The 2022-2023 California Budget Cycle
In the 2022-2023 California Budget cycle, SCG identified a multitude of resources to provide budget focus areas and highlights through its multiple revisions in order to help SCG members understand how budget planning would affect our work and encourage the philanthropic sector to actively participate in the budgetary process. Some focus areas of the initial budget proposal that were top-of-mind for SCG’s members and partners: included Climate and Sustainable Communities, Housing & Homelessness, and Career Pathways and Education. After Governor Newsom debuted the revised 2022-23 state budget proposal, we shared highlights, missed opportunities, and how funders and foundations could take further action in these budget focus areas: creating access to equitable healthcare and sustainable environments, attaining and maintaining equity in human rights, encouraging economic mobility and prosperity, uplifting civic engagement and a fair democratic process, and strengthening philanthropy and nonprofit activities.
Why It Matters
Government and philanthropic organizations have been long-standing partners in solving some of the nation’s most challenging issues. Government funding is crucial for the sustainability of many nonprofits and social support systems, while philanthropic funding is needed to supplement government funds when they may be too restrictive or don’t meet the extent of nonprofit expenses. Because of this mutual investment in the success of community-based organizations, foundations should pay close attention to the Governor’s budget to ensure that the state is allocating funds to where they are needed most and in a way that promotes equitable access and positive outcomes.
Foundations are uniquely positioned to bring together networks of funders, nonprofits, and individuals to create a united front, while also holding expertise that can be crucial for providing information for budget amendments. While there are many opportunities within the budget process for foundations to influence the final outcome, they can especially influence changes to the January proposals by attending legislative subcommittee hearings, putting out calls to action, and educating legislators and community members on matters relevant to philanthropy.