The James Irvine Foundation has announced 12 grants totaling $36.5 million in support of four initiatives focused on working Californians.

Through its Better Careers initiative, the foundation awarded $5.5 million to the Amalgamated Charitable Foundation to create a fund that will support grassroots organizations in the state that are implementing equity-driven practices in job training, access, and worker power for low-wage workers. Through its Fair Work initiative, the foundation awarded a three-year, $1.45 million grant in support of Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy and a 27-month, $15 million grant to Tides Center to bolster worker rights organizations through the LeadersTrust. 

Through its Priority Communities initiative, the foundation awarded an 18-month, $2.53 million grant to Community Foundation of San Joaquin to advance the development of a green economy lab and inclusive economic planning for minority chambers of commerce in Stockton. And PICO California will receive a two-year, $2 million grant through the foundation’s Just Prosperity initiative.

Additional funding includes a 15-month grant of $1.5 million to the University Corporation at Monterey Bay to help catalyze local efforts to create pathways to quality jobs and economic mobility in Monterey County, through entities such as the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) initiative. 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Cecile Arcurs)