The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), once a beacon of hope for local nonprofits, is dramatically slashing funding across the Bay Area, leaving community organizations scrambling and confused.

What started as a philanthropic powerhouse committed to advancing human potential has rapidly transformed into a science-focused organization that appears to be distancing itself from social advocacy work. Nonprofits like Creser Capital Fund and the Chicana Latina Foundation have been blindsided by sudden funding cuts, with some organizations losing up to a third of their budget.

Internally, CZI employees suggest the shift is a strategic move to avoid potential political targeting, with general counsel Mark Kim reportedly claiming the organization wants to minimize litigation risks. The organization has quietly removed language about diversity, equity, and inclusion from its website and mission statement.

Particularly troubling is CZI’s decision to defund organizations focused on targeted community support, especially those serving Latino and racial justice initiatives. Adriana Ayala from the Chicana Latina Foundation noted that “in this political climate, targeted populations are frowned upon”.

The cuts extend beyond small nonprofits. CZI has also discontinued funding for The Primary School, a tuition-free institution in East Palo Alto that provided education and healthcare services to underserved children. This decision has left many wondering about the organization’s commitment to its original mission of promoting equal opportunity.

CZI claims its new strategy is driven by a “science vision to cure, prevent, and manage all disease,” but nonprofit leaders like Catherine Bracy from TechEquity see it differently. “They’re just trying to kiss up to Trump,” she bluntly stated.

As the Bay Area nonprofit ecosystem faces these unexpected challenges, organizations are being forced to reassess their strategies, cut staff, and seek alternative funding sources. The broader implications of CZI’s pivot remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: the philanthropic landscape is changing dramatically.