Established in 2005, the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Community Partnerships Office works to improve quality of life and promote health equity by cultivating, sustaining and advancing strong collaborative partnerships between the University and local communities. The Office functions as a bridge between UCSF and local communities, emphasizing partnerships that value and respect the assets and diversity of both. It is led by a Council, which includes 12 UCSF and 12 community representatives. As part of its work, the Office also awards small seed grants to support collaborative projects that promote civic engagement, foster community well-being, and enhance the environment for research, education, patient care and employment.