Arts and Culture for Social and Racial Justice - Supporting cultural organisations that advance racial equity
  2. Capacity Building with a Racial Equity Lens - Strengthening organisational infrastructure with equity focus
  3. Community Organising, Power Building, and Movement Building - Supporting grassroots organising efforts
  4. Fostering Inclusive Economic Models - Promoting community ownership and economic democracy

The foundation prioritises organisations led by and serving:

  • Black communities
  • Indigenous communities
  • Latinx communities
  • Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities
  • South & Southwest Asian and North African (SSWANA) communities
  • LGBTQIA+ communities
  • Undocumented communities
  • Under/unemployed individuals
  • Those experiencing housing instability
  • Formerly incarcerated people

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's focus on racial justice and community-led initiatives suggests they do not typically fund:

  • Organisations outside Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
  • Projects that don't align with their four core programme strategies
  • Organisations not demonstrating commitment to racial equity

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: James W. Head - Has led the foundation's strategic focus on racial justice, stating "If not now, then when?" regarding the urgency of creating meaningful change around racial, health, and economic disparities.

Recent Leadership Additions:

  • Autumn McDonald - Vice President of Community Investments
  • Tyson Jue - Chief Operating Officer
  • Janelle Cavanagh - Senior leadership role
  • Kaya Hersh - Senior leadership role

The board approved significant policy initiatives including $750,000 allocated to state and local campaigns supporting racial justice initiatives.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The East Bay Community Foundation operates primarily on an invitation-only basis for most of its grantmaking. The foundation does not have a standard public application process for the majority of its grants. However, there are specific opportunities:

  1. Women's Catalytic Fund: Organisations can email WCFgrantinformation@gmail.com for application information
  2. Periodic Open Applications: EBCF occasionally opens applications for organisations working within their core programme strategies
  3. Donor-Advised Funds: Many grants from donor-advised funds do not require formal applications

Organisations should monitor the Grant Opportunities page at https://www.ebcf.org/grant-opportunities for periodic openings.

Getting on Their Radar

Since most EBCF grants are by invitation only, organisations should:

  • Demonstrate strong alignment with EBCF's four core programme strategies
  • Show leadership from and service to EBCF's priority communities
  • Build relationships with EBCF programme staff by attending their community events
  • Partner with existing EBCF grantees on collaborative projects
  • Contact info@eastbaycf.org to introduce your organisation and inquire about alignment with current initiatives

Decision Timeline

  • Women's Catalytic Fund: Monthly member meetings to evaluate proposals; grants awarded twice yearly (Spring and Fall)
  • Other Programmes: Timeline varies by programme and fund

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. The Women's Catalytic Fund has granted over $3.7 million since 1999, with membership limited to 15 individuals.

Reapplication Policy

Not explicitly stated; organisations should contact EBCF directly regarding reapplication after unsuccessful attempts.

Application Success Factors

Based on EBCF's funding patterns and stated priorities, successful applicants typically:

  • Demonstrate authentic community leadership: Organisations led by people from the communities they serve, particularly Black, Indigenous, and people of colour
  • Align with power-building approaches: Focus on community organising and movement building rather than direct service alone
  • Show collaborative spirit: Participate in "naturally-occurring, community-driven collaborations" rather than forced partnerships
  • Centre racial equity: Explicitly address racial justice in programme design and organisational practices
  • Focus on systems change: Address root causes of inequity rather than symptoms
  • Demonstrate innovation: The Women's Catalytic Fund specifically seeks "bold visions for social change"

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Most funding is invitation-only - Focus on relationship building and demonstrating strong alignment with EBCF's four core strategies before expecting funding opportunities • Racial equity is non-negotiable - Every aspect of your work should demonstrate commitment to racial justice and be led by impacted communities • Small organisations have opportunities - The Women's Catalytic Fund specifically supports organisations with budgets under $1 million • Geographic focus is strict - Must serve Alameda or Contra Costa Counties • Collaboration is valued - EBCF supports community-driven collaborations and collective impact approaches • Monitor for periodic openings - While most funding is by invitation, EBCF does occasionally open applications • Build relationships with programme staff - Given the invitation-only nature, establishing connections with EBCF staff is crucial for future funding opportunities

References

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