ECONOMIC MOBILITY
Everyone should have choices and opportunities that lead to economic stability and security. Crankstart focuses on root causes of economic disenfranchisement, particularly in low-income communities hurt by generational poverty. We support work that:

  • Provides the tools and training needed for careers and economic security.

  • Strengthens safety net programs that provide food and health services.

  • Increases access to public benefits programs serving low-income people.

  • Mitigates the insidious effects of fines and fees that erode wealth.

EDUCATION
Our public education system should provide every child and adult, regardless of circumstances, an opportunity to shape their lives.  We support work that:

  • Expands post-secondary access to academic and vocational studies, to help students develop the tools and resilience needed to pursue upward mobility.

  • Develops more opportunities for early childhood education and out-of-school learning, particularly in historically marginalized communities.

  • Strengthens the teacher pipeline, to recruit and retain excellent educators in public schools.

DEMOCRACY
We envision a robust democracy in which elections are held securely and with integrity, every person has the information they need to fully participate in civic life, and the underlying structure of our electoral system is fair. We support work that:

  • Protects voting rights through mobilization and engagement.

  • Supports immigrants, ensuring they have the opportunities they need to thrive.

  • Works to change harmful and unfair criminal justice policies.

  • Develops robust interventions to mitigate recidivism and provide economic opportunity.

HOUSING SECURITY
Housing security means all people have a place to call home. They have choices that promote economic well-being, health and safety. Crankstart supports work in San Francisco and Oakland that:

  • Reduces homelessness through preventive measures and targeted services.

  • Provides affordable housing choices that allow people to live near work and become involved in their communities. We emphasize housing opportunities for those who are most affected by displacement and high housing costs.

  • Uses policy, law, public resources and good governance to promote economically integrated communities.

ENVIRONMENT
Communities disproportionately affected by climate change should be partners and the primary beneficiaries of mitigation efforts. We support work that:

  • Accelerates the transition to clean energy.

  • Restores and protects ecosystems in ways that benefit local communities.

MEDICAL SCIENCE & INNOVATION
Basic science is a foundation for knowledge and discovery based on facts, hypotheses and replicable results. This painstaking endeavor enhances our understanding of the world around us, which may translate into breakthroughs that benefit humans and life on earth. We support work that:

  • Gives researchers funding and time to test novel hypotheses.