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  • California Community-Owned Real Estate (CalCORE) 2024 Fresno ConveningBy: Community Vision | March 1, 2024 Community development groups from across the state gathered in Fresno, California from February 21-23 for our latest CalCORE convening. An initiative developed by Community Vision and Genesis LA, CalCORE works to advance locally owned and controlled real estate through virtual and in-person educational sessions, along with one-on-one project support, for developers of color deeply rooted… Read More
  • The Bay Area Racial Equity Fund: Looking Back at 0% Lending One Year LaterBy: Community Vision | October 31, 2023 BayREF provided more than $2 million of 0% loans and free financial management advising to BIPOC-led nonprofits responding at the forefront of the pandemic. One year after the last loan closed, 100% of BayREF’s borrowers are current, and the default rate across the portfolio is 0%. We look forward to sharing our insights as we… Read More
  • Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth: Building an Oasis for Healing in Downtown OaklandBy: Community Vision | September 13, 2023 "We need to have these healing spaces in urban environments, in the middle of downtown Oakland, in a place that's seen as harsh and violent and potentially unsafe—all these ideas about what it means to be in an urban environment. We wanted to create an oasis of healing, of peace, of liberation, of freedom." -Dr.… Read More
  • Advancing Locally Controlled Real Estate with CalCORE’s Newest CohortBy: Community Vision | July 19, 2023 Last month, Community Vision and Genesis LA held a three-day convening in Los Angeles to kick off the third California Community-Owned Real Estate (CalCORE) cohort. Launched in 2021, CalCORE is an initiative developed by Community Vision and Genesis LA to advance locally owned and controlled real estate. Read More
  • Finding Financial Bliss: A Guide to Cash and Accrual Methods of Accounting for Nonprofit VisionariesBy: Community Vision | July 12, 2023 In this guide for nonprofit leaders, we’re breaking down the two primary methods of accounting: cash and accrual. We’ll also discuss some of the pros and cons of each method for nonprofit organizations. By the time you finish reading, you'll be well-equipped to discuss accounting methods with confidence. Read More
  • The African American Equity Impact Scorecard Guides Lenders and Investors to Boost Black Liberation & EquityBy: Community Vision | June 20, 2023 The Scorecard serves as a critical lens for mission-driven lenders and investors, facilitating them to assess the effectiveness of their loans and grants in furthering Black liberation. It brings clarity to how their financial commitments aid Black leadership and power-building, Black-centric equity and Black economic development and job creation. Read More
  • Community Vision Welcomes Luis A. Rodriguez to Board of DirectorsBy: Community Vision | May 23, 2023 Community Vision is thrilled to welcome Luis A. Rodriguez to our Board of Directors. Mr. Rodriguez is in private practice as an attorney and consultant working on legal and public policy issues within the areas of affordable housing, economic development, tax exempt organizations, climate change and racial equity and inclusion policy measures. He assists organizations… Read More
  • Investor Spotlight: Ilana Schatz and David LingrenBy: Community Vision | April 3, 2023 Ilana and David began investing with Community Vision—then still named the Northern California Community Loan Fund—in 2004. After several years of involvement as investors, Ilana stepped into a new role with Community Vision as a member of the Board of Directors in 2010, bringing 30 years of experience in community program development.  During her eight-year… Read More
  • The School of Arts and Culture: Creative Place-Keeping in East San JoseBy: Community Vision | February 23, 2023 The threat of displacement in East San Jose neighborhoods is all too real. But a local nonprofit, the School of Arts and Culture (SOAC) at the Mexican Heritage Plaza (La Plaza), is reimagining space and creative place-keeping in their community. With a vision to boost economic vitality, expand cultural programming and bring much needed services… Read More
  • Center for ArtEsteem: Using Art to Empower Oakland Communities and BeyondBy: Community Vision | February 8, 2023 The Center for ArtEsteem, a division of AHC Oakland, is a Black-led, community-based nonprofit that empowers individuals to be self-aware and inspired through art, creativity and education. They help equip people to make positive choices to break the cycle of violence for themselves and their communities. Read More