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Launched as part of our 50th anniversary, Fifty & Forward was a multi-year fundraising and grantmaking initiative designed to strengthen San Diego’s future.
Fifty & Forward was created to align generosity at scale around critical community needs. The initiative focused on building future leaders, strengthening families, protecting the environment, and supporting future generations across San Diego County.
By pairing fundraising with long-term grantmaking commitments, Fifty & Forward moved beyond short-term solutions and invest in lasting outcomes.
We set out to do something bold: raise $1 billion and invest $500 million back into our community.
Thanks to donors like you and incredible community partners, we did it. Fifty & Forward closes as the most ambitious campaign in our history. We’re profoundly grateful.
• $1.3 billion raised to support San Diego’s future
• $500 million in community grantmaking for Education, Strong Families and the Environment
San Diegans came together and gave like never before to make the greatest impact on these critical needs.
Each focus area reflects work that continues as part of San Diego Foundation’s broader community impact strategy.
Imagine a San Diego where every student could pursue an education and career of their choosing.
Why it Matters
Envision a community where every child is healthy and families are thriving.
Why it Matters
Picture a San Diego where clear air, clean water and beautiful parks are preserved and accessible.
Why it Matters
Read the Full Story“All those projects and all those people who were involved, you could pull a thread and they all go back to San Diego Foundation.”
Jay Hill, Campaign Councilmember
Read the Full Story“I’m just another human being who is trying to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.”
Patty Brutten
Read the Full Story“Soon after coming here, we wanted to get connected to the community at large.”
Cliff and Carolyn Colwell, Donors
Read the Full Story“We wanted to create a sustainable legacy, something that would continue to support children’s outdoor education forever.”
Keith and Judy Meeker, Donors
Read the Full Story“The importance of philanthropy was ingrained in us growing up.”
Susan Fleet Welsch, Donor
Read the Full Story“My belief is that the more people who are shown the need and who are shown what is possible, the more people are going to want to help out in some way.”
Alex Kwoka
Read the Full Story“Being engaged with your community in a positive way – and if you get lucky enough to have the resources to give back – is incredibly rewarding.”
Kara Ballester
Read the Full Story”Hologic is proud of its long-term partnership with San Diego Foundation to increase equity.”
Monica Aguirre Berthelot, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Hologic
Read the Full Story“He knew the power of an endowment fund. He wanted to leave a lasting gift.”
Emily Spillman, Longtime Friend Friend
Read the Full Story“The idea that we can help institutions in our community thrive and move into the future is very rewarding.”
Marilyn Brown, Campaign Councilmember
Read the Full Story“A good education – and a good start – can make all the difference in life.”
Dede Alpert
Read the Full Story“I’m a big fan of the Foundation. This [campaign] is something that is very significant for the organization and for our community.”
Connie Matsui, Campaign Councilmember
Read the Full Story“We see the needs in the community now, so why not donate this money now rather than waiting until later?”
Larry Trautner
Read the Full Story“SDF can help you learn a lot more about anything in terms of philanthropy. When you change a life, you make a difference.”
Darcy Bingham, Campaign Councilmember
Read the Full Story”I truly believe these scholarships assist students who will, in turn, go on to help others.”
Samuel M. Ciccati
Read the Full Story“There’s just something about giving to other people. For me, it’s more enjoyable than spending it on myself. I’m hoping to support those values within my family.”
Mark Nolan
Read the Full Story“We get inspired when we can see real change in the community, where we see there is an opportunity to make change.”
Paul Eichen, Donor
Read the Full Story“Just as valuable, if not more valuable, than making a donation is giving your time and volunteering.”
David Thomas
Read the Full Story”Collective philanthropy is nimble, made up of contributions of all sizes, and can help address the most intractable problems immediately.”
Susana ”Susy” Villegas
Read the Full Story”Community, to me, is coming together for the same purpose,” she said. “We are much stronger together.”
Andrea Skorepa
Read the Full Story“To be part of a process that can bring about systemic change and more of a collective impact is very attractive.”
Vicki and Moisés Barón, Campaign Councilmembers
San Diegans gave alongside each other to realize our goals, amplify your impact and ensure a healthy, vibrant San Diego home.
Amplify Your ImpactNo matter how you give, our programs can magnify your generosity.
