Local Economies Should Work for Local People
In Oakland and across the Bay Area, too many residents are locked out of the wealth they help create. From redlining and displacement to lack of access to capital, the barriers are real—and they’re by design.
At the McFadden Finch Foundation, we invest in economic development that puts ownership, opportunity, and decision-making power in the hands of local communities. Our goal: build an economy that reflects the people, cultures, and futures of the neighborhoods it serves.
What We Fund
We support organizations and initiatives that grow inclusive, community-driven economies.
We fund:
- Worker cooperatives and shared ownership models
- Community development corporations (CDCs) and land trusts
- Neighborhood-based workforce and job readiness programs
- Equitable real estate development projects led by BIPOC and community-rooted groups
- Local hiring and procurement strategies tied to housing, arts, and infrastructure projects
- Cross-sector efforts to prevent displacement and reinvest in historically excluded communities
We prioritize groups led by people of color and based in or serving disinvested areas of Oakland and the surrounding Bay Area.
Why It Matters
- Economic growth doesn’t mean equity—unless it’s intentional.
- The majority of traditional investment skips over BIPOC communities and small organizations.
- Community wealth must be built—not extracted.
- Local residents deserve to lead development, not just survive it.
We believe that when residents have ownership, control, and opportunity, neighborhoods thrive from the inside out.
Our Approach
We fund with a focus on:
- Power-building – supporting organizations and leaders building lasting control of resources
- Local capital – through lending, technical assistance, and capacity-building
- Collaboration – working with nonprofits, small businesses, public agencies, and anchor institutions
- Place-based impact – focusing on economic ecosystems, not just isolated projects
We’re in it for the long term—because real economic transformation takes time, trust, and deep partnership.
Let's Grow Together
Are you building an equitable economic future in your community?