About the Fund: A Brief History

"We have been brought up personally to have social responsibilities." — Walter A. Haas, Sr.   1889-1979		"Integrity needs no mention; it is all important." — Elise S. Haas   1893-1990

Two remarkable people, Mr. and Mrs. Haas shared a deep commitment to the basic values of a pluralistic American society. Mr. Haas was a pioneer in the field of socially responsible business, and personally served on numerous public and private commissions and advisory bodies. Mrs. Haas was no less of a groundbreaker; she was the first woman to become president of the Board of Directors of Mt. Zion Hospital and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. A talented sculptor and patron of the arts, Mrs. Haas was instrumental in initiating programs that provided opportunities for young people to actively participate in the City's cultural life.

In 1952, Mr. and Mrs. Haas established the Walter and Elise Haas Fund as an enduring expression of their philanthropic commitment to San Francisco. The original Board of Trustees included the founders and their three children: Walter Haas, Jr., Peter E. Haas, Sr., and Rhoda Haas Goldman. Of these, Peter was the remaining original member serving on the Board of Trustees, and was the Fund's Honorary Chair until his death in 2005. The remaining four Board members are grandchildren of Walter and Elise Haas. In addition, two great-grandchildren are now participating on the Board of Trustees.