Immigrant Integration Initiative Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is immigrant integration?
2. What is the Immigrant Integration Initiative?
3. Why is CCF funding this effort?
4. What is CCF’s position on immigration reform policy?
5. Are CCF funds being used to aid undocumented immigrants?
6. What is the California Community Foundation?

1. What is immigrant integration?

Immigrant integration is a dynamic, two-way process in which immigrants and non-immigrants work together to build secure, vibrant and cohesive communities. Immigrants commit to building a life here, learning the language, contributing as fully as possible to civic life and adapting to a new lifestyle without losing their own identity or rejecting their past. Non-immigrants come to know and build relationships with immigrants, and offer immigrants opportunities to participate in their community.  

2. What is the Immigrant Integration Initiative?

The Immigrant Integration Initiative is a five-year effort to increase immigrants’ ownership of their communities, and to help them contribute more to our society and the local economy to build stronger communities.  The foundation will make grants to 1) expand access to social services; 2) expand access to resources to learn English and 3) strengthen relationships between receiving communities and immigrants by collaborating across ethnic groups to problem solve on common issues. CCF will also convene key stakeholders, develop public policies that further the integration of immigrants into local communities and advocate for these priorities. The expected results are as follows:

• Integrate immigrants into the social, civic and economic life of local communities.
• Expand partnerships to address the social, civic and economic needs of immigrants.
• Increase mutual understanding and trust between immigrants and non-immigrants to build strong communities.
• Increase public awareness of the importance of immigrant integration policies.

By creating pathways to strengthen the social, civic and economic engagement of immigrants, the foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for both immigrants and the communities in which they live and work in Los Angeles County.

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3. Why is CCF funding this effort?

CCF is funding this effort as a longstanding commitment to improve quality of life for all Angelenos including immigrants and non-immigrants. Immigrants make up more than a third of Los Angeles County’s population and nearly half of our labor force. We are at a demographic tipping point, which requires a thoughtful, comprehensive plan on how to integrate immigrants and tap their full potential so that we can become a stronger, more vibrant community.

CCF funded two major research reports to establish the basis for this initiative. In April 2008, the Migration Policy Institute released Los Angeles on the Leading Edge, which provides a national context for the need to integrate immigrants. CCF also commissioned USC to produce a report about the need for local efforts, Immigrant Integration in Los Angeles. 

4. What is CCF’s position on immigration reform policy?

CCF is a philanthropic institution. We advocate for better quality of life on behalf of all Angelenos, whether it involves affordable housing, quality health care or immigration. We do not take positions on federal policy matters.

5. Are CCF funds being used to aid undocumented immigrants?

CCF is the foundation for Los Angeles County where more than one million residents are undocumented. We support nonprofits that serve all residents in need – whether it be to improve the quality of preschools or increase independence among the elderly or young adults coming out of the foster care system. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through our grantmaking and leadership.

6. What is the California Community Foundation?

The California Community Foundation (CCF) is L.A.’s foundation. We’ve been around since 1915 and have more than $1 billion in assets. In the fiscal year ended June 31, 2008, we gave about $220 million in grants to outstanding nonprofits through our donor advised grants and competitive grants. We’re known as one of L.A.’s most innovative investors in permanent, low-income housing; the biggest supporter of individual artists in the region; the largest scholarship fund manager in L.A.; and a national leader in increasing services for returning vets from Iraq and Afghanistan. Thousands of donors choose us because of our personal service and expertise.

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