Dear Friends,

Throughout 2024, we dedicated ourselves to learning and evaluation. We conducted portfolio reviews, hosted focus groups, and implemented surveys to assess the effectiveness of our grantmaking. Key insights emerged from this rigorous investigation. For example, our grantees and their constituents expressed a significant need for a stronger sense of belonging and place.

In 2025, we look forward to sharing updates on our refreshed grantmaking, which has been thoughtfully redesigned based on findings like the one shared above. We deeply appreciate your patience during this process and extend our deep gratitude to all individuals and organizations who contributed to our learning journey.

Additionally, this year, we celebrate Creative Work Fund’s 30th anniversary. Since the Creative Work Fund was formed 30 years ago, the Walter & Elise Haas Fund has awarded $17.8 million in grants to Bay Area artists and community organizations to support the development of new artworks in collaborative partnership.

At the Walter & Elise Haas Fund, we believe in the power of working together. Collaboration and community-building animate our core values and will continue to guide how we engage in every aspect of our work moving forward.

We are also pleased to welcome Allison Eisenhardt as the newest member of our board.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Sincerely,

Jamie Allison, Executive Director

Bradley Haas, Board President