I am not only the President and CEO of the California Community Foundation, but as an Angeleno, an American, and the proud son of immigrant parents who were undocumented throughout my entire childhood. As a child I watched my parents live with the fear of deportation, even as they worked tirelessly to provide for their eight children and protect our dreams.

Today I see that same fear in the eyes of children across our city – as neighbors and loved ones are taken from workplaces, schools, and homes One in four children in Los Angeles County lives in a mixed-status household. These are our future leaders, workers, and changemakers. At a time when National Guard troops—and now Marines—have been deployed to our streets, we are reminded how urgent it is to protect the shared principles that bind us: fairness, due process and the dignity of every person.

At CCF we stand with our fellow Angelenos. By supporting trusted nonprofit partners, we are providing legal assistance, helping families in crisis, and promoting calm and safety in our neighborhoods. Our work is not about politics – it’s about people. It is grounded in our mission and a deep belief in the humanity and potential of every person.

Moments like this underscore why our work is not just important—it is essential. We will not be distracted by the crisis. We remain focused on ending homelessness, expanding opportunity for every child, and rebuilding a Los Angeles where all families can live in dignity and peace following the devastating wildfires.

That’s why I’m proud to share with you our Strategic Framework for 2025–2035 —a bold and community-centered vision for the decade ahead. To shape this vision, we listened deeply. Thousands of residents, nonprofit leaders, and community partners told us what their neighborhoods need and they told us their dreams for a Los Angeles County where everyone can live a good life.

Angelenos told us they want opportunity, stability, and a meaningful role in shaping the future of their communities. This Strategic Framework reflects that collective aspiration. It marks an important evolution for CCF—from focusing primarily on programs to prioritizing measurable impact in the communities most distant from that dream of a good life. It also reaffirms our commitment to being a responsive, collaborative, and community-centered philanthropic partner.

Together, we’ve imagined a Los Angeles where: Every person has access to stable housing, healthcare, and multigenerational care. Communities can build lasting economic stability and live in safety, dignity, and connection. Systems are transformed to expand opportunity and promote shared prosperity.

In the months ahead, we’ll be reorganizing how we do our work—to better center community and fully activate all of our tools—grantmaking, advocacy, civic leadership, and investments—toward lasting solutions. We invite you to help advance this shared vision. Please feel free to reach out to me at president@calfund.org. With your continued partnership, we can build a future where no one is left behind.

With deep gratitude,

Miguel A. Santana
President & CEO California Community Foundation