Oakland Fund For Public Innovation

Department of Violence Prevention Partnership: OFPI partnered with the City of Oakland's Department of Violence Prevention (DVP) in 2023 to develop community-based violence reduction strategies. The goal is to create safe public spaces, provide mentorship, and engage at-risk youth and families. The Town Nights program, a key component, was designed to reduce violence by organizing positive community gatherings during high-crime hours. Family Matters, another DVP initiative, provides at-risk families with coaching and resources to prevent cycles of violence. Accomplishments: 17% reduction in gun violence and homicides in targeted areas. 247 jobs created, including paid opportunities for local residents and youth. 11 nonprofits partnered with 75+ city and county agencies to expand program reach. 455 hours of intensive life coaching and 653 hours of family coaching provided to at-risk youth and families. 100+ teachers and administrators trained in violence prevention at 7 Oakland high schools.

Cultural Strategists-in-Government Program CSIG: Launched in 2021, the Cultural Strategists-in-Government (CSIG) program was developed through a partnership between OFPI and the City of Oakland's Cultural Affairs Division (CAD). It began with funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to embed local artists within government departments, ensuring community voices shape city policies. Over time, the program expanded, securing additional support from the San Francisco Foundation and Oakstop. Accomplishments: $1.1 million in direct income generated for cultural strategists. $618,000+ in grants distributed to cultural strategists and collaborators. 78 BIPOC artists added to Oakland?s pre-qualified public art pool. 4 artists secured $510,000 in city public art commissions. 13 cultural strategists placed in 11+ city departments, integrating cultural equity into city initiatives. Signature projects include: Love Life Week & Day - Engaged thousands in citywide peace and unity events. Black Liberation Walking Tour - Self-guided tour with 10 stops highlighting Oakland?s Black history. AfroFatherism Project - Public exhibitions celebrating Black fatherhood.