James B. McClatchy Foundation

Founded by Susan and the late James B. McClatchy in 1994, the James B. McClatchy Foundation (JBMF) has a noble mission:

We stand with the people of the Central Valley by investing in education and active civic participation in our democracy.

Toward this end, the Foundation (JBMF) is organized to advance Multilingual Learner students, promote First Amendment speech and expression, and the protection of a free press, and to improve life in one of the country’s most diverse, culturally rich, and economically viable regions, California’s Central Valley.

Despite these assets, the Central Valley faces many critical challenges requiring significant resources. The pressing nature of these challenges is compelling: they should be addressed sooner rather than later. In response to this reality, the Board of Directors has decided to increase its annual grantmaking, with plans to invest all JBMF’s assets in the next decade or so. This decision reflects a commitment to Multilingual Learners in our communities and to the First Amendment. As such, the Foundation is entering an exciting time in its life-cycle and is looking for dedicated and qualified people with integrity to honor this vision and join the Foundation on this journey. 

Through its work, JBMF lifts community voices by honoring diversity, equity, and inclusion, improves education access, and ensures all people, especially children, have pathways to a fulfilling life in California’s Central Valley - these institutional qualities are core to the Foundation’s values.