Supporting a Diverse Nation
Our vision is to strengthen Los Angeles’ immigrant communities by protecting their civil rights and fostering their full participation in the region. Immigrants are integral to our local economy, culture, and community. We advocate for their inclusion, ensuring lasting positive impacts that benefit all Angelenos.
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Building an Inclusive Los Angeles
Immigrants are the backbone of Los Angeles County and California. Their innovation drives our economy, their traditions shape our culture, and their hard work strengthens our communities. Despite these invaluable contributions, many immigrant communities face barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. These challenges are exacerbated by federal immigration policies that accelerate deportations, deny basic legal protections, and restrict pathways to residency and citizenship.
The erosion of economic and personal security for thousands of immigrants forces them to live in fear, limiting their ability to participate fully in the economy, civic life, and their families’ well-being. This not only harms immigrant communities but weakens the vitality of the region.
Through strategic investments and advocacy, CCF is working to build a more equitable and inclusive Los Angeles where immigrants and their families can thrive.
Working for a Brighter Future
We’re committed to acting in the best interests of those in need as we encounter emerging opportunities. We support the implementation of policies that advance the full inclusion of immigrants. This includes access to basic services like education and health for all Angelenos, regardless of legal status, and deferred action programs that can empower more than half a million Angelenos to earn a living and contribute to the future of their own communities. For more information, visit our immigration resource library.
Our Strategic Priority Projects
Immigrant Empowerment
Investments in this area seek to strengthen the civic agency to advance policies that empower immigrants to thrive civically, economically, and socially. For example CCF supported the establishment of the Immigrants Are LA Coalition, which, in 2021, successfully secured over $160M from the American Rescue Plan to aid immigrant programs.
Strengthen the Safety Net and Immigrant Legal Services Pipeline
CCF supports strategic, scalable strategies that strengthen the safety net and immigration legal services pipeline in Los Angeles County. This ensures all residents have access to critical resources, regardless of status. For example, CCF partnered with USC ERI and the Council on Immigrant Inclusion to establish the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs and the establishment of the Los Angeles Justice Fund, which raised nearly $20M and provided legal assistance to over 2,200 individuals facing the threat of deportation. Since its establishment, the program has matured and evolved into Represent Los Angeles and has continued to provide a critical safety net to immigrant Angelenos.
Wellness and Sustainability
As part of our efforts to prioritize wellness and sustainability across organizations in the Los Angeles area that are supporting immigrant populations, California Community Foundation partnered with the Weingart Foundation to establish the Immigrants Are Essential Fund. This innovative fund is dedicated to sustaining the immigrant rights advocacy community by enhancing staff wellness and organizational capacity. By supporting long-term solutions, the fund aims to build a resilient movement that prioritizes the well-being of advocates and strengthens their ability to drive lasting change.
Immigration Summit
The “Immigration Summit,” launched in 2020, is a collaboration between the California Community Foundation, USC Equity Research Institute, and the Council on Immigrant Inclusion. It unites stakeholders from business, labor, community organizations, local government, and philanthropy. The Summit arose from community leaders’ calls for a platform to highlight the vital role of immigrants in Los Angeles, promote access to opportunities, and foster collaboration among cross-sector leaders for transformative investments. As the only event in Los Angeles, the Summit gathers over 400 leaders to enhance immigration advocacy and integration efforts, establishing a model for collaboration and impactful dialogue.
