The San Diego Foundation envisions San Diego County as a region where people willingly come together around shared interests and purposes, embrace diversity and divergent points of view, collectively participate in problem solving, and mobilize to take action that leads to improved quality of life in their own communities and in the region as a whole. The Foundation’s Civil Society Working Group is comprised of knowledgeable volunteers committed to this vision. Our efforts identify major issues affecting the region, develop critical resources and funding priorities, and support nonprofit organizations working to achieve transformative social progress.

The Foundation’s Civil Society Program is focused on building and strengthening four key elements of a vibrant civil society:

(1) equity and inclusion of diverse communities in all areas of civic life;
(2) “public square” discussions and convenings, where individuals and groups come together to learn from each other and to work towards new
understandings;
(3) quality information that is freely available, commonly shared and dedicated to the specific needs and requirements of San Diegans throughout the region; and
(4) decision-making processes that are transparent, participatory and accountable.

New Consensus for Housing Initiative:

In 2006, the Working Group launched the New Consensus for Housing, a three year initiative to improve the capacities that San Diegans require to engage around their neighborhoods’ compelling housing needs and to support strategies that foster successful communities with choices for all. In a region that is increasingly multi-cultural and segmented, the Working Group is purposefully funding projects that seek to bring about innovations in consensus-building and communication. Our grants are helping diverse residents w ork constructively to make unified decisions about their housing priorities; leveraging strategic investment in low and moderate income communities; and strengthening systems for accessing and sharing information on the region’s housing options.

When this initiative concludes in June 2009, our results will include breakthrough thinking in how our diverse communities are informed and engaged over the long term; and ultimately, consensus on plans of action and implementation strategies for meeting the region’s housing needs. Equally important, we will have replicable models for civic engagement that enable The Foundation to more effectively explore many other complex issues, and to develop and execute initiatives that foster civil society throughout the San Diego region.

What can you do to help?

Make a contribution to inspire and strengthen civil society in the San Diego region!

1. Join Friends of The Foundation.When you join Friends of The Foundation , you may designate your gift to support The Foundation’s Civil Society Program.

2. Create your own fund to support civic society. Open a non-endowment fund for immediate grantmaking or an endowment to extend the impact of your gift to future generations. You decide the name of your fund and the organizations or causes it will support.

To learn more about The Foundation’s civil society programs or these giving options, contact Cheryl Alethia Phelps at cheryl@sdfoundation.org or 619-235-2300.


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