As we approach the 2026 midterm elections, we all have a role to play in strengthening civic institutions, protecting our fundamental freedom to vote, and ensuring election integrity.
Governor Newsom’s proposed 2026-27 state budget arrives at a critical crossroads, attempting to maintain the state’s climate commitment while navigating a multi-billion-dollar deficit and significant federal cuts across the board.
On November 4, 2025, Californians will have the opportunity to vote in a special election to determine if the state will change the current makeup of its congressional districts. In late August, Governor Gavin Newsom signed California’s new redistricting plan after its passage in the California State House, with a draft of the new map prepared by the legislature. The new map is designed to increase Democratic party representation in the U.S. House of Representatives by five seats.
As California recovers from one of the worst wildfire disasters in its history, there is growing concern and confusion regarding the rapid changes happening to federal emergency management infrastructure and policy. Fortunately, Philanthropy California has a strong network of partners who are already providing research, policy analysis, and real-time context of the shifting landscape in D.C., which the philanthropic sector can leverage to inform their approach to disaster preparedness and resilience.
Philanthropy California — the statewide alliance of Northern California Grantmakers, SoCal Grantmakers, and Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties — stands unwaveringly with our state’s immigrant and migrant communities.
Philanthropy California, the statewide alliance of Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, Northern California Grantmakers, and SoCal Grantmakers, stands ready to defend philanthropy’s freedom of expression and its right to give without fear of retaliation. We believe an independent nonprofit and philanthropic sector — free from government overreach — is essential in maintaining a robust civil society, thriving communities, and a strong democracy.
By Kirin Kumar, Katie Oran, Lily Bui, PhD, Megan Thomas, and Karla Mercado
About Philanthropy California
The Resourcing Resilience report, created in partnership between Philanthropy California and Nonprofit Finance Fund, provides a landscape analysis of public and philanthropic investments in climate resilience and serves as a call to action for both sectors to unlock pathways to more equitable, accessible funding. Philanthropic and government funders have important roles to play in addressing the real challenges communities face when securing funding for their work on climate adaptation, mitigation, and disaster resilience. Neither can achieve meaningful and equitable climate action alone, and community-led solutions require coordinated public and private support. The actions recommended in this report outline a path forward for ensuring communities are able to access funding they need.