Funders working together to build healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities across California.
Top 10 California Highlights from #TFN2023 New Orleans
Over 50 funders and advocates from California attended this year’s 2023 TFN Annual Conference held in New Orleans! There were multiple opportunities to learn, connect, strategize and ignite action in support of environmental, racial and economic justice. With The Big Easy as a backdrop, day one included deep dive learnings… Read More »
Beyond City Limits: Opportunities for Smart Growth Amidst New Migration Patterns
We all know the story: tired of high housing costs and wanting space after being stuck inside during lockdown, many folks left their small urban housing situation for a bigger house farther out. It’s an understandable desire, and when work no longer requires one to be in a physical office,… Read More »
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What People Are Saying
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“California is at a turning point. There is so much potential for what we can achieve for the future, but it won’t happen without foundation collaboration and leadership.”
Ray Colmenar,
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“As California sets a path for the nation on climate change, funders are working together to impact state policy in ways we simply couldn’t on our own.”
Amy Kenyon,
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“Smart Growth California is one of the few spaces where funders are working across issue areas to address the needs of our most disadvantaged communities.”
Craig Martinez, The California Endowment
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“I’m a better grantmaker because of the knowledge and networks I’ve built through Smart Growth California. I especially appreciate the commitment to climate resilience and social equity.”
Francesca Vietor, The San Francisco Foundation
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“As part of the Los Angeles Funders’ Collaborative, I get to work with other funders at the intersection of health, equity, and sustainability in an ongoing way, which strengthens both my work and our collective impact as grantmakers.”
Jacqueline Waggoner, Enterprise Community Partners
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“Smart Growth California is an incredibly efficient way for me to connect with and learn from other funders and nonprofit partners so I can stay on top of what’s happening with affordable housing, transportation justice, and equitable development in regions throughout the state.”
Vu-Bang Nguyen, Silicon Valley Community Foundation


Join the Smart Growth California community.
Connect, strategize, and have a greater impact as part of our network of grantmakers.