CZI | How We Support Our Community

We work to build an equitable, inclusive, and just California full of opportunity, where everyone and every community has the power to shape their future.

February 9, 2019 | CZI supports efforts to produce, preserve, and protect more affordable housing in California. | Photograph by Kristopher Shinn via iStock by Getty Images
February 9, 2019 | CZI supports efforts to produce, preserve, and protect more affordable housing in California. | Photograph by Kristopher Shinn via iStock by Getty Images

Key Community Programs

Housing Affordability

By preserving, protecting, and producing more affordable housing for all, we can help build healthier, more diverse communities.

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Economic Inclusion

Funding for organizations that support women, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander-led businesses.

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Community Fund

Support for local organizations that are increasing socioeconomic opportunity in communities in San Mateo County.

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Community Space

Meeting and event space for community organizations to use free of charge.

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The Bay Area is such a special place, but it’s also facing big challenges. The future of our community depends on our ability to ensure that everyone can live, work, and succeed here.

Priscilla Chan
San Mateo County community leaders pictured with CZI staff in the Community Space.
December 15, 2022 I San Mateo County community leaders pictured with CZI staff in the Community Space. I Photography by CZI
December 15, 2022 I San Mateo County community leaders pictured with CZI staff in the Community Space. I Photography by CZI

Our Work in the Community

Our work is rooted in strong collaborations and partnerships with the community. We work closely with local organizations that are activating community-centered solutions to address housing affordability, homelessness, education, and more; and that are building community power. We also connect organizations and leaders so that they can work together, share knowledge, and identify collaborative responses to issues facing the community.

Community Leadership and Capacity Building Director CJ Callen chats with Community Fund grantees in the Community Space.
December 2022 I Community Leadership and Capacity Building Director CJ Callen chats with Community Fund grantees in the Community Space. I Photograph by CZI.
December 2022 I Community Leadership and Capacity Building Director CJ Callen chats with Community Fund grantees in the Community Space. I Photograph by CZI.

Community Capacity Building

Capacity building helps organizations build resilience, adaptability, and effectiveness. Equipped with additional knowledge and resources, nonprofits can adjust or scale their work, support and grow their teams, develop and deepen relationships with partners, and plan for the future. Working together with local experts and our grant partners, we co-design and host capacity building programs that connect nonprofit leaders and support organizational and leader development. At the center of this work is community and collaboration — creating space for organizations to connect and align on shared issues and opportunities for partnership and growth together.

Meet Our Team

Na’eem Salaam, Vice President, Operations and Community, speaking at a CZI Offsite.
January 24, 2020 | Na’eem Salaam, Vice President, Operations and Community, speaking at a CZI Offsite. | Photograph by CZI
January 24, 2020 | Na’eem Salaam, Vice President, Operations and Community, speaking at a CZI Offsite. | Photograph by CZI

Meet Our Team

CZI Community team members and guests talking and studying wall of pink and yellow sticky notes, at the CZI Community Space opening in Redwood City.
January 23, 2020 | Alma Pulido, Community, with a guest at the CZI Community Space opening in Redwood City. | Photograph by CZI
January 23, 2020 | Alma Pulido, Community, with a guest at the CZI Community Space opening in Redwood City. | Photograph by CZI

There is, indeed, strength in the individual, but it is within a community of folks, from all walks of life, that you will discover the unified passion and ambition needed to achieve the positive changes we all wish to see in the world.

Na’eem Salaam
October 2022 | . CZI staff pictured with members of the participatory grantmaking review panel and supporters in Woodside, San Mateo County. Photograph by Carla Dano-Arango.
October 2022 | . CZI staff pictured with members of the participatory grantmaking review panel and supporters in Woodside, San Mateo County. Photograph by Carla Dano-Arango.
Ruby Bolaria Shifrin speaking at the United Hope Builders groundbreaking event with indieDwell
July 2022 | Ruby Bolaria Shifrin speaking at the United Hope Builders groundbreaking event with indieDwell | Photograph by CZI
July 2022 | Ruby Bolaria Shifrin speaking at the United Hope Builders groundbreaking event with indieDwell | Photograph by CZI

Leadership

Na’eem Salaam Vice President, Operations and Community
Ruby Bolaria Shifrin Head of Community
Robert Avruch Senior Manager, Housing Affordability
Amaya Bravo-France Manager, Housing Affordability
Rosa Cabrera Senior Manager, Community
CJ Callen Director, Community Leadership and Capacity Building
Xiomara Cisneros Manager, Housing Affordability
Elisa Espinoza Manager, Community
Cassey Gatchalian Executive Assistant and Logistics Coordinator, Community
Andrea Jones Director, Bay Area Giving
Michelle Kai Senior Manager, Housing Affordability
Jennifer Martinez Policy Director, Housing Affordability
Jane Packer Director, Communications
Joseph Prado Executive Assistant
Alma Pulido Community Affairs Manager, Community
Tatiana Sanchez-Rivera Communications Associate, Community
Kevin Schuster Senior Manager, Housing Affordability
Jessica Schwartz Operations Manager, Community
Curtis Yancy Senior Manager, Community

Get in Touch

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Community Team

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Community Space or Program Sponsorship Request

Interested in using the Community Space for an event or gathering?

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Community Team

Get in touch

Contact the Community Team

To contact the Community team, please complete this form.

Community Space or Program Sponsorship Request

Interested in using the Community Space for an event or gathering?

Community Space or Program Sponsorship Request

Use the form below to submit an event or a program sponsorship request.

You will receive an email confirmation once your sponsorhip request has been successfully submitted. A member of the CZI team will reach back within two weeks of your request to provide a status update.

If you have questions or need assistance, please email sponsorships@chanzuckerberg.com. To book the Community Space for an event, please email community@chanzuckerberg.com

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