WHO WE ARE

Rise East is a collective impact effort guided by a comprehensive 10-year plan.

This effort grew out of a community-led vision to develop a Black Cultural Zone in East Oakland. For more than 10 years, community leaders in East Oakland have done the groundwork to bring this vision to life. The Rise East plan identifies core investable strategies that will accelerate this work over the next 10 years. Key to this place-based strategy is deep partnership and collaboration between community based organizations, community members, public and private sector institutions, along with philanthropy.

  • Oakland Thrives

    Oakland Thrives is a collective impact backbone organization that convenes decision-makers and community leaders to collaborate on policies that ensure long-term gains in health, wealth, education, housing, and safety for Oakland families. Oakland Thrives centers racial equity, community engagement, and data in all of its work. We are led by two governing bodies that represent Oakland’s diverse constituents: the Youth Ventures Joint Powers Authority and the Oakland Thrives Leadership Council. Learn more at www.oaklandthrives.org. 

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  • The 40x40 Council

    The 40x40 Council is a coalition of community-based organizations in the 40x40 area of East Oakland working together to improve health and quality of life in the neighborhood. Launched in 2019, the 40x40 Council Initiative includes four longstanding, Black-led nonprofits: Black Cultural Zone, Brotherhood of Elders, East Oakland Youth Development Center, and Roots Community Health Center. The initiative includes a People’s Advisory Council made up of Black community leaders and residents from the 40×40 who have knowledge of the issues impacting the community and a vested interest in improving the neighborhood without displacing the residents. 

    Learn More About Our Partner Organizations:

    Roots Community Health Center / East Oakland Youth Development Center / Black Cultural Zone / The Brotherhood of Elders Network

  • Blue Meridian Partners

    Blue Meridian Partners is a group of results-oriented philanthropists seeking to transform the life trajectories of our nation’s young people and families in poverty by investing in solutions to the problems that limit economic and social mobility. The Place Matters portfolio aims to improve economic and social mobility in communities across the U.S. through catalytic investments in place-based partnerships. 

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