Reimagining Impact
The Next Chapter of The California EndowmentAs California communities face unprecedented challenges, The California Endowment is entering a new strategic planning process to ensure we can support our grantee partners and communities with renewed urgency, focus, and effectiveness.
This evolution will help us listen deeply and reflect on what California communities need most. By fostering stronger collaboration, simplifying our organizational structure, and making strategic adjustments in support of our grantee partners, The California Endowment will evolve to be a stronger partner in advancing health and justice across our state.
Our new strategic plan will be ready to launch in 2027. In the meantime, we’re implementing a Bridge Strategy, which allows us to respond quickly and strategically to our current times while continuing to prepare for our organization's long-term future.
Elements of Our 2026 Bridge Strategy
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Expanded InvestmentA commitment of up to $160 million per year from 2025 through 2027 to protect the health of our communities while reimagining public health in California.
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Continued Grantmaking SupportSustaining our current Health Justice grantee partners to continue to build power to shift the conditions that create healthy outcomes in California.
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Increased LearningDeepening our learning efforts to inform our future strategic direction and respond more effectively to emerging needs.
“To advance the mission of The California Endowment in today’s complex climate, we must reimagine the way we operate so we can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with communities fighting for a fair and just world. We must fund not just services, but ideas that make our communities healthier. We are ready to move at the speed of trust and with the urgency that justice demands.
The California Endowment is here for nothing less than ensuring every person in California has a shot at a long, healthy life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is The California Endowment undergoing a strategic planning process at this time?
Our grantee partners can’t wait, and the present conditions in our communities demand immediate and bold action from philanthropy.
Communities in California are facing unprecedented pressures—more than 3.4 million Californians are expected to lose access to Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, following the recent federal budget decision.
The Endowment must evolve to meet the moment and make strategic adjustments to stay effective, agile, and supportive of our grantee partners during this time.
Will you still be an organization focused on health, power building, and racial equity?
The California Endowment unequivocally believes that health is a human right, and that building a healthier California necessitates a multi-angle approach—power-building and racial equity included.
We are deeply committed to ensuring the health of all Californians and will be working with our grantee partners to deliver on that promise with greater urgency and clarity.
In addition, our expanded funding commitment of up to $160 million per year from 2025 through 2027 will enable us to engage new partners focused on building healthy communities over the next three years.
How is the updated strategy being developed?
We want to ensure our next strategy is inclusive, collaborative, and responsive to the needs of the people of California. We are dedicating the next calendar year (2026) to conversations with grantee partners and communities throughout our state so they can shape our areas of focus for the next ten years.
What changes have already been made under the strategic planning process?
In addition to focusing on our next strategic plan, The California Endowment is undergoing an internal realignment process to simplify our organizational structure, foster stronger collaboration, and leverage enterprise-wide strengths toward our mission.
How will the strategic planning process affect current grantee partners?
We are deeply committed to our grantee partners—now more than ever. These changes are about enabling us to deliver on that commitment with greater urgency and clarity.
The Endowment will continue to be committed to centering our communities, including our power building and current partners, through 2026. In addition, our expanded funding commitment of up to $160 million more per year through 2027 enables us to engage new partners over the next three years.
Our goal is to become a more effective partner in the fight for health equity and build a future where every person thrives for generations to come.
How will The Endowment ensure grant disbursements continue in a seamless manner?
We are fully committed to supporting the work of our grantee partners and will engage with them directly to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition to the next phase of our strategy.
Our staff are working to design and communicate a transition plan for all of our current grants.
Are there more changes coming?
Our top priority is ensuring TCE is positioned to serve both current and future partners effectively. As needs evolve across California, we may continue to adjust, but always with the goal of strengthening our impact.
Stay connected on our latest initiatives and opportunities to help build a healthier, more equitable California
Unveiling Our 2025 Annual Report
The California Endowment is proud to present our 2025 annual report. Read about the work we are supporting and our partners who are changing California to a state of belonging and inclusion.
View Report