Building the Power to Be Well
Building the Power to Be Well is our new framework — and our promise:
To name the forces that stand between Californians and their health: race, money and power. To invest in people taking action together for what they need to be healthy and well. And to join forces with partners ready to make a difference.
Because none of us can do this alone. But together, we can.
What's New
Featured Story
In this blog post, Cal Wellness CEO Richard Tate introduces Building the Power to Be Well, outlining how the foundation is approaching its next chapter of work. Grounded in a strategic planning process, the framework highlights a focus on advancing health through equity, community partnership, and adaptability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new strategy?
Building the Power to Be Well is our new strategic framework for expanding health and wellness for all Californians.
It reflects what we’ve learned over decades: health is shaped not only by access to care, but by race, money, and power. These forces shape who has a voice, who makes decisions, and whose needs are prioritized.
This strategy will strengthen the power of communities most impacted by health injustice so more people can take action together for what they need to be healthy and well.
Why focus on race, money, and power?
Race, money and power are the largest forces shaping health.
In California, your race and income play a major role in how long you live and how healthy you are. Communities facing the greatest health challenges are often the same people with the least say in the decisions that affect their lives.
To improve health, we have to address these root causes by supporting communities to have a stronger voice and more influence over the systems that shape their health and their lives.
What are the priority areas for the strategy?
Building the Power to Be Well will focus on three areas where race, money, and power shape health and where communities can take action together to create change.
Healthcare
Supporting communities to organize and advocate for care that is accessible, focused on prevention, and responsive to community needs and culture.
The Environment
Working with communities most affected by pollution, climate change, and economic injustice to create healthier and more resilient local economies.
Democracy
Strengthening civic participation so people can come together, be heard, and influence the decisions that affect their lives and communities.
When will the new framework be implemented?
We are currently finalizing the strategies that will guide this work. They will be reviewed by our Board of Directors this summer as we prepare to begin implementation of Building the Power to Be Well in starting in late 2026.
Why a strategic framework?
A strategic framework, rather than a fixed plan, will serve as a compass as we navigate changing needs and opportunities in California. This framework will spell out our goals and priorities as well as an approach to adapting and responding to shifts in the environment. The strategic framework also will integrate work across the foundation to meet our goals. We will use our grantmaking, endowment investments, our voice and our influence – all of our resources – to advance our mission.
What is happening in between now and the start of Building the Power to Be Well?
2026 is a transition year in which we are both fully developing the strategies for Building the Power to Be Well and supporting the urgent needs of this moment.
We have already identified grant partners for 2026 and are moving resources as quickly as possible to support work in health care access, civic engagement, and immigrant rights.
To learn more, read this blog post from our Chief Strategy Officer, Alex M. Johnson.
How can I seek funding?
At this time, we are not accepting unsolicited applications or letters of inquiry (LOIs) and have already identified the partners who will receive funding in 2026. We know many of you are advancing critical work for health justice, and we appreciate your leadership. As we prepare to launch our new strategy in 2027, we will share updates about future funding opportunities and when new application processes will open.
What will stay the same?
Our mission and our values remain constant. We believe health is a human right, and we are committed to protecting and improving the health and wellness of all Californians.
We will continue to be a statewide health foundation providing multi-year, general operating support to our partners and invest in the communities most impacted by inequity.
We also remain committed to using all of our resources—including grants, investments, our voice, and our influence—to expand wellness for all Californians.
How can I stay updated?
We will be sharing more about Building the Power to Be Well in the coming months, and invite you to follow us on social media and sign up for our email newsletter to stay up to date. We look forward to seeing many of you at community events and conferences across California and to continuing the conversations and partnerships that move health justice forward.