Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees - GCIR

This funders' guide provides a road map for building and strengthening immigrant civic integration infrastructure in local communities to assist the more than 8.5 million lawful permanent residents presently eligible to become citizens, the 2.8 million who will soon gain eligibility, and the estimated 12 million undocumented newcomers who may be able to apply for legal status and citizenship should Congress adopt federal immigration reform in the future. The guide delineates steps to identify community needs, resources, and opportunities; describes high-quality, ESL programs and strategies for improving instruction; offers an overview of the citizenship application process and recommends strategies for supporting naturalization-related efforts; and demonstrates how collaboration among funders can increase the availability of quality ESL instruction, legal services, and naturalization assistance.

With one out of five households in the United States speaking a language other than English at home, and more than 18.4 million foreign-born residents over the age of five speaking English less than very well, overcoming language barriers has become an increasingly vital element to emergency preparedness. Recent natural disasters-Hurricane Katrina, flooding in the Midwest, and the Southern California wildfires-illustrate the need for emergency response and public health systems to improve their outreach and services to immigrants, refugees, and other limited English proficient (LEP) residents who may be isolated, have little knowledge of emergency resources, and fear interacting with local public agencies. Published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and GCIR, this report offers a framework for how local governments can incorporate LEP residents into the emergency planning process, increase their preparedness, and develop capacity in key public agencies to communicate with and serve these residents.

This article details the steps taken by PICO affiliate North Valley Sponsoring Committee in 2001 to help immigrants become citizens in Northern California.  Following their success, their program was emulated in Los Angeles.  It is now being adapted again in five Bay Area counties in California where seven PICO affiliates are joining forces to train 350 volunteers, mobilize 45,000 people, help 5,000 legal permanent residents apply for citizenship, and provide advanced leadership training to 500.  What all three campaigns have in common is this one overarching goal: to help immigrants integrate and be effective in addressing local policy issues.

Community colleges have become an important force for change in adult basic education. They are playing an expanding role in meeting the educational and vocational needs of immigrants and refugees, especially those facing the dual challenge of earning a degree or certificate while learning English.

Funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, this handbook calls attention to the vital importance of community colleges in meeting the educational and vocational needs of immigrants and refugees, especially those facing the dual challenge of earning a degree or certificate while learning English. By profiling exemplary programs, the handbook makes a strong case that community colleges are key partners in efforts to address poverty, improve educational and job opportunities, and engage immigrants in civic life. It also recommends a wide range of funding strategies that are suitable to foundations of varying sizes and interest areas.

GCIR partnered with the Endowment for Health in New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation to produce this publication. The 16-page collection of stories sheds light on the varied backgrounds of newcomers to the state, the challenges they faced in their homelands, and the talents and skills they bring to their new communities.

Description: Despite rising to the top of the domestic policy agenda last year, comprehensive immigration reform fell victim to the politics of mid-term congressional elections. This update provides perspectives from philanthropists in the field who provide their predictions on future federal legislation affecting immigrants and refugees.

Our researchers interviewed a broad cross-section of immigrant leaders, advocates, and policymakers and have produced this report summarizing their findings. The report briefly describes the circumstances that produced the large immigrant marches and offers concrete funding recommendations for supporting immigrant communities under different scenarios. A key theme that runs throughout this report is the need for funders to provide increased support at this pivotal moment, while coordinating their efforts to maximize impact and avoid duplication.