Our mission is to mobilize the power of connection to build healthy, thriving, and equitable communities.
RCF Connects began in 2000 as the Richmond Children’s Foundation, created to support the kids and families of Richmond. As the organization grew and its work expanded, the Board updated the mission in 2011 and renamed it Richmond Community Foundation at the time, we had only five staff members. In 2019, the organization became known as RCF Connects—a name that better reflects how we connect people, ideas, and resources across Contra Costa County. By 2020 we had grown to 35 staff members and we continue to grow in support of our community.
What We Do
RCF Connects works with local residents, nonprofits, and city leaders to solve problems and create more opportunities for everyone. Here’s how we do it:
- We team up with community groups to share resources and tackle unfair systems that make life harder for some families.
- We support small but powerful community programs—especially those led by people working to undo the harm caused by racism and inequality.
- We raise money and give it back to the community in ways that truly help—focusing on long-term change, not just quick fixes.
- We build up leaders in our community by offering training, coaching, and chances to speak up and lead.
- We work hard to make sure local people have a real voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
How We Do It
We believe that lasting change starts in the community. That’s why we:
- Listen to the community first – We focus on real needs and ideas shared by the people who live here.
- Share power – We make sure our staff and local residents help shape the plans and solutions we build together.
- Create a space where everyone belongs – Our team reflects the people we serve, and we welcome all cultures, ideas, and backgrounds. We stand against racism and work for fairness every step of the way.
What We are Known for:
💰 Financial Support & Coaching
- Free financial and credit coaching to help you build wealth and manage money
- Year-round free tax filing services, including help with IRS forms
- Support with ITIN applications for individuals who need a taxpayer ID number
- Help for first-time homebuyers, including financial education and guidance
- Down payment grants to help first-time buyers purchase a home
- Emergency rental and utility assistance for people facing financial hardship
🏠 Housing Access & Stability
- We fix up abandoned houses and turn them into affordable homes for first-time buyers
- We help move unhoused people from encampments into permanent housing with our Housing First model
- We protect renters’ rights and make sure tenants know their legal protections
- We stand up for immigrant rights and work to make housing access fair for all
🗣️ Advocacy & Community Leadership
- We influence local and state policies that support budget justice and economic fairness
- We push for Guaranteed Income programs to help lift families out of poverty
- We bring together community leaders, residents, and systems to fight for racial justice and healthier neighborhoods
- We build local leadership to challenge and change racist systems
- We train and coach leaders—from nonprofit staff to neighborhood volunteers
👩🏾🤝👩🏽 Programs Centered on Black Women and Girls
- Sistas SOAR – A business incubator that helps Black women become entrepreneurs
- Sister Circles – A safe and supportive space for Black women and girls to connect, heal, and lead
🎓 Training & Development
- Strive for Greatness Facilitation Fellowship – Learn how to lead powerful group discussions and community events
- AnDrea Neal Coach Training – Gain coaching skills to support leaders and teams in your community
RCF Connects envisions an equitable society where all communities and the people who live in them are able to thrive, build and share power and reach their full potential. How do we do that? Through connection and collaboration with community partners, residents and local governments to identify and address community issues that maintain inequities and share information and resources to increase access to opportunities. We center community-driven solutions, build shared and equitable power, and co-create within inclusion, belonging, and connectedness that shifts traditional philanthropy to transformational philanthropy.
Our ultimate goal is to create and support systems built on equity and justice, free from racism, bias and discrimination.
OUR CHEERLEADERS
What people say about us . . .
