California Community-Owned Real Estate (CalCORE) 2024 Fresno Convening

By: Community Vision | Mar 01, 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 in their communities.

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Updates to the Board of Directors

By: Community Vision | Feb 21, 2024

Community Vision is excited to share some recent updates to our board of directors, including a new chair and a new member.   Announcing Our New Board Chair We are pleased to announce Anita Addison as our new board chair as of January 24, 2024. Addison is the Chief of Planning and Strategic Advancement for…

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The Bay Area Racial Equity Fund: Looking Back at 0% Lending One Year Later

By: Community Vision | Oct 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 continue to learn from this pilot program.

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Visionary Home Builders

By: Community Vision | Aug 09, 2023

Not Just Housing: Creating Opportunities for Central Valley Neighborhoods to Thrive As Community Vision partners with communities to create flourishing neighborhoods and build economic power, one of the most important needs to address is housing. Access to quality and affordable living spaces is a key pillar for healthier and safer neighborhoods, and opening the door…

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Advancing Locally Controlled Real Estate with CalCORE’s Newest Cohort

By: Community Vision | Jul 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.

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The African American Equity Impact Scorecard Guides Lenders and Investors to Boost Black Liberation & Equity

By: Community Vision | Jun 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.

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Community Vision Welcomes Luis A. Rodriguez to Board of Directors

By: 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 who are dedicated to working with low income communities and communities of color.

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Investor Spotlight: Ilana Schatz and David Lingren

By: Community Vision | Apr 03, 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 tenure on the board, Ilana served on both the Development and Food Programs committees. As a passionate advocate for building more equitable food systems, Ilana helped guide and support Community Vision’s food-related investments and programs. 

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The School of Arts and Culture: Creative Place-Keeping in East San Jose

By: Community Vision | Feb 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 to the community, SOAC is acquiring and transforming a mostly vacant line of storefronts in their community.

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Center for ArtEsteem: Using Art to Empower Oakland Communities and Beyond

By: Community Vision | Feb 08, 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.

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