How are leaders in Fresno transforming their region for the better? And what does it mean for the Central Valley and for California? Join @zocalopublicsquare.bsky.social on June 11 in Fresno or online to hear from leaders seeking solutions for a changing Central Valley: bit.ly/3QjxJrf

Interested in connecting with leaders from across sectors who are shaping our world’s future? Register now for the Social Innovation Summit 2026 in Atlanta: bit.ly/4eUStji Don’t miss our CEO, Don Howard, as he joins the Economic Empowerment & Building Financial Resilience breakout session! #SIS26

A new policy brief from the @economicsecurityproject.org outlines steps policymakers can take to protect and empower workers, shape fair and competitive markets, and mitigates AI’s role in worsening the affordability crisis: bit.ly/4uR0Zo2 (1/2)

Courage shows up in many ways, with neighbors helping neighbors, communities protecting one another and everyday leaders building a stronger country for all of us. In the face of hardship and uncertainty, we are happy to honor the newest slate of The Courage Project awardees: thecourageproject.org

Congrats to the @domesticworkers.bsky.social team on the official launch of Ask Aya! Ask Aya, a new AI multilingual chatbot built by and for domestic workers, aims to help educate domestic workers on their rights, negotiate pay with employers, and draft employment contracts: bit.ly/4nkVn2O

In the weeks after the Eaton fire devastated the foothill community of Altadena, local officials followed a familiar script used after other disasters: promising to rebuild, to bring back displaced residents, and to preserve what made the community unique. capitalandmain.com/fire-recover...

Do you want to be part of the conversation about the future of #California as new technology, new leadership, and new ideas shape we live our lives? Join the @calmatters.org Ideas Festival on Thursday, May 21, in Sacramento: bit.ly/4wvZOMy

In a new blog post, Irvine's Lul Tesfai discusses how workforce and safety net programs should adapt in the age of AI, the evolving policy landscape in California, the importance of timely job quality data, and the implications of AI for government and nonprofit services: bit.ly/4w91prf

Following #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, we’re excited to highlight our partnership with JobForward. In this video, Irvine's Sabrina Kansara and Haden Springer share why this partnership matters and how it’s helping expand opportunity for Californians living on low incomes: bit.ly/4tfWJxa

ALMA Backyard Farms, an urban oasis tended largely by formerly incarcerated people, offers a pay-what-you-can market where one in three people live in a household with food insecurity. capitalandmain.com/in-one-of-l-...

At Irvine, we believe every Californian deserves family-sustaining wages, fairness, and influence in the policies that shape their lives. This #InternationalWorkersDay, we’re celebrating all the workers fighting for a better future for all—while showing up every day to keep our communities running.

Are you operating—or interested in operating—registered #apprenticeships? Check out San Diego & Imperial Counties Regional Consortium’s field guide to learn about apprenticeships and explore whether an apprenticeship aligns with your workforce needs: bit.ly/4eTFzlp #NationalApprenticeshipWeek

Tune in to @milkeninstitute.org Abundance and Disruption panel on May 6 at 11:30 AM PDT to hear how leaders are navigating societal shifts, redefining workforce strategies, and supporting long-term economic mobility: bit.ly/4vS0BHa Speakers include our CEO, Don Howard.

The rise of artificial intelligence is prompting college students to second-guess their career paths.

This #NationalApprenticeshipWeek, we want to take a moment to celebrate our critical grantee partners across #California who are expanding and strengthening Registered Apprenticeship throughout the state, especially in these trying times. (1/2)

How are Fresno leaders leveraging population growth, reformed labor union laws, the promise of California High-Speed Rail, and arts & culture to transform the region? Join Zócalo on June 11 to hear from regional leaders seeking solutions for a changing Central Valley: bit.ly/3QjxJrf

@techequity.bsky.social and Economic Security California's new memo highlights AI’s role in California’s affordability crisis, and outlines policy solutions to reduce costs, prevent AI companies from passing energy expenses on to households, and give people control over their data: bit.ly/4mJvrOa

Rising child care costs in the Bay Area are forcing families, especially moms, to make difficult tradeoffs. We need systemic solutions and greater public investment so parents don’t have to choose between their careers and their kids. More in @kqedforum.bsky.social: bit.ly/4exjVTO

The Bay Area is home to more than 2.6M immigrants, including an estimated 477,000 undocumented residents who are essential in key industries. Mass deportations could cost the region as much as $67B due to direct labor losses, supply chain disruptions, and reduced spending. bit.ly/3QjhtWY (1/2)

California’s $20 an hour fast food minimum wage, instituted in 2024, did not reduce employment. It led to only the most modest of price increases—barely noticeable to a consumer. It significantly improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of workers. capitalandmain.com/despite-apoc...

Interested in learning about early educator #apprenticeships? Join ECEPTS on April 28 and 29 to learn how to support the next generation of educators and help sustain early educator apprenticeships. 4/28 webinar: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi... 4/29 webinar: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

@measureofamerica.bsky.social’s new report explores the well-being of Los Angeles County residents using the American Human Development Index, which takes into account life expectancy, access to knowledge, and a decent standard of living. Learn more: bit.ly/4c52jf4

We’re thrilled to share that The James Irvine Foundation Board of Directors approved $185M to support and expand our Just Prosperity initiative! With this additional investment, we're excited to continue partnering with our grantees to ensure the economy works for all Californians. bit.ly/4scjUb9

From AI literacy becoming a job requirement to shrinking pathways for young workers, automated scheduling, and rising costs of living driven in part by data centers, AI is increasingly affecting our communities. bit.ly/4shvRgH 1/2

Rasheeda Childress’ @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social piece highlights the reality that millions of nonprofit workers are not paid family-sustaining wages. When organizations rely on a culture of self-sacrifice, burnout follows, and fewer people are left to carry out the mission. bit.ly/4bB00l8 (1/2)

Too many Californians are forced to juggle multiple jobs, take on gig work, stretch credit cards, and rely on family & friends to get by. Last summer, @ppicnotes.bsky.social spoke with low- and middle-income workers about life in today's economy. Key takeaways below. Read on: bit.ly/3N3G6ps

Nominations for the 2027 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards are now closed. Thank you to all who nominated a California problem-solver or who helped spread the word. #IrvineAwards

How is Irvine thinking about AI's growing impact on low-income workers and their families? Check out our new blog series on Irvine's work to advance a worker-driven approach to AI: bit.ly/4shvRgH

Do you know a leader or leadership pair in California who’s solving issues in your community? Nominate them now at: bit.ly/40Exvww Have questions? Check out the informational webinar at: bit.ly/4s38OWB

Curious about how learning and evaluation leaders in philanthropy are strengthening how they measure and learn about systems change? Check out this blog post by Irvine’s Kim Ammann Howard and Jennifer Ho, and Engage R+D’s Clare Nolan: bit.ly/4cEA4WP

Darla M. Cooper of The RP Group has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of her inspirational work in championing community college success through student-centered research and policy change. Learn more about Darla’s impact at: lnkd.in/g5zC4B7w #IrvineAwards

Celina Alvarez of Housing Works of California has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of her transformative work in advancing sustainable homeless response systems through frontline workforce training and wellness. Learn more at: lnkd.in/gkrnK2vr #IrvineAwards

Virgil Moorehead Jr. And Amy Mathieson of Two Feathers Native American Family Services have been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of their impactful work in transforming youth mental health by integrating clinical care, culture, and leadership. Learn more at: na2.hubs.ly/H03_Nvm0

Lian Cheun of Khmer Girls in Action has been awarded a 2026 James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in recognition of her transformative work in strengthening democracy through youth leadership, organizing, and cultural healing. Learn more at: lnkd.in/gAYqruUB #IrvineAwards

Adrianne Hillman and Erin Garner-Ford of Salt + Light have been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of their inspirational work in building community-focused housing to restore stability and belonging. Learn more about their impact at: lnkd.in/g6ChQGPc #IrvineAwards

Chris Chatmon of Kingmakers of Oakland has been awarded a 2026 Leadership Award in recognition of his transformative work in shaping positive youth futures through cultural identity, mentorship and leadership pathways. Learn more about Chatmon’s impact at: lnkd.in/gh_efdJ3 #IrvineAwards

We're thrilled to share the newest slate of The Courage Project awardees! From walking for peace to stepping up to feed our neighbors and answering the call for help in the face of disaster, these awardees show what it means to show up for your community. Learn more: thecourageproject.org

“Worker well-being is community well-being. When our staff are taken care of, our community is taken care of.” – Nonprofit Leader bit.ly/40ea1y8 (1/3)

How are low-income workers faring in today's economy, and what do they want leaders in philanthropy, government, and business to do differently? Check out this blog post from Irvine’s Kim Ammann Howard and Annie Bickerton: bit.ly/3N3G6ps

Do you know a leader or leadership pair advancing transformative solutions to critical issues facing #California? Nominate them now for the 2027 #IrvineAwards: bit.ly/40Exvww Each award recipient’s organizations receive $350,000 and support in sharing their solutions with policymakers.

A new study by KIWA, the UCLA Labor Center, and AAPI Data looks at the working conditions of supermarket workers in Koreatowns across Los Angeles and Orange County and highlights ways to create fairer working and living conditions. Check it out at: bit.ly/4kVJ4Zt

The stagnant job market makes it harder for unemployed workers to find their next job. One in four jobless workers is considered long-term unemployed, meaning they have been looking for work for more than 27 weeks, the highest rate since the pandemic. capitalandmain.com/ai-hiring-sc...

“The Californians Powering America” exhibit spotlights immigrants' often-overlooked contributions through powerful visual stories. On view at the San Fernando Library & La Cañada Flintridge Library through March 31. Free & open to the public. @capitalandmain.bsky.social: bit.ly/4rtfsFo

Meet the 2026 Leadership Award recipients! Their work is driving positive change in youth mentorship and mental health, civic engagement, higher education research, housing, and support for the frontline homelessness workforce.

This year marks 20 years of the #IrvineAwards. In that time, one thing has remained true: Leadership rooted in community is what moves California forward. Congratulations to this years recipients!

Powerful photos capture the lives and work of California immigrants whose contributions often go unseen or underappreciated. A selection of images from an exhibition at Los Angeles County libraries shows the range of visual stories on display through March. capitalandmain.com/photo-essay-...

Curious how foundations and nonprofits are thinking about using AI? Join us on March 4 in San Francisco to learn about the Center for Effective Philanthropy's AI With Purpose report and insights from funders navigating AI in the field. Register now at: bit.ly/4rbF3Sx

Interested in learning about #ImperialValley nonprofits organizing at the intersection of environmental, labor, and immigrant justice as the region’s role in lithium extraction grows? Join Irvine, The LIFT Fund, and Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees on Feb. 24: bit.ly/4aN9F6G

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 Irvine Foundation Leadership Awards, whose work is driving positive change in youth mentorship and mental health, civic engagement, higher education research, housing, and homelessness. Learn more about them here: bit.ly/4rWaqRF

Interested in reading about what we’ve learned through our investments in housing affordability? Check out the Advancing Housing Affordability in California playbook at bit.ly/4r9xFrA and read about Irvine’s Housing Affordability project at bit.ly/4tr1t4m