LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 1, 2025) — The California Wellness Foundation is making $67 million in community investments in 2025—its largest-ever annual commitment. This increased funding includes an additional $15 million approved by the foundation’s Board of Directors in June to respond to urgent and emerging community needs.
The move comes as communities across California face mounting challenges: federal and state budget cuts are threatening health care coverage for millions; funding for violence prevention programs has been slashed; immigrant families are being detained and deported without due process through military-style law enforcement; and nonprofits are being targeted for doing charitable work.
“We’re moving more money to partners than ever before because we understand what’s at stake—the health of our communities and the strength of our democracy,” said Terence Mulligan, Chair of the Cal Wellness Board of Directors. “We encourage foundation leaders to give more at this crucial moment in our history. We have a responsibility to act with purpose and resolve.”
Added President and CEO Richard Tate: “The people and organizations we support are facing unprecedented challenges —but they are not backing down, and neither are we. This is a time to be clear in our intentions, to stand firm in our beliefs, and to stay in the fight to advance health and wellness for all. We shall not be moved.”
These additional resources will support current foundation efforts this year to ensure access to essential health and social services, safeguard civil rights and democratic freedoms, and strengthen the capacity of communities to organize, advocate, and lead. Key priorities include:
- Defending immigrant rights
- Protecting access to health care
- Civic engagement and power-building to elevate community voices and priorities
- Strengthening nonprofit infrastructure, legal defense, and strategic communications
- Providing flexible, rapid-response funding for emerging needs and opportunities
These investments are already proving critical as immigrant communities and service organizations across California have mobilized in defense of their rights and dignity, organizing against escalating federal threats. Cal Wellness believes its resources are intended for these moments – to help ensure that community-led efforts to protect and improve health and wellness remain visible, safe, and sustained.
The $67 million in 2025 community investments includes the foundation’s regular annual grantmaking budget of $47 million plus $20 million in special allocations ($5 million approved in December 2024 and $15 million approved in June). These resources are part of a total payout of 8.5% for the year, well above the IRS minimum of 5%. Since 2020 the foundation has had an annual payout rate of 6% or more while maintaining an endowment of approximately $1 billion invested in alignment with its mission and values.
About The California Wellness Foundation
The California Wellness Foundation is a private, independent foundation with a mission to protect and improve the health and wellness of the people of California. Guided by a vision of racial and social justice, Cal Wellness supports organizations that advance health equity, promote inclusive democracy, and build power in historically underserved communities. Since its founding in 1992, the foundation has awarded over $1.3 billion in grants and program-related investments. Learn more at www.calwellness.org.
Contact: Jon Koriel, Bryson Gillette
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(714) 686-4097