Public Policy and Civic Engagement

The San Francisco Foundation’s public policy agenda weaves through all of the work we do to support long-term change in the Bay Area. Support for public policy and advocacy is essential to achieving the Foundation's social justice goals and to bridge the gaps of opportunity, access, inclusion, and equity. The laws and regulations that govern national, state, and local institutions have a profound impact on the health and the economic and social well being of individuals, communities, and the environment. In order to assure a representative voice in decision-making at all levels of government, the Public Policy and Civic Engagement Grantmaking Program provides resources to leaders, organizations, and communities engaged in social change through all the Foundation’s Program areas. The program also fosters long-term systems change through:

• Conducting research and analysis
• Developing policy options and advocacy capacity
• Developing strategic communications
• Supporting leadership and content expertise
• Convening key philanthropic, community, and government stakeholders
• Educating policymakers
• Supporting legal advocacy

In addition, the Public Policy and Civic Engagement Grantmaking Program supports a comprehensive approach to address California’s current tax and budget structure – a structure that has led to severe funding reductions for education, health, and other vital social services, and an erosion of public support for government. These reductions disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color and the institutions and nonprofits that provide these services. We want to reform California’s budget, reshape and strengthen government, create a more equitable society, and promote a vibrant economy. In 2012, our policy strategies will include grantmaking and convening organizations to tackle budget reform, and to educate, engage, and mobilize voters.