As part of our efforts to prioritize wellness and sustainability across organizations in the Los Angeles area that are supporting immigrant populations, California Community Foundation partnered with the Weingart Foundation to establish the Immigrants Are Essential Fund. This fund is dedicated to sustaining the immigrant rights advocacy community by addressing the critical challenges of burnout, financial insecurity, and lack of mental health support. Developed through a collaborative effort by the California Community Foundation and the Weingart Foundation, the fund responds directly to the findings of the “From Burnout to Wellbeing Building a Sustainable Immigration Movement” report, which revealed alarming systemic issues facing nonprofit workers in the immigrant rights sector.
With 53% of surveyed staff reporting insufficient economic security to cover lost work due to serious illness, and 43% lacking adequate emergency savings, the fund represents a transformative approach to supporting the people who power this crucial movement. By providing resources for wellness programs, including self-care initiatives, therapy, workshops, and professional coaching, the fund aims to build a resilient movement that not only prioritizes the well-being of advocates but also strengthens their capacity to drive lasting social change.
Guided by an advisory committee of movement justice leaders and backed by an initial $500,000 investment with a goal of raising $1 million, this initiative signals a profound commitment to reimagining support for community partners and recognizing the essential role of immigrant rights advocates in creating a more just and inclusive society.
Read more about the state and sustainability of the immigration sector in the From Burnout to Wellbeing Report.