Improving the prosperity, safety
and quality of life for all Oaklanders
The Oakland Fund for Public Innovation’s mission is to improve the prosperity, safety, and quality of life for all Oaklanders by establishing innovative public- private partnerships in our most vulnerable communities.
Why Now?
Oakland is an incredible place, rich in diversity, culture and history. But its enormous promise is threatened because opportunity isn’t available to so many who make this city what it is. Violence, joblessness and unaffordable housing are squandering the lives and possibilities of our people and the vibrant strength of our community. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these problems. These needs create an urgent new opportunity to innovate for a better Oakland. Oakland’s problems are decades in the making, and a reflection of national trends. But the opportunity to meet these challenges and push for transformative, lasting change lies here, now, with us.
We believe that solutions to our city’s problems exist and that the genius to solve them is right here in Oakland. Local government is at the center of the solution, but cannot take this on alone. Together we can do more. It’s essential that as a community, we seek new solutions to old problems with openness, nimbleness and urgency. That type of innovation requires a new partner.
Enter OFPI. The Oakland Fund for Public Innovation is determined to secure affordable housing, public safety and employment for the people of Oakland. As an independent nonprofit funded by private sources, OFPI can test quick cycles of innovation to do what hasn’t been done before. We can try creative ideas without risking taxpayer funds, and by identifying and pioneering new strategies. We partner with local government — while working directly with the community leaders closest to the problem. Through pilot programs, we see what creates positive change. Once the solutions are clear, we collaborate with crucial partners to convert pilots to permanence and policy at a scale that meets the challenge.
OFPI works at the intersection of government programs and philanthropic entrepreneurship to figure out what works, then scales those initiatives into larger systemic solutions that can be adopted in Oakland and beyond.
