Worker-centered coalitions in California play a vital role in advancing economic and racial justice, particularly for low-wage and marginalized workers. Despite their proven track record securing wage increases, tenant protections, and other legislative reforms, they remain underfunded and undervalued by the philanthropic sector.

At the direction of our Equity at Work Council, ReWork the Bay aims to increase philanthropic investment in worker-centered coalition infrastructure and collaboration.

Drawing on existing literature and interviews with 11 funders and coalition leaders, we released Bridging the Gap: Understanding Philanthropic Barriers to Funding Worker-Centered Coalitions. 

In 2026, ReWork the Bay is convening a broader group of coalition leaders and funders to develop and pilot cross-sector strategies to increasing the philanthropy sector’s investment in local coalition infrastructure.