Dear Friends of West Marin Fund,
As we welcome spring, our community is also navigating a significant moment. Yesterday marked a major transition in our region, as ranch closures displace longtime workers and their families.
We’ve been working closely with partners and donors to support those affected and help identify both immediate and longer-term housing solutions. Alongside this, we remain focused on our broader work in West Marin – moving through our current grants cycle and advancing economic development, early childhood, and housing initiatives. Below, you’ll find updates on this work, along with a leadership transition update, new board member introductions, and upcoming events.
Neighbors for Neighbors
In response to recent ranch closures, our Neighbors for Neighbors program continues to expand housing support for displaced families. Four households have already secured housing – three through temporary “bridge housing” offered by local residents and one through a newly identified long-term rental.
Five additional households remain actively engaged with a case manager. While no immediate bridge housing options are available, we are recruiting more hosts and pursuing longer-term rentals. Those with housing to share may call us at (415) 663-9733.
West Marin Fund will continue partnering with local organizations to support displaced families and strengthen housing access in the region.
Introducing the West Marin Jobs Hub
We’re excited to launch the West Marin Jobs Hub – a free community resource created in partnership with the County of Marin and the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay.
Designed to connect West Marin residents with local job opportunities, the Jobs Hub helps people find meaningful work close to home while supporting local employers in reaching qualified candidates.
Employers across all sectors are invited to post open positions at no cost. By sharing opportunities through the Jobs Hub, you’re helping strengthen the local economy and support a thriving West Marin community.
Celebrating West Marin’s Newest Entrepreneurs
On March 3rd, we celebrated the first cohort of 23 entrepreneurs from Emprende West Marin, our Spanish-language small business training and micro-grant program offered in collaboration with the County of Marin and the Small Business Development Center. Participants completed a 15-week program, learned the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, and had the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 in micro-grants and receive ongoing coaching.
Graduates are launching a variety of ventures including catering, photography, translation, car detailing, and more! Additional cohorts will open throughout 2026 and 2027. Interested entrepreneurs can contact programs@westmarinfund.org. Sponsors for future cohorts can contact ashley@westmarinfund.org.
New Infant and Toddler Initiative
In the coming weeks, we’ll be releasing the Infant and Toddler Community Study, reflecting two years of research on the system of care for children ages 0-3 and their families.
Building on this work, we’re launching a new Infant and Toddler Initiative focused on strengthening early childhood supports in West Marin by expanding access to services, investing in the local childcare workforce, and equipping families with tools to help kids thrive. We look forward to sharing more soon and inviting our community to be part of this effort!
Upcoming Events
Día del Niño Family Resource Fair
Sunday, April 26 • 12-3 pm
Join us for a Día del Niño early childhood family fair at Toby’s Feed Barn. Featuring over ten providers, this free event will be a one-stop-shop for families with very young children to learn about educational and developmental resources available across West Marin. Other fun activities include face painting, giveaways, a silent auction, food and drinks, and music by Aguacate.
New Board Members
We are happy to announce the appointment of two new members of our Board of Directors:
Elizabeth Share
A thoughtful leader and trusted advisor, Elizabeth Share brings decades of experience helping philanthropists and nonprofits work more effectively together, guided by her deep commitment to impact, collaboration, and the joy of giving. Elizabeth is the founder of Wise Giving and currently serves as Special Advisor to the Solutions Journalism Network.
Eric Oldmixon
Eric Oldmixon is a longtime West Marin resident whose life is deeply rooted in community, creativity, and service. An educator at The Branson School for more than two decades, Eric has dedicated his career to nurturing creative, confident learners, while also giving back locally through his former service on the CLAM board and ongoing volunteer work.
A Special Thanks
West Marin Fund extends our deep appreciation to departing board member Susan Byrd, who completed her final board term last month. Susan, a part-time Stinson Beach resident, was one of the Fund’s earliest board members and is appreciated by all of us for her warmth, kindness and dedicated service as our longtime Chair of the Audit Committee. Happy trails, Susan!
Leadership Transition Update
As West Marin Fund moves through this current leadership transition, we continue to focus on strengthening organizational systems, clarifying priorities, and supporting effective collaboration. We remain dedicated to providing the level of funding support appropriate to this stage of our organizational capacity. We expect to have a new executive director identified by June of 2026 and look forward to introducing them to the community later this year alongside a new organizational brand refresh!
Spring is a season for growth and connection in West Marin, and we look forward to sharing it with you. We hope to see you at upcoming events and encourage you to reach out at info@westmarinfund.org with any questions or to learn more about how you can support our community.
