Vision: The San Diego Foundation Civil Society Working Group was established with the vision to foster civic engagement in community problem solving leading to an improved quality of life for all residents. Led by a Working Group of community volunteers, the committee is charged to identify critical community issues, develop funding priorities and oversee a responsive grants program benefiting locally based nonprofit organizations.

Focus: The Civil Society Working Group currently supports programs and organizations that are using community problem solving strategies to address the region's affordable housing crisis. The Foundation believes that individuals working together can make important and lasting positive changes in our community.

Affordable Housing Initiative: While the construction of new affordable housing is a challenge, it is our belief that we can make a difference by supporting the development of public policy leading to increased affordable housing. This initiative will fund programs that foster civic engagement through data sharing, convenings and communication across communities, thereby increasing public awareness for inclusive planning for new units of affordable housing. The Foundation will support programs contributing to increased:

     • awareness of affordable housing issues in local communities;
     • community engagement and action in civic activities through community organizing,         leadership development and trainings; and
     • implementation of public policies that assure affordable housing in local        communities.


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