A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
Dear Angeleno,
Our Strategic Framework is guided by a simple but powerful idea: everyone in Los Angeles deserves the opportunity to live a good life. That means having access to stable housing, healthcare, economic opportunity, and the ability to shape one’s future.
Angela Glover Blackwell’s concept of the curb-cut effect inspired CCF to embark on a journey to explore how strategic investments and opportunities could bring residents closer to the good life and a thriving democracy. This framework recognizes that investing in those furthest from opportunity strengthens systems and communities for everyone.
The framework also calls us to reimagine democracy—not just as a system of governance, but as a pathway to advancing equity, elevating community voice, and achieving shared prosperity.
We listened to thousands of residents, nonprofit leaders, and community partners to better understand what Los Angeles County neighborhoods need and envision. We heard that Angelenos want opportunity, security, and a meaningful role in building a better future.
This Strategic Framework reflects that collective aspiration. It marks an important shift for our institution—from focusing primarily on programs to prioritizing measurable impact in communities farthest away from living the good life. It also reaffirms our commitment to being a responsive, collaborative, and deeply rooted philanthropic partner in the community.
Together, we’ve imagined a Los Angeles where:
Every person has access to stable housing, healthcare, and multigenerational care.
Communities can build lasting economic security and live in safety and connection.
Systems are transformed to expand opportunity and promote shared prosperity.
As we implement this new framework, we’ll be reorganizing how we do our work — to better center community, align all our tools, including grantmaking, advocacy, and investments, and drive long-term solutions that reflect the priorities we share with you. This shift will help us strengthen our impact, deepen partnerships, and ensure that the outcomes of our work are felt directly by the communities we serve.
With deep gratitude,
Miguel A. Santana
President & CEO
California Community Foundation