We share our ideas, perspectives, and reflections on the pressing issues of today.

Insights

An advantage of working at the intersection of research, implementation, and iteration is that we are able to reflect on the ever-changing ecosystem. It is a privilege to leverage the Foundation’s resources to promote ideas, bring people together, and serve as a catalyst for creating vibrant communities. 

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Thoughts & Opinions
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley: More than a food drive
Sep 2024 | Thoughts & Opinions

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley: More than a food drive

Food banks have changed substantially since the days of your elementary school food drive, and that’s a good thing. Last month, Koret program associate Ellen Lathrop visited Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and learned all about their expansive services–which go far beyond distributing canned foods.

To better support Bay Area veterans, local nonprofits bridge gaps
Feb 2024 | Thoughts & Opinions

To better support Bay Area veterans, local nonprofits bridge gaps

“Locally-based nonprofits, when supported by philanthropy, are in a unique position to understand and offer the right support at the right time that could make a crucial difference between [a veteran] regaining stability or remaining on the street.” In this op-ed, Koret’s Ashley Rodwick and Insight Housing’s Calleene Egan explore how private philanthropies and community organizations can help fill gaps in government funding to support veterans.

Exploring the Jewish ECE ecosystem in the San Francisco Bay Area: Download the full report
Jan 2024 | Thoughts & Opinions

Exploring the Jewish ECE ecosystem in the San Francisco Bay Area: Download the full report

Koret, in partnership with EarlyJ and Rosov Consulting, conducted a study to assess the state-of-play for Jewish ECE in our region. We have chosen to provide open access to the research in hopes that it will help practitioners, locally and beyond, make better informed grants toward expanding access to and increasing the quality of Jewish ECE programs.

Using data to guide strategic grantmaking in Jewish early childhood education
Aug 2023 | Thoughts & Opinions

Using data to guide strategic grantmaking in Jewish early childhood education

“Understanding the needs of young families, educators, and other factors in the marketplace is critical to making strategic future investments that will help our communities thrive across generations.” Co-authored by Koret’s Danielle Foreman for eJewish Philanthropy, this op-ed uses data-driven findings to better serve the Jewish early childhood education marketplace.

To sustain our JCCs for years to come, vote with your feet
Dec 2022 | Thoughts & Opinions

To sustain our JCCs for years to come, vote with your feet

“The institutions we depend on to connect Jewishly are now depending on us to show up and rekindle those feelings and experiences of community that were lost.” In this op-ed originally published in the J, Weekly, Koret’s Rachel Schonwetter shares why it’s time to show up for our local JCCs, and what we can do.

Nervous about election results? You should be. Americans hardly know anything about civics
Dec 2022 | Thoughts & Opinions

Nervous about election results? You should be. Americans hardly know anything about civics

“If children don’t have civic opportunities where they live and we aren’t teaching them the fundamentals of democracy, then how can we expect them to protect it as adults?” Koret’s Ashley Rodwick reflects on the future of US civics education in this op-ed originally published in the San Francisco Chronicle.

The economic wisdom of George Shultz
Feb 2021 | Thoughts & Opinions

The economic wisdom of George Shultz

Koret director Michael Boskin pays tribute to colleague, mentor, and friend George Shultz, a longtime Koret advisor who left a lasting impact on US policy, diplomacy, and the economy. (Photo: Mary Anne Fackelman / White House via CNP/Getty Images)

Addressing the Bay Area’s new face of hunger
Dec 2019 | Thoughts & Opinions

Addressing the Bay Area’s new face of hunger

Koret’s Senior Program Officer, Ashley Rodwick, reflects on the changing landscape of food insecurity in the Bay Area.

Building bridges to a better future
May 2019 | Thoughts & Opinions

Building bridges to a better future

Jeffrey Farber, Koret’s CEO discusses the growing divide between diaspora Jews and Israel.

Communities need local philanthropy
Jan 2019 | Thoughts & Opinions

Communities need local philanthropy

What can parks teach us about philanthropic giving? It turns out, quite a bit.