RYSE exists because young people of color envisioned it. They called on adults to listen, invest, and rethink young people’s place in the city. 

Today, youth are Rysing.

Their art enlivens the streets and their ideas shape local policies, leading toward a Richmond and West Contra Costa where their stories can thrive.

Now RYSE is deepening our roots and raising up a new structure to better hold and amplify youth voice: RYSE Commons. Renovating our existing center into a 37,000+ square foot campus will expand youth program and partnership space by 225%. 

Over the next 18 months, we need to raise $6.9 million for the new campus construction, design, and implementation.

It will require bold and beloved supporters to bring this vision to life.. The campaign to raise these funds will be led by love - our love of this city, of the possibility the future holds, and of the youth who hold that future in their hands. 

Young people are Rysing for Richmond. Will you RYSE with them? 

RYSing from Center to Commons

RYSE Commons will be a hub for healing, personal development, play, expression, incubating ideas, performances, art, launching businesses, exploring technology, and connecting with universities and partners. Our expansion will:

• Increase our indoor/outdoor healing-oriented programming space by 225%

• Create new youth-centered sanctuary and healing spaces that includes increased access to primary care and mental health services

• Support community transformation by creating additional space to engage partners in shared educational opportunities

• Increase our capacity to co-house critical support programs and services with community and systems partners

• Provide access to high-quality facilities for technology exploration, workforce development, and media production

• Increase opportunities to engage parents, guardians, and extended support systems

• Expand our age range for youth ages 11 - 24

What youth-driven components will RYSE Commons include?

Support RYSE Commons

Donate below to support the vision for RYSE Commons. 

If you would prefer to mail us a contribution, please send a check payable to RYSE Center to: RYSE Center, ATTN: RYSE Commons, 205 41st Street, Richmond, CA 94805.

Thank you to early RYSE Commons investors

We are building and realizing a beloved community

Years of collaboration, persistence, and strategic effort have led to this moment, and we look forward to sharing our progress with you. Please contact RYSE if you have any questions.