A man and woman dancing in indigenous garb

Supporting Cultural Strategies

We recognize the ability of the arts to both inspire and unify communities. We believe in the power of culture and art to both increase civic engagement for social change and build stronger communities and neighborhoods. EBCF has been a long time proponent of the arts as is demonstrated through our partnerships with our generous donors and fellow foundations that work to support the arts across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Storytelling, arts, and cultural practices have always been important tools for survival, healing, and resistance. These creative expressions build community resilience and power, and they give voice, agency, and visibility to communities most harmed by oppression.

Initiatives

Lake Merritt at sunset

Belonging In Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund

Belonging in Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund is a multi-year program to fund Oakland cultural practitioners of color to radically reimagine a racially just city.

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East Bay Fund for Artists

Since its creation in 2003, the East Bay Fund for Artists has partnered with more than 9,500 community donors and more than 200 organizations to commission new works by over 300 local artists.

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Related Staff

Featured News

East Bay Fund for Artists Announces 2023 Awardees

Collectively, the awards from the East Bay Fund for Artists support artists whose work celebrates, preserves, and promotes the pride and identity of Black, Indigenous, and people of color and LGBTQ+ communities.

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Belonging In Oakland: A Just City Cultural Fund Announces Second Round Of Awards

8 Projects Chosen for Sparking Radical Imagination and Action for Oakland  OAKLAND, CALIF., October 14, 2021 The East Bay Community Foundation, Akonadi Foundation, and the …

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East Bay Community Foundation Receives $1 million grant from MacKenzie Scott and Dan Jewett to Support East Bay Artists

The East Bay Community Foundation announced today that it has received a $1 million grant from MacKenzie Scott and Dan …

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