Don Howard, CEO of the James Irvine Foundation, sheds light on the foundation's unwavering commitment to fostering economic mobility among low-income workers in California. With a rich history dating back to 1937, the foundation has been a pivotal force, directing over $2.6 billion in grants to various organizations across California. In 2023 alone, $180 million was allocated to support initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
The foundation's mission is crystal clear: ensuring that every low-income worker in California has the power to advance economically. This goal is pursued through a multifaceted approach that includes improving access to quality jobs, enhancing workers' influence within the economy, fostering community-driven economic planning, and strengthening the safety net for those unable to advance economically.
The foundation's strategy is not just about grantmaking but also about catalyzing broader systemic change. This includes initiatives like Jobs First, a state program designed to engage communities in planning their economic futures in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and climate-resilient.
Despite the challenges, Howard remains optimistic about California's future, viewing the state's diversity and innovation as key assets in rebuilding a more inclusive middle class. He acknowledges the issues of infrastructure, climate change, and inequality but sees these as opportunities for systemic transformation. Through strategic philanthropy, community engagement, and a deep commitment to economic justice, the James Irvine Foundation is leading the way in creating a brighter future for California's low-income workers.
Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 250+ case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
Executive Director of data.org, Danil Mikhailov, on building the field of data for social impact
Bernhard Kowatsch, Head of the Innovation Accelerator of the UN World Food Programme, on embracing innovation and technology to solve the world’s biggest social impact challenges
Rocket Learning: Unlocking the Potential of Early Childhood Education with Digital Solutions
Founder & CEO of Maanch, Darshita Gillies, on mobilising capital towards sustainability
Founder and CEO of Hello Tractor, Jehiel Oliver, on leveraging technology to help Africa’s farmers
Co-Founder and CEO of Sanku, Felix Brooks-Church, on small-scale food fortification in East Africa
CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, Jonathan Reckford, on tackling housing poverty
Caroline Fiennes, Director at Giving Evidence, on the need for more research on how to give
CEOs of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Canada (Stephen De-Wint) and Australia (Peter Kaye) on the power of non-formal education to transform lives
Chief Executive of the British Red Cross, Mike Adamson, on systems leadership and strategic partnerships
CEO of the NASSCOM Foundation, Nidhi Bhasin, on tech for good and digital literacy in India
Nick Grono, CEO of the Freedom Fund, on modern-day slavery and human trafficking
Shonali Banerjee of the Centre for Strategic Philanthropy at Cambridge Judge Business School on the Global North / South power imbalance
Celebrating our 200th episode with insights from Siya Kolisi, David Lynch, David Miliband, Paul Polman, Julia Gillard, Bob Moritz, Cherie Blair and Keith Barr
Phyllis Kurlander Costanza, Co-founder and President of OutcomesX, on building a marketplace to buy and sell social outcomes
CEO of Generation, Mona Mourshed, on supporting adults to achieve economic mobility
President and CEO of International Crisis Group, Comfort Ero, on conflict prevention and resolution
CEO of New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), Dan Corry, on the impact agenda
CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, Sarah Woolnough, on managing a large-scale merger
CEO of Thrive at Five, Aida Cable, on driving forward early childhood development in the UK
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Social Dallas Podcast
Advocacy Scoop Podcast
Change Church Podcast
The Biz of Nonprofit Consultants
Nonprofits Are Messy: Lessons in Leadership | Fundraising | Board Development | Communications