The Oakland Fund for Public Innovation
The Oakland Fund reaches across the city, engaging private partners to innovate, test and scale ideas that enhance Oakland. The Fund strives to improve the prosperity, safety and quality of life for all Oaklanders with projects that:
- Build a more trustworthy and responsive government
- Allow Oaklanders to stay rooted and thrive in our city
- Create a more vibrant and connected Oakland for all who live, work and play here.
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.
Cultural Strategist-in-Government
Cycle 2 Report: Shaping Community-Driven Governance in Oakland
Discover the latest developments from the Cultural Strategists-in-Government (CSIG) program, showcasing how Oakland is at the forefront of integrating cultural strategy into city governance. This innovative approach enhances inclusivity, innovation, and community engagement, fundamentally transforming the city’s connection with its residents.
Read about the twelve transformative projects led by cultural strategists who are redefining community empowerment and improving the effectiveness of city governance. The report details significant economic impacts, advancements in equity, and stronger community relations.
Read about the twelve transformative projects led by cultural strategists who are redefining community empowerment and improving the effectiveness of city governance. The report details significant economic impacts, advancements in equity, and stronger community relations.
See the video that highlights the CSIG program’s journey, featuring interviews and key project insights. Experience firsthand the significant changes cultural strategies have brought to Oakland’s urban and community landscape.
See the video that highlights the CSIG program’s journey, featuring interviews and key project insights. Experience firsthand the significant changes cultural strategies have brought to Oakland’s urban and community landscape.
The CSIG program is supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and is a collaboration between the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation and the City of Oakland’s Cultural Affairs Division, harnessing local cultural expertise for innovative governance.
Our Impact
Impact Report 2022
In 2022, OFPI reached a significant milestone by obtaining our 501(c)(3) status. Our mission remains clear: we are dedicated to securing affordable housing, fostering safe and healthy neighborhoods, and creating job opportunities for Oakland residents by identifying and supporting new, high-impact solutions.
We dedicated our resources to supporting government and community leaders who are fighting for systemic change and investing in projects with the potential for long-term impact and scalability. As a community, we only grow stronger and more resilient together.
We extend our sincere thanks to our Board of Directors, the Mayor’s Office, City of Oakland, and all of our generous donors and community partners for their unwavering support and partnership. With your continued help, we are confident that we will make an even greater impact in 2023 and Beyond.
Our Work
Addressing
Homelessness
Walking around Oakland, it is clear our city is facing a housing crisis. We have one of the largest populations of unhoused people in the country and Alameda County has the third highest rate of unsheltered people nationwide.
Create Healthy &
Safe Neighborhoods
Oakland is known for its colorful murals on freeway underpasses, alleyways and buildings. In 2018, Oakland’s Department of Transportation launched Paint the Town! to add up to 30 new …
Jobs &
Entrepreneurship
In collaboration with government agencies, local businesses and Oakland’s communities, the Civic Design Lab improves public services by applying a racial equity lens, human-centered …