Building a Stronger Field
Key Fact
On an average day, California's domestic violence programs serve 3,900 victims — but cannot serve 680 others seeking help.
National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), 2008 National Census of Domestic Violence Services California Summary.
Critical to ending domestic violence in California is a strong, coordinated network of domestic violence service providers. Since 2002, we have awarded $10.8 million in core support to more than 100 service providers through a two-year initiative.
The Foundation is also making investments in the capacity and sustainability of domestic violence service providers, supporting organizations, leaders, and the field to become more sustainable, innovative, and collaborative.
Core Support Initiative
The Foundation is one of few funders providing general operating support to domestic violence service providers. Through a biannual, Foundation-led initiative, BSAV provides flexible core support funding to domestic violence organizations, so that they can determine how to best address their own priorities and needs.
Strong Field Project
The Strong Field Project is a four-year effort, started in 2010, aimed at building a strong, coordinated network of domestic violence (DV) service providers in California. The Project develops individual leadership skills, stronger organizations, and expanded networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities that strengthen the entire field.
Other Field-Building Efforts
To further strengthen California's domestic violence service safety net, the Foundation engages partners to provide domestic violence organizations with resources and training to build stronger organizations and develop key capacities, such as financial management.
Strengthening Cultural Competency
Every year thousands of Californians from various economic, social, and racial and ethnic groups experience violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Although many critical, life-saving services exist, many survivors never go outside of their homes or their personal networks to seek help, and some that do seek help may find that these services do not meet their needs.