James Irvine Foundation Pledges a Generous $220 Million for Inclusive Economies

The James Irvine Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, has announced a commitment of $220 million through 2031 to advance inclusive economies as part of its Priority Communities initiative. Initially launched in 2020, the initiative focuses on fostering equitable economic growth in Fresno, Stockton, Salinas, San Bernardino, and Riverside—cities identified for their growing populations, diversity, and potential influence on California’s future economy.

In addition to its core focus, the foundation plans to make targeted, short-term investments in Bakersfield and the Inland Valley. These investments aim to support nonprofit leaders during the transition to a green economy. Over the next seven years, the initiative will focus on building worker influence, enhancing diversity and coordination, and fostering commitment from public and private institutions to equity-driven economic development. It will also prioritize increasing public and private investments in community-led economic development models that enhance prosperity and strengthen the capacity of organizations led by and serving tribal and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities to address structural economic inequities. The initiative’s strategy will expand to include Merced, reflecting a broader vision for inclusive growth.

Alongside this announcement, the foundation reported seven grants totaling $27.6 million and an additional $28.6 million in grants approved this quarter without requiring board consent. Beneficiaries include Education First Consulting, Proteus Fund, Inland Empire Community Foundation, and Borealis Philanthropy.

James Irvine Foundation president and CEO Don Howard praised the achievements of community leaders over the past four years, describing their efforts as profoundly inspiring. He expressed gratitude for the foundation’s ability to expand its grantmaking to these critical communities, enabling leaders to build on their successes and continue fostering equitable local economies for all residents.

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