Our Purpose
We’re committed to meeting emerging needs in Escondido by increasing responsible philanthropy to benefit all who live, work and play in this special community.
Our purpose is to build our community endowment, provide funding to local nonprofit organizations and causes, and give community members a vehicle for legacy planning and gifts.
Escondido Community Foundation 2023-2024 Grant Cycle
Escondido Community Foundation will be accepting proposals for projects that invest in and celebrate our city, bring us together to build community and enhance Escondido’s quality of life. The Letter of Intent (LOI) is the first step in a two-step application process, which will facilitate the allocation of funding for Escondido-centered projects. The funding range is $15,000 to $40,000. Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 23, 2023.
Grant Guidelines Apply Now
Escondido Giving Arch
On April 11, the Escondido Community Foundation (ECF) and the City of Escondido lit the 40-foot by 108-foot welcome arch over Grand Avenue at Centre City Parkway in honor of first responders and as a beacon of hope.
Jacquie Skay, Chair of the ECF Board, commented: “The original plan was to host a huge public ceremony, but the rules of the day changed that plan. We decided not to wait. Now is the time to give our community something to cheer about.”
“The Giving Arch” is in recognition of the generosity and community spirit of Escondido residents. The design of The Giving Arch reflects the architectural lines of Escondido City Hall and the philanthropic spirit of the community and will welcome both residents and visitors to Escondido.
A dedication ceremony will be held when the time is appropriate. Plaques are still available. Please contact Regional Affiliates Director Trudy Armstrong at trudy@sdfoundation.org for more information.
Become a Member
When you become a member, you make a difference for the causes you care about through collective grantmaking and endowment building.
Meet Our Members
*Founder
Ken Lounsbery
Chair
Chair
Jack Raymond
Immediate Past Chair & Founding Chair
Immediate Past Chair & Founding Chair
*Rick Paul
Grants Chair
Grants Chair
Rachel Currington
Membership Chair
Membership Chair
Rita Bowcock
Events Co-Chair
Events Co-Chair
Susan Greenstein
Events Co-Chair
Events Co-Chair
Donna Aeling
Lorraine Boyce
Emeritus
Emeritus
*Sally Costello
Pat Flynn
Joa Giamanco
*John Goodrich
Luis Ibbara
Jan Jones
*Tom Knight
Emily Lowe
Ceci Lusky
*Ken Myers
Vaughn North
Cathy O’Malley
*Mike Peters
*Rebecca Raymond
*Lisa Ruder
Jacquie Skay
*Larry Trautner
*Nick Tsoulos
Jerry Van Leeuwen
*Cynthia Waasdorp
*Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps
Corporate Member
Corporate Member
Hidden Valley Orthodontics
Corporate Member
Corporate Member
Regional Affiliates
Escondido Community Foundation to Award Grants to Nonprofits Assisting Local Secondary Students
Regional Affiliates
Quarterly Letter from ECF Board Chair Ken Lounsbery
Regional Affiliates
Escondido Community Foundation Grants $199,900 at Annual Grant Awards Celebration
Regional Affiliates
July 2022 Letter from ECF Board Chair Ken Lounsbery
2021 - 2022 Nonprofit Grantees
Escondido Community Foundation awarded $199,900 in funding during its 15th year of grantmaking to 8 programs that support workforce development.
$35,000Neighborhood Healthcare
Medical Assistant Training Program
$33,000Escondido Union High School District
San Pasqual High SuperNURDs Robotics Program
$30,000Interfaith Community Service
Veterans Employment Assistance Program
$29,000Urban Corps of San Diego County
Dual Work-Learn Program
$25,000Solutions for Change
Solutions Academy
$17,900Fred Finch CARES
Behavior Education and Skills Training
$15,000Escondido Union High School District
Escondido High Agriculture Farm to Fork Program
$15,000Palomar College Foundation
Technology for Medical Training
Contact Us
For more information or to join today, contact Trudy Armstrong, Regional Affiliates Director, at trudy@sdfoundation.org or (619) 764-8602.
