Advancing Equity Through Systems Change
We fund, inform, and advocate for policy that puts people first.
The McFadden Finch Foundation believes that community change must be backed by
policy change. While direct investment in neighborhoods is vital, it’s not enough if
outdated systems continue to create barriers.
That’s why we support local and regional policies that advance racial and economic
justice across the Bay Area—and we work alongside grassroots leaders, community
coalitions, and policy advocates to shift the rules that shape our lives.
Our Policy Priorities
We focus on policies that directly impact the communities we serve, including:
Housing & Land Use
- Strengthening tenant protections
- Expanding pathways to affordable and community-owned housing
- Supporting equitable development without displacement
Economic Justice
- Creating fair access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs of color
- Supporting local hiring and workforce equity policies
- Advocating for cooperative and community-owned business models
Education Equity
- Increasing funding and resources for public schools in underserved neighborhoods
- Supporting culturally responsive curriculum and restorative practices
- Removing systemic barriers to college and career pathways
Arts & Culture
- Protecting cultural spaces and community arts funding
- Elevating local artists as civic and economic leaders
- Promoting policies that sustain Black, Indigenous, and immigrant cultural institutions
How We Engage
- Grantmaking: We fund local organizations engaged in policy education, organizing, and advocacy
- Research & Reports: We support data and storytelling that amplify community needs and solutions
- Civic Education: We help communities understand and shape the policies that affect them
- Collaboration: We partner with coalitions and campaigns that align with our mission
We support both inside-track advocates and outside-track organizers—because real
change takes both.
Recent Policy Engagements
- Backed a citywide campaign to prevent the displacement of legacy Black businesses in Oakland
- Supported youth-led efforts to reform school discipline policies
- Partnered on a regional push for equitable recovery funding post-COVID
- Helped protect arts nonprofits from commercial eviction in downtown neighborhoods
Policy That Starts With
Community
We follow the lead of those closest to the issues. If you’re a Bay Area–based policy
group, organizer, or coalition working toward systemic equity, we want to hear from you. Call (510) 738-0447 to speak with our Policy Support Team