The Bay Area has a large and diverse immigrant population that enriches our communities with new ideas, culture and energy. The Immigrants and Refugees Program is designed to take a comprehensive approach to supporting projects that help smooth the way for a successful integration of newcomers into our communities and promote their full participation in civic life. Funds are directed to community organizations that engage in direct services, leadership development, civic participation, and policy analysis and development. Grants are also aimed at strengthening the capacity of immigrant-serving organizations, and at promoting creative solutions to the challenges local communities face in accommodating diverse populations. Collectively, the grants in this program support projects that build the skills and knowledge of community members, advance equitable public policies, and promote greater communication and coordination among organizations so the needs of community members can be met more effectively. Examples of Recent Grants in the Immigrants and Refugees Program: AnewAmerica Community Corporation promotes long-term economic self-sufficiency for new U.S. citizens, immigrants, and refugees through the provision of comprehensive training and technical assistance in microenterprise development, asset building, and community service activities. International Institute of the East Bay - Immigration Legal Services Program provides a variety of immigration legal services to immigrants and refugees residing in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, including citizenship applications, family visa petitions, temporary protected status, political asylum, and community education and outreach. Mujeres Unidas y Activas ("United & Active Women") is a grassroots community organizing and leadership development program run by and for Latina immigrant and refugee women. The mission of MUA is to empower Latina immigrant and refugee women by providing them with the necessary skills and information to bring about economic, political, and social equality for themselves, their families, and for other members of their communities. Chinese for Affirmative Action - Equal Access to Services Project seeks to increase the access of limited-English speakers to critical government services and programs by working with local and state agencies to develop effective policies and procedures that will make translated materials and interpreters available in the major languages spoken by local residents. Lina Avidan, Program Executive Related publications.