# Berkeley Foundation

Berkeley Foundation is a Foundation based in Berkeley, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Berkeley, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Berkeley, CA, United States
- **Founded:** 2021
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** berkeleyfoundation.org
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/berkeley-foundation

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

The Berkeley Foundation is an independent charitable organization established in 2011 in Surrey, England. It supports various charities and organizations with long-term funding and development opportunities. The foundation focuses on housing, employment, skills development, and care for those with illnesses or disabilities.

## Sectors

- Education
- Arts & Culture
- Civic Engagement

## People

- James Higa — Executive Director

## Questions

### What is the relationship between Berkeley Foundation and Apple Inc.?

Berkeley Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded with a $100 million endowment from Apple's Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. While it is a component of Apple's broader REJI commitment and its creation was announced by the company, it operates as a separate legal entity with its own board and independent fiduciary control. Its Executive Director, James Higa, was previously a senior director at Apple but does not report to Apple's corporate management in this role.

### How does Berkeley Foundation deploy its capital?

The foundation uses a hybrid model that includes traditional grantmaking to non-profit organizations and program-related equity investments in venture funds and startups. On the venture side, it has committed to funds like Harlem Capital and Collab Capital, which are led by underrepresented fund managers. This blended approach allows for both immediate charitable impact through grants and long-term capacity building by strengthening the ecosystem of diverse-led investment firms.

### Who runs investment and grantmaking decisions at Berkeley Foundation?

Executive Director James Higa leads the foundation's strategy and decisions. A Silicon Valley veteran who spent over two decades at Apple and served as an informal chief of staff to Steve Jobs, Higa brings a deep network in both technology and social impact circles. He works alongside an advisory board, though the foundation has not publicly disclosed its full investment committee or detailed decision-making hierarchy.

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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