MAF wins prestigious Community Leadership Award
The San Francisco Foundation reveals the winners of the 2014 Community Leadership Awards
This week, The San Francisco Foundation announced the winners of the 2014 Community Leadership Awards, recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Bay Area community.
“Our work is to lift up the best practices and leaders who are building opportunities for Bay Area communities to thrive, both today and for generations to come,” said Fred Blackwell, CEO of The San Francisco Foundation. “This year’s awardees are a beacon of that promise.”
Removing barriers and creating opportunity for economic growth are essential for our region to thrive. This year’s Community Leadership Awardees, as individual and organizational leaders, are addressing some of the most pressing issues in our region: ensuring that no one is left on the brink by creating pathways to financial security and academic achievement, and by preserving cultural programs and supporting artists and in the Bay Area.
TSFF celebrates people who are rolling up their sleeves, taking initiative, and solving problems in their neighborhoods and communities.

The Community Leadership Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose leadership has made a significant impact in their specific Bay Area communities. This work may confront societal or civic issues, address health or environmental concerns, or promote arts and humanities. The San Francisco Foundation (TSFF) is the community foundation serving the Bay Area since 1948, granting more than $808 million over the past ten years.
Out of the four award winners this year, there are only two organizations being honored with a prize of $20,000 each:
- Mission Asset Fund – Awarded the John R. May Award, made for organizational initiatives in response to a significant contemporary problem.
- Headlands Center for the Arts – Awarded The San Francisco Foundation Award: a community choice award made to an organization demonstrating exemplary commitment to creating greater equity and opportunity in the Bay Area.

The remaining two awards of $10,000 will be given to notable individuals (Linda Tillery and Luis Granados).
MAF’s long-time board member, Santiago Ruiz, the Executive Director of Mission Neighborhood Centers was responsible for nominating MAF for the award. Thank you, Sam! And a big thank you to the San Francisco Foundation!
As part of the award, last week I got to spend time with Sophie Constantinou from Citizen Film in the cool offices at Salesforce downtown, right on the corner of Mission Street with our CEO Jose, and at the construction site of one of our amazing clients, Javier. They’re currently editing the film that will be unveiled at the ceremony on the 7th. We can’t wait to see it unveiled!