Walter and Elise Haas Fund: Possibility Grants

The Walter and Elise Haas Fund offers Possibility Grants aimed at fostering equity and opportunity in the Bay Area. These grants, worth $100,000 each, support organizations addressing systemic oppression, cultural education, and community healing. With a focus on small to medium organizations, the fund prioritizes those engaged in racial justice, economic well-being, and the arts. The initiative encourages collaborative efforts that uplift youth and promote a vibrant, inclusive society.

NOTE: Possibility Grants will not be offered in 2025.
Our Approach
Our grantmaking reflects our values:
Designed and decided by BAY Fellows, Possibility Grants are general operating grants of $100,000 per organization, awarded with flexible grant terms of either one or two years.
Ten grants will be made this year.
Funding Priorities
Grants will be made to organizations that are essential to building a more just and equitable society, are actively working to challenge systems of oppression through cultural education, Black liberation values, community-based care, healing, or art in response to current domestic and global political climate, and have an intergenerational lens that uplifts youth.
Applications do not need to focus on all the named focus areas. Grantseekers have the discretion to decide which areas to emphasize based on what aligns best with their work and what they wish to highlight. It is up to each organization to determine how to present their efforts and achievements within these focus areas.
Cultural Education Defined
In the context of the Possibility Grant, “cultural education” is understood as encompassing the education of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) culture, along with the history of the BIPOC experience both within and outside the United States. This includes teaching about the rich traditions, contributions, and perspectives of BIPOC communities, as well as the challenges and injustices they have faced throughout history. The aim is to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of these cultures and histories, promoting awareness, empathy, and respect.

Eligibility

Applying organizations need to be:a 501(c)3 entity, or fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 entity, to receive grant fundslocated in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, or Santa Clara CountyApplying organizations are:Working to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression through cultural education, Black liberation values, community based care, healing, or artFostering intergenerational connections to uplift youthCentering collaborationSeeking a strong intersectional impact in their work