Welcome to

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.

Oakland Fund’s Partner Success

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.

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.

CLICK TO READ: CSIG’s Cycle 2 Report

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 Work