Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Philanthropic Partner for Racial Justice in the East Bay
East Bay Community Foundation has been a cornerstone of philanthropy in the East Bay since 1928. Our mission is to partner with donors, social movements, and the broader community to dismantle structural barriers and advance racial equity across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. With nearly a century of experience, we combine grantmaking, advocacy, and mission-aligned investments to transform political, social, and economic outcomes for all residents. Our team of dedicated experts brings deep local knowledge and a commitment to anti-oppression practices, ensuring our work remains rooted in community needs.As a trusted steward of over $600 million in charitable assets, we prioritize transparency through publicly available financial reports and quarterly investment disclosures. Our innovative approach includes educating donors on systemic inequities and facilitating collaborative networks that amplify community voices. By aligning 100% of our investments with our mission, we demonstrate how philanthropy can drive systemic change while maintaining financial integrity. This strategic framework has earned us recognition as a leader in community foundation models nationwide.
Services
Grantmaking
Donor Engagement
Community Organizing
Mission-Aligned Investments
Economic Development
Details
- Year established: 1928
Highlights and features
- We have nearly 100 years of experience advancing equity in the East Bay region
- Our investments are 100% aligned with our mission to create systemic change
- We partner with over 500 donors and fund advisors for collective impact
- Our grantmaking supports 512 charitable funds across Alameda and Contra Costa counties
- We maintain four-out-of-four stars from Charity Navigator for financial transparency
Associations and certifications
- IRS 501(c)(3)
Services
Mission-Aligned Investments
Our investment strategy ensures 100% of assets align with our mission to advance racial and economic justice. We collaborate with diverse financial managers and community-based institutions to create inclusive economies. This approach allows donors to achieve competitive financial returns while supporting systemic change through program-related investments.
Community Organizing
We fund grassroots initiatives that empower marginalized communities through power-building strategies. Our grants support local organizations working on policy advocacy and essential services. This includes multi-year general operating support for anchor nonprofits focused on structural inequities in the East Bay region.
Donor Engagement
We educate donors about systemic barriers limiting opportunities for East Bay residents. Our programs help philanthropists understand structural inequities and develop effective giving strategies. This includes creating collaborative networks where donors can share knowledge and resources for maximum community impact.
Economic Development
Our grants foster economic systems that prioritize equity and community ownership. We support initiatives creating living-wage jobs and wealth-building opportunities for underserved populations. This includes funding for small business resiliency programs and innovative financial institutions serving marginalized communities.
Arts and Culture
We fund artistic initiatives that promote racial equity and social justice across the East Bay. Our grants support cultural programs that amplify marginalized voices and foster community healing. This includes investments in public art projects and creative spaces that celebrate the region's diverse heritage.
People
James W. Head
President & CEO
James W. Head leads EBCF's strategic shift toward racial justice philanthropy. With decades of experience in community development, he has restructured the foundation's operations to prioritize movement funding and systems change. His leadership earned EBCF recognition as the Boldest Community Foundation by Inside Philanthropy in 2019.
Brandi Howard
2025 Impact Report Author
Brandi Howard authors EBCF's annual impact reports, documenting the foundation's progress toward equity goals. She highlights community success stories and analyzes systemic challenges facing East Bay residents. Her work provides transparent accountability for the foundation's $116 million in annual grants.
Questions
What is East Bay Community Foundation's primary mission?
We partner with donors and communities to eliminate structural barriers and advance racial equity across Alameda and Contra Costa counties through grantmaking, advocacy, and mission-aligned investments.
How does EBCF ensure financial transparency?
We publicly post IRS 990 forms, audited financials, and quarterly investment reports online. With $600 million in assets under management, we maintain four-out-of-four stars from Charity Navigator for financial accountability.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We focus on Alameda and Contra Costa counties, working with 512 charitable funds and distributing $116 million in grants annually to address regional inequities.
How can donors engage with your organization?
Donors can contribute through credit card, securities, or DAF transfers. We offer educational opportunities to help philanthropists understand systemic barriers and develop effective giving strategies.
What makes your approach to philanthropy unique?
We combine traditional grantmaking with mission-aligned investments and community organizing. Nearly 100% of our investments support inclusive economies, and we provide multi-year funding to anchor nonprofits.
How does EBCF support immigrant communities?
We recently committed $250,000 to defend and uplift East Bay immigrant communities, supporting 11 organizations addressing immediate needs and systemic challenges in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
