More people in the Black community can buy homes. Black students are receiving critical financial and academic assistance for college and career success. Others are starting their own businesses or receiving the work training needed to pursue new, high-paying jobs.
Over the last two years, strides like these were made possible by the launch of the San Diego Foundation Black Community Investment Fund (BCIF).
The fund was created after COVID-19 and the racial reckoning of 2020 revealed the impacts of systemic racism, especially as it impacts Black communities. For example, San Diego County’s Black community has the highest poverty rate (21%) of any group in the region. Statistics like these drove SDF to work with the County and San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce to start the fund.
BCIF follows four core pillars of grantmaking – education, entrepreneurship, employment and housing – all chosen and defined by the BCIF Advisory Council. Since its start, BCIF has granted more than $3.3 million to Black San Diegans.
How has BCIF begun to move the needle on housing, entrepreneurship, employment and education?
However, none of this work would be possible without the crucial help of donors and funders.
To launch BCIF, SDF received seed funding from partners like San Diego Gas & Electric, Wells Fargo Bank and Cox Communications, with Bank of America also contributing this past year. Together, their contributions have helped make a change in our community by increasing racial equity and building generational wealth for Black San Diegans.
There is still work left to do to achieve the SDF vision of just, equitable and resilient communities. To learn how you can support racial and social justice in the San Diego region or to donate, visit the BCIF webpage.
On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
"*" indicates required fields
The Advisor monthly e-newsletter provides philanthropy news and trends and financial planning strategies for advisors and their clients.
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Children and Families programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support stronger families in our region.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Education programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support enhanced learning experiences and increased access to college for San Diego students.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Environment and Climate programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support equitable outdoor access and climate change resiliency.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Racial and Social Justice programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to learn about creating equitable opportunities for all and how to support our multicultural region and its diverse population.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource provides you with information about corporate philanthropy and custom corporate giving solutions for your business.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource will show you how you can leave a legacy to your family, your charity or your community that complements your will and trust(s).
"*" indicates required fields