New Community Leadership Foundation

We’re excited to see recent coverage in San Francisco Chronicle highlighting the next phase of activation efforts and renewed momentum around the Fillmore Heritage Center.

From the article: “After years of vacancy, S.F.’s Fillmore Heritage Center will reopen — temporarily”

https://www.sfchronicle.com/realestate/article/sf-fillmore-heritage-center-reopen-22280810.php

The article highlights temporary activations expected to begin next month, creating new opportunities for arts, entrepreneurship, cultural programming, performances, community gatherings, and public engagement within the space.

“The Fillmore Heritage Center represents more than a building, it represents opportunity, culture, creativity and community restoration.” — Majeid Crawford, Executive Director, New Community Leadership Foundation

Yesterday’s press conference, ribbon cutting, and community walk-through marked an important first step in bringing life back into the space while building toward a longer-term community vision for the future.

This is just the beginning!

Today marks the beginning of the next phase of Fillmore Heritage Center activation.

Join community leaders, residents, artists, businesses, and City partners for a press conference, ribbon cutting, and community walk-through focused on restoring the Fillmore Heritage Center as a hub for culture, entrepreneurship, arts, and community connection.

Today’s Fillmore Heritage Center Community Activation Press Conference & Community Walk-Through starts at 11:30 a.m. and includes:
• Community and City leadership remarks
• Ribbon cutting ceremony
• Community walk-through and space preview
• Opportunities to learn about future activations and programming

Featuring remarks from Mayor Daniel Lurie, Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, Majeid Crawford, Brigette LeBlanc, and additional community leaders.

Thursday, May 28
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Fillmore Heritage Center Lobby
1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco

Rain or shine, we’ll be there. If needed, activities will move inside the lobby.

This event is free and open to the public. Register now at bit.ly/fillmorerising

Looking for community events and updates in the Fillmore?

You can now find them on Hey Neighbor, a new neighborhood platform created by NCLF to help residents discover what is happening nearby, from community meetings and activism to local businesses, development projects, and public events.

Current featured events include the upcoming Fillmore Heritage Center Community Activation Press Conference & Community Walk-Through:
Thursday, May 28
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco

The event will include remarks from City and community leaders followed by a public walk-through and preview of the Fillmore Heritage Center spaces as the next phase of activation moves forward.

Explore the Fillmore board on Hey Neighbor at heyneighbor.club

Register for the press conference and walk-through at
bit.ly/fillmorerising

The next phase of the Fillmore Heritage Center activation begins this Thursday.

Join community leaders, residents, businesses, artists, and City partners for a public press conference and community walk-through introducing the next step in the activation of the Fillmore Heritage Center.

The Fillmore Heritage Center Community Activation Press Conference & Community Walk-Through event will include remarks from:
• Mayor Daniel Lurie
• Rev. Dr. Amos C. Brown
• Brigette LeBlanc, San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce
• Majeid Crawford, New Community Leadership Foundation

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided walk-through and preview of the Fillmore Heritage Center gallery, screening room, and lobby spaces while learning more about upcoming activations and programming.

Thursday, May 28
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Fillmore Heritage Center Lobby
1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco

This event is free and open to the public.

Register now at bit.ly/fillmorerising.

Led by The Fellowship & Fillmore Rising in partnership with NCLF, Art Studio, LeBlanc & Associates, and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD).

Introducing Hey Neighbor, a new community platform created by NCLF to help residents discover what's happening nearby, from events and activism to small businesses, neighborhood projects, and community initiatives.

Hey Neighbor is designed to make local information easier to find, share, and participate in without endless feeds, accounts, or noise.

The Fillmore is the first neighborhood launching on the platform, with more communities planned in the future.

Explore the Fillmore community now at heyneighbor.club.

Hey Neighbor is a project of the New Community Leadership Foundation.

Due to scheduling changes, the Fillmore Heritage Center Community Activation Meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, May 21 has been postponed.

We appreciate the community’s excitement and support surrounding this important conversation about the future activation of the Fillmore Heritage Center.

A new date will be announced soon.

Thank you for your patience and continued engagement as community partners work together on the next phase of activation planning for the Fillmore Heritage Center.

Please stay tuned for updates.

Learn what San Francisco's Certificate of Preference program is, how it works today, and how to find out if your family may be eligible.

This forum provides context, guidance, and next steps for those seeking answer about the ways urban renewal reshaped San Francisco and displaced families from neighborhoods including the Fillmore (Western Addition), Japantown, and SOMA.

Join us for a FREE community conversation on history, eligibility, and what comes next.

Friday, May 29
12 PM – 2 PM
KOHO Creative Hub, San Francisco

Refreshments will be provided.

Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/certificate-of-preference-community-forum-tickets-1987794815804

Thanks to our co-sponsors , , , and Lynx Insights for joining us to bring this event to life.

🚨 Grant Opportunities (San Francisco + Select Bay Area & National) 🚨

Sharing current funding opportunities, primarily focused on San Francisco, with some Bay Area and national options:

⏳ Upcoming Deadlines (Apply Soon)

• Artspan Open Studios
🔗 https://artspan.submittable.com/submit
🗓️ Due: March 30, 2026

• Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures (National)
🔗 https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/inclusive-ventures
🗓️ Due: March 31, 2026

• Yerba Buena Community Benefit Fund (San Francisco)
🔗 https://yerbabuena.org/about/grants
🗓️ Due: April 22, 2026

• Vilcek Foundation (National)
🔗 https://vilcek.org/grants/
🗓️ Due: April 30, 2026

• OEWD Storefront Grant (San Francisco)
🔗 https://www.sf.gov/apply-for-a-grant-to-open-a-business
🗓️ Due: May 29, 2026

• Good Tidings Foundation (Bay Area / CA)
🔗 https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/gtventurefund
🗓️ Due: June 9, 2026

• Yerba Buena Neighborhood Activation Grant (San Francisco)
🔗 https://ctycms.com/ca-yerba-buena/docs/021726-...
🗓️ Due: July 1, 2026

🔄 Rolling / Ongoing Opportunities

• Costco Community Grants (Regional / National)
🔗 https://www.costco.com/charitable-giving.html
🗓️ Rolling

• Humanities for All Quick Grants (California)
🔗 https://calhum.org/grant-deadlines-overview/humanities-for-all/
🗓️ Rolling

• San Francisco Foundation – Rapid Response Fund (Bay Area)
🔗 https://sff.org/what-we-do/funding/rrf/
🗓️ Rolling

• Stand Together Bay Area (Bay Area)
🔗 https://sff.org/stand-together-bay-area/
🗓️ Rolling

• Newman’s Own Foundation (National)
🔗 https://cliffamilyfoundation.org/grants-program
🗓️ Rolling

• MOHCD Vacant Commercial Spaces NOFA (San Francisco)
🔗 https://www.sf.gov/information--vacant-commercial-spaces
🗓️ Rolling

These opportunities support arts, small business development, cultural programming, and economic empowerment, with a strong focus on San Francisco-based work.

📩 If you want help identifying the best fit or putting together a strong application, feel free to reach out.

Please verify deadlines with the funding organization.

What a moment for Café Mélange!

We’re still taking in the energy, support, and celebration from the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Celebration at San Francisco City Hall.

Thank you to everyone who came out to help mark this moment, the official transition of Café Mélange to Chef Dontaye Ball of Gumbo Social and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this community-centered space.

We were proud to hear remarks from Mayor Daniel Lurie, Supervisor Bilal Mahmood 馬百樂 , and Supervisor Shamann Walton, and grateful for their presence in recognizing the importance of local food entrepreneurship in San Francisco.

A special congratulations to Dontaye Ball, Quanisha Johnson, Cheryl Shanks, and Majeid Crawford, who were each presented with Certificates of Honor during the program.

To our partners, supporters, friends, and everyone who helped fill the room with encouragement, thank you for showing up and helping make the day meaningful.

Café Mélange was created to uplift create opportunity and community in one of San Francisco’s most visible civic spaces. We’re excited to see what comes next.