Welcome Letter to Governor-elect Xavier Becerra

As California welcomes Governor-elect Xavier Becerra, Philanthropy California is committed to supporting an effective transition and building a strong, lasting partnership between philanthropy and the new administration. On the first day of the transition, we sent the letter below to Governor-elect Becerra outlining our commitment to collaboration and our priorities. Philanthropy California will lead advocacy efforts to ensure philanthropy remains a valued partner in advancing solutions for California’s communities.

Dear Governor-elect Becerra, 

Congratulations from Philanthropy California! Our state’s vibrant philanthropic sector joins you in your commitment to building lasting change for Californians. 

Meeting this moment requires not just a bold leader in the Governor’s seat, but all of us contributing together to create jobs, provide healthcare, educate our children, and ensure that our neighbors live free of fear. That is why Philanthropy California and our 600 members are committed to continued collaboration with our Governor. 

Working with the current Governor, his Senior Advisor for Social Innovation, and designated liaisons across state agencies over the past seven years, philanthropy’s partnership has yielded results, including: 

•    $4.2 billion invested by statewide philanthropy initiatives 
•    More than 250 foundations and corporate partners working in close cooperation with State agencies 
•    Increased funding to support immigrants, disaster survivors, housing, and more 

The impact of working directly with the administration’s dedicated philanthropic advisor and members of the Cabinet for the past seven years cannot be understated, and we look forward to continuing the partnership with your administration in the years ahead. 

A key early step will be establishing a cabinet-level advisor, agency liaisons, and related staff to continue the fruitful public-private partnerships that have fueled innovation, enabled rapid action in times of crisis, and helped the state implement key policy efforts swiftly and equitably. We stand by ready to support your administration in this endeavor, including offering recommendations for structuring our partnership and providing insights and connections from the philanthropic sector.  

Together, our organizations represent more than 600 foundations, corporate funders, giving circles, public agencies, other grantmaking institutions, and hundreds of philanthropic families and individuals, investing billions of dollars each year to strengthen communities across California and beyond. 

Governor-elect Becerra, we are with you! 

Sincerely,

Christine Essel
President & CEO
SoCal Grantmakers    

Dwayne S. Marsh
President & CEO
Northern California Grantmakers

Megan Thomas
President & CEO
Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties