There are a number of research centers in California focused on nonprofits, foundations, giving and social capital issues in the state:
The Institute for Nonprofit Organization Management at the University of San Franciso:
http://www.inom.org/research/canonprofit_studies.html.
Research Director: Carol Silverman
The Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at the University of Southern California:
http://www.usc.edu/schools/sppd/philanthropy/research/projects/
Director: Jim Ferris
University of San Diego
Director: Pat Libby
UCLA Center for Civil Society
Director: Helmut K. Anheier
Recent research (2008):
Local Patterns and Dynamics: the State of the Nonprofit Sector in Los Angeles
Gianneschi Center for Nonprofit Research, Cal State Fullerton
http://www.fullerton.edu/gcnr/
Executive Director: Kathleen Costello
Stanford University