The California Wellness Foundation has announced $4.8 million in grants and a $1.5 million impact investment to advance health equity in the state.

During the first quarter of 2022, the foundation awarded 21 grants across its four portfolios, focusing on expanding access to care in Native American, immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities and investing in independent research to advance health equity, prevent gun violence, and transform the justice system. The impact investment was awarded to Seed Commons, a national community development financial institution that invests in marginalized communities, creates good jobs locally, and supports economic mobility in low-income communities.

“Developing smart and effective public policy solutions to tough, persistent problems like gun violence depends upon solid research,” said Cal Wellness president and CEO Judy Belk. “Cal Wellness has funded such research for decades, and we will continue to do so, ensuring a strong knowledge base to guide policy makers, funders, and the public to know what really keeps us safe.”

For a complete list of grantees, see the Cal Wellness website.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Vadzim Kushniarou)