California Cash Policy in 2026: Progress, Permanence, and Philanthropy’s Role
Guaranteed income and direct cash are solutions that reach across nearly every portfolio in philanthropy: health, education, workforce, housing, financial stability, community wellbeing, and more.
California has spent nearly a decade demonstrating that unrestricted cash produces measurable gains in economic stability, health, and employment, and that public agencies can deliver it at scale. From Stockton’s first mayor-led demonstration to a state-funded program serving pregnant Californians and foster youth aging out of care, California funders helped build the largest guaranteed income and direct cash landscape in the country, with 65+ pilots, a first-in-the-nation state program, and a robust research base.
Turning these pilots into permanent public funding is the work still in front of us.This webinar brings together researchers, advocates, and county leaders to level-set on what the field has proven and where permanent funding is emerging. You’ll hear randomized controlled trial findings on how cash supports stability during life’s hardest transitions, a spotlight on birth outcomes and early childhood development from the Abundant Birth Project, and a case study of how Los Angeles County institutionalized cash within its General Relief program.
Funders will leave with a clear picture of what the evidence proves, where efforts are moving to identify public funding, and concrete opportunities to support the policy, research, and narrative work that will determine whether cash becomes durable public policy.
Join us Thursday, November 12, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. PT. The final 30 minutes are reserved for a closed session for funders to talk candidly with one another about where this work goes next. Pre-registration is required
Accessibility Statement
Captioning will be provided. If you have any other accessibility requests or questions, please email Beth Yeap at beth@assetfunders.org. Requests for reasonable accommodations must be received by November 1, 2026, to ensure our ability to meet your request.
This event is sponsored by Sobrato Philanthropies and is being presented in partnership with Economic Security California.
