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Our Mission

Strengthening Democracy Where It Matters Most: Locally

The Haynes Foundation is dedicated to advancing effective governance and a more inclusive democracy across the Los Angeles region—serving communities throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties. Our focus is on strengthening the systems and institutions that can make government work more effectively and accountably to improve people’s daily lives and the communities in which they live and work.

For 100 years, the Foundation has built on the vision of its founders, Dr. John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes, who believed that engaged citizenship and rigorous social science research can both illuminate critical social and political challenges and point the way toward meaningful solutions. This belief that continues to guide our work at a time when democratic institutions are being challenged and reformed
Today, the Foundation supports scholars, practitioners, public and nonprofit agencies, and civic leaders working to improve how government serves the public, from generating new insights to advancing real-world reform. Through major research grants, doctoral dissertation fellowships, and archival support, the Foundation invests in ideas and evidence that strengthen public systems and inform decision-making, with an emphasis on work that can be applied, adopted, and sustained over time.
By connecting research to real-world application, the Haynes Foundation helps drive practical solutions that make government work better for the people of the Los Angeles region—ensuring that strong ideas translate into meaningful, lasting impact.

How We Do It

Advance Actionable Research

We support results‑driven research and policy innovation that strengthens how local governments serve communities and deliver measurable outcomes.

Engage Diverse Voices

We bring community members, scholars, and policymakers together to shape regional governance with broad, inclusive perspectives.

Building Public Understanding

We strengthen local government by fostering an informed and involved public, recognizing that lasting reform depends on civic participation.

Serve as the LA County Reform (Measure G) Hub

We provide clear, accessible information on the voter‑approved LA County reform, helping residents and leaders understand, engage with, and track its implementation.

Expand Civic Participation

We create opportunities for public dialogue to ensure reform moves from policy design to real‑world practice.

For 100 years, the Haynes Foundation has been a catalyst for meaningful change across the Los Angeles region—advancing practical ways to strengthen how government serves the public.