Funders working together to build healthy, equitable, and sustainable communities across California.
Reflections
As I prepare to transition away from Smart Growth California and coordinating the San Joaquin Valley Funders Collaborative, Ron asked me to reflect on the last seven years and share a few of my highlights and learnings that I will take on my journey forward. Wow – funders are smart!… Read More »
Land Use, Climate and Equity in California: Policies and Funding Streams
There’s always a lot going on in California, the most populated state in the nation by far, and one of the biggest economies in the world. Since its inception in 2009, Smart Growth California has worked at the intersection of issues related to land use, climate, and equity. This plays… Read More »
Dec
8
Smart Growth California End of Year Workgroup Network Gathering
December 8, 2023Smart Growth California Event
Mar
4
What People Are Saying
![]()
“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,
![]()
“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,
![]()
“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
![]()
“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
![]()
“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
![]()
“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.