The Weingart Foundation, a private grantmaking foundation progressing racial justice in South California, and the California Community Foundation (CCF), a nonprofit creating positive systemic change for Los Angeles communities, have recently announced the launch of the Immigrants Are Essential Fund. This fund addresses the unique challenges that South Californian nonprofits in the immigrant rights sector face.
The fund was established in light of the results of "From Burnout to Wellbeing: Building a Sustainable Immigration Movement," a study by CCF, Weingart, and The Raben Group, which revealed high levels of burnout, a scarcity of mental health supports, and financial difficulties amongst staff in the immigrant rights sector.
While other reports have analyzed burnout in the nonprofit sector, this report found that organizations in the immigration field are particularly vulnerable due to chronic underfunding. Most staff surveyed for the report believe they lack economic security, with 53% of survey participants stating they do not have sufficient economic security to cover lost wages due to serious illness. Another 43% report not having enough savings for financial emergencies.
In response to the report's alarming statistics, the Immigrants Are Essential Fund encourages sustainability and health within the sector. The allocation of resources will support wellness activities and programs, such as therapy, workshops, self-care, and coaching, for the Los Angeles and surrounding county workforce.
A committee composed of leaders in the movement for social justice will provide strategic guidance for the grantmaking priorities of the fund. CCF and the Weingart Foundation each contributed $250,000 in initial funding for $500,000, and the fund's initial phase aims to raise $1 million.
About California Community Foundation
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The California Community Foundation (CCF) is a foundation that has been serving Los Angeles County for over a century. It addresses community concerns such as safe and affordable housing, quality education, accessible healthcare, and arts and culture. The foundation's mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. It manages almost 1,700 funds and oversees over $1.7 billion in assets. By partnering with donors, grantees, financial advisors, volunteers, and other foundations, CCF works towards building a better future for Los Angeles.