Mission & Vision

Our vision is for just, equitable and resilient communities.

Our mission is to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region.

We value all people, all partners and our region.


Leadership

The Board of Governors leads San Diego Foundation, in partnership with the President and CEO Mark Stuart. The board features 19 diverse professionals who are passionate about San Diego and identifying opportunities to realize our community’s potential.


Assets

Assets include more than $1.5 billion in 2,414 separate funds. In Fiscal Year 2023, SDF accepted more than $202.6 million in donor contributions and government awards to new and existing funds, and 111 new funds were opened, including 43 new endowment funds.

SDF manages 1,377 endowment funds of more than $896.6 million. Endowments benefit San Diego for good, forever as these permanent gifts grow and yield grant funding for current and future generations.

SDF assets, including endowments, are professionally invested based on specific fund type to maximize return, strengthen grantmaking and create sustainable growth.


Grantmaking

In Fiscal Year 2023, SDF awarded $131.1 million in grants to the nonprofit community. Since 1975, SDF has granted more than $1.8 billion to address many challenges and opportunities throughout San Diego County.


Strategic Priorities

Four strategic priorities guide our work and serve as our compass as we partner with donors, as well as nonprofit, civic and government leaders, to serve San Diegans in our capacity as the region’s community foundation.

1. Advance racial & social justice

We will support policies and programs that seek to eradicate systemic discrimination. We’ll address the root causes of inequities, as well as their manifestations, and eliminate policies, practices, attitudes and cultural messages that reinforce differential outcomes determined by race or social status. We will focus our efforts on creating generational wealth through home ownership for Black, Indigenous and People of Color, as well as reducing health inequities for San Diegans.

2. Foster equity of opportunity

We will increase access and resources for San Diegans facing barriers to realizing full and healthy lives. We’ll offset the unequal allocation of and access to goods, resources and services. We’ll increase access to quality early childcare and education, enhance opportunities to obtain college degrees for underrepresented San Diegans and utilize impact investing to promote the equitable flow of capital for social good.

3. Build resilient communities

We will establish and support programs that enable communities to adapt and persist through changing circumstances, like the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires, and other challenges. We’ll support and encourage communities – regional, ethnic and socio-economic – to be resourceful, creative, and capable of taking effective action in the face of change or adversity. Our focus will be on increasing access to education and skill-building, addressing environmental issues, and improving mental and behavioral health.

4. Deliver world-class philanthropy

We will offer an ever-advancing platform that supports donors and nonprofits in achieving their goals. We’ll provide innovative and customized philanthropic solutions and offer best-in-class services for our donors. We’ll enable donors to fully leverage the impact of their giving by increasing their understanding of public issues and connecting them with nonprofits. We’ll also pursue additional revenue sources to increase our community impact.


Strengthen San Diego with a contribution to these initiatives that help realize our vision:

Information as of 12/31/23

Donate Now

Feeling inspired? Make a gift right now by opening your own charitable fund or donating online to one of our Strategic Initiatives. Your generosity makes a difference!

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Contact Us

Call (619) 235-2300, email us or submit a Contact Form.

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