Sobrato Philanthropies

Given unprecedented challenges to our democratic institutions and ongoing efforts to suppress full voter participation in the upcoming U.S. elections, we are proud to announce $3.5M in renewed funding commitments to key grantee partners. These organizations, all regrantors led by people of color, are supporting community-led grassroots organizations in Silicon Valley, California, and across the nation to protect the integrity of our election system and the rights of all Americans. They are focused on organizing, advocacy, and civic engagement to ensure equitable participation, voice, and power for communities most impacted by injustice. In addition to regranting to grassroots organizations, these partners play an outsized role in supporting nonprofits to grow their impact by providing essential, complementary supports, including convening grantees, organizing donor learning, managing capacity building programs, leading coordinated advocacy efforts, and more. These investments follow our 2020 commitment of $6M to support the national movement for race equity following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. We are deeply honored to continue partnering with these groups and to support their work at this critical moment. Learn more about our partners and their work at the links below: Democracy Frontlines Fund California Black Freedom Fund Latino Community Foundation Native Voices Rising (https://lnkd.in/g69FS3sV) New Breath Foundation

We recently sat down with Meredith Curry Nuñez, ED of the Northern California College Promise Coalition, to learn more about their important work across the state and how they utilize the power of their wide network to make an impact for students: https://bit.ly/3JPilMq

As we continue to recognize the 50th anniversary of Lau v. Nichols, we'd like to share EdSource's latest podcast episode of Education Beat. Listen to how this case began and how it changed education, from the perspective of a teacher: https://bit.ly/3IEzJD9 #ELs #EducationEquity #EnglishLearnerSuccess #LauVNichols

We recently released a new brief, “Navigating the Past to Shape the Future of English Learner Education,” that explores key themes and lessons from the history of the movement for English Learner (EL) educational access and equity in California. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYH6f2hK #EL #englishlearners #lauvnichols

February was a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality — we celebrated Black History Month and the 50th anniversary of Lau v. Nichols. This landmark 1974 Supreme Court case wasn't just about history; its impact is evident in today's struggles to connect communities of color divided by language, race, and immigration status. Read more of Doua Thor's letter for this month's Top of Mind. #EL #englishlearners #lauvnichols

"If you don’t interrogate where the money came from, then what are we even doing?" This morning, we heard thought-provoking insights on wealth, family, and the power of your voice from Abigail Disney, Dena Kimball, and Sobrato Philanthropies' Lisa Sobrato Sonsini in a peer relay moderated by Forward Global board member Lauren Booker Allen. #ForwardGlobalSummit #ImpactImperative

America’s largest donors gave more than $11.9 billion collectively in 2023. The Sobrato Family is proud to appear on The Chronicle of Philanthropy's Philanthropy 50, its annual list of the largest donors: https://lnkd.in/gUV8kFKX #Phil50

It may have been 50 years ago that Lau versus Nichols was decided by the Supreme Court, but the case remains a constant reminder of the importance of Martha Hernandez’s work with Californians Together. As Martha explains it, “We just celebrated our 25th anniversary, and during those 25 years Lau versus Nichols has been a cornerstone piece of legislation for us.” Californians Together, supported by the English Learner (EL) Program of Sobrato Philanthropies, champions an educational system that ensures every child receives a high-quality 21st-century education. Their vision is for all students to graduate fully prepared for college, career, and civic engagement. #lauvnichols #englishlearners

Changing our systems, breaking down siloes, and strengthening our collaboration to benefit K-16 students in the Bay Area takes all of us. Leaders of the Bay Area K-16 Collaborative were thrilled to meet with representatives from the Crankstart Foundation, Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, Hellman Foundation, Koret Foundation, Northern California College Promise Coalition, San Francisco Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Stuart Foundation, and Stupski Foundation on February 6, 2024 at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in Redwood City, California. Bay Area K-16 Collaborative Leaders shared the progress, goals, and plans of the Collaborative, answered questions, and discussed the role that philanthropy can play in furthering the work with funders. A special thank you to Hana Ma, Senior Program Officer at Sobrato Philanthropies, for organizing and hosting the convening!

Congratulations to the recipients of the James Irvine Leadership Awards, in particular Frankie Guzman and Michele Siqueiros (She/Her/Ella)! Such a privilege for Sobrato Philanthropies to be able to support your work. It was a wonderful celebration of your impact; added bonus was seeing old friends Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, Andy Wong, and Katrina L.. Learn more about #IrvineAwards recipients here: https://irvineawards.org/