In the early months of her term, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee has helped secure more than $2.5 million in philanthropic and entrepreneurial investments aimed at supporting innovation, equity, and public safety initiatives across the city. These funds were raised through new efforts such as the One Oakland Fund and partnerships with Bay Area foundations.
According to Mayor Lee, “In Oakland, we know solutions require not only government action, but the creativity and investment of partners across philanthropy, business, and community. By aligning our priorities with partners at every level, we’re fueling innovation, jobs, and equity for all Oaklanders.”
Key local organizations have joined in these funding efforts. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation, said: “Oakland has a unique opportunity to lead on responsible and equitable innovation and has the leadership and community-driven values to make it a reality. We are excited to support efforts to provide all Oakland students with the skills to create and use emerging technologies, growing an ecosystem of local entrepreneurs and building a more inclusive tech economy.”
Brandi Howard, President and CEO of the East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF), added: “This effort reflects our deep commitment to bringing philanthropy, business, and community together to create a stronger, more equitable future for Oakland.”
Mayor Lee’s approach emphasizes community-driven programs like ambassador initiatives as well as data-based practices intended to reduce crime while fostering trust between residents and city officials.
Fred Blackwell, CEO of the San Francisco Foundation commented: “Mayor Lee’s leadership puts the Oakland community at the heart of every new approach. This collaboration ensures our investments translate directly into measurable improvements that will positively impact all Oaklanders, creating a model for how public and private sectors can work together to scale real change citywide.”
Ray Colmenar from Akonadi Foundation stated: “We know that true innovation starts in community. Mayor Lee’s agenda places community-based solutions at the heart of Oakland’s future, ensuring that investments in innovation and public safety are rooted in justice and the lived experiences of Oaklanders.”
The Akonadi Foundation focuses on racial justice by supporting social change movements against structural racism in Oakland; over 25 years it has given more than $61 million primarily within the city (https://akonadi.org/). The East Bay Community Foundation works toward economic equity throughout its region; in 2024 alone it invested $4.2 million locally through its Campaign for a Just East Bay while fund advisors granted $108 million—most going toward projects in the Bay Area (www.ebcf.org). The Kapor Foundation aims to diversify technology by removing barriers for communities of color through education access grants (kaporfoundation.org). The San Francisco Foundation supports affordable housing initiatives as well as job opportunities via grants and advocacy (https://sff.org/).
