Walter & Elise Haas Fund WE Initiative Grant
The WE Initiative (opens in new tab) is a new grantmaking strategy under the Walter & Elise Haas Fund (opens in new tab)’s recently launched Social Well-being program (opens in new tab) that focuses on activating and sustaining a sense of belonging among Bay Area residents. It builds upon our purpose to support community well-being in Oakland and San Francisco so that all people can reach their fullest potential with dignity and joy.
The WE Initiative will select 25 organizations to receive $100,000 annually as general operating funds over a five-year period, totaling $500,000 each. Grantees will not need to reapply during the five-year period to continue receiving funds. They welcome applications from eligible nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects through June 27, 2025. The Walter & Elise Haas Fund does not anticipate another open call until 2030.
They are seeking nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored projects committed to collaboration and community-building, as WE Initiative grantees will participate in a cohort experience — a learning and relationship-building journey designed to deepen exchange, expand networks of care, and spark collective impact with each other over the funding period. Organizations will commit to a series of meetings in the first year, with the intention of co-designing proceeding years with grantee-informed feedback in an iterative process that supports grantee insights.
How to apply for a WE Initiative grant:
- Review Grant Guidelines (opens in new tab)
- Watch Application Info Seminar
- Download the Appli (opens in new tab)cation
- Take the Eligibility Quiz (opens in new tab)
