Transforming inequities and expanding opportunities for our youth, families and communities.
MISSION:
Vision Alameda County (VAC), an independent non-profit organization, invests in promising innovations that measurably improve the well-being of our county’s youth, families and communities. We mobilize resources across sectors to transform inequities and expand opportunity in our County’s most underinvested places.
VISION:
We envision an equitable and prosperous Alameda County in which all young people thrive in pursuit of their dreams.
HOW WE WORK:
VAC does not operate programs directly. We invest in promising programs developed by Alameda County departments and their community partners. Each grant includes clear expectations, measurable outcomes and regular reporting.
This structure gives public agencies room to test an approach that may not yet fit within an established government budget. When a program demonstrates results, VAC helps build the case for it to continue through public or other long-term funding.
Our goal is to make a strategic early investment that improves services now and helps successful programs last beyond the original grant. Because those programs address barriers that affect families and communities as well as individual young people, the value of a successful investment can reach far beyond the youth directly served.
HISTORY:
Vision Alameda County was founded in 2018 to align philanthropic investment with Alameda County’s long-term vision for its communities. VAC was formally recognized as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on April 28, 2020.
With a $4.7 million seed investment from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors, VAC began funding promising programs that advance shared County goals. A 2022 strategic planning process further clarified VAC’s values, priorities and approach.
Since 2020, VAC has awarded more than $1.1 million to 12 programs involving six County departments and their community partners. At least 340 direct participants enrolled across the eight grants that have completed their initial funding period, and five of those programs are still operating today.
VALUES:
Partnership — We harness the unique assets of Alameda County communities and the public, philanthropic and nonprofit sectors to craft new solutions to our region’s most entrenched problems. To each new collaboration, we bring a reverence for relationship-building and trust in our grantees to be the authority on their work.
Equity & Inclusion — We put the needs and voices of the most underinvested communities in our County at the center of our grant-making. We are proud to reflect Alameda County’s rich diversity in race, gender, class, age, sexuality, ability, nationality and language in our team and our investments.
Innovation & Learning — We support County and community leaders to pilot new approaches to old problems and to test promising responses to new ones. Hand in hand with our partners, we test, learn and iterate in pursuit of shared goals.
Youth & Community Voice — We know that in order to thrive, communities need not only resources, but the opportunity to shape the decisions and institutions that affect them. We create and fund opportunities for young people to lead – both in our organization and in our County.
GOALS:
Measurably increase well-being and access to opportunity for low-income, under-resourced and underserved young people in Alameda County between the ages of 16-24.
Catalyze innovation through county-community partnerships that bring important, underrepresented voices to the table to solve entrenched problems.
Build VAC’s capacity and philanthropic support so we can continue funding promising programs over the long term.
NON DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
Vision Alameda County is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. We do not discriminate in our programs, services, employment practices, or volunteer opportunities based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity and ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. This policy applies to all employees, consultants, volunteers, board members, program participants, and applicants.
Anyone who believes they have experienced discrimination in connection with our organization is encouraged to report the concern to VisionAlamedaCounty@gmail.com so it can be reviewed and addressed promptly.