Surrounded by children’s laughter and a generous dose of confetti, San Diego Foundation (SDF) celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 28 at the Copley-Price YMCA/YMCA of San Diego County, a nod to one of SDF’s most trusted grantees and enduring partnerships.
Fifty years ago, a bold vision took root: to build a stronger, more connected San Diego through generosity and community-driven solutions. What began in 1975 as a small but determined group of local donors has grown into a regional force for good — and a community foundation that has mobilized more than $1.8 billion in grants to nonprofits and inspired thousands of donors, leaders and partners to invest in a better future for all San Diegans.
Together, donors, nonprofit partners and community leaders have helped create more than 2,400 charitable funds in partnership with SDF. From expanding educational opportunities to supporting wildfire recovery efforts and investing in climate resilience, every fund and grant tells a story of generosity in action.
A Regional Celebration of Community
The spirit of SDF’s 50th anniversary has resonated across the region. In May, SDF was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by California State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson. Even more heartwarming, 15 cities and the County of San Diego proclaimed “San Diego Foundation Day” — a tribute to the shared impact made across the region’s communities.
At a special celebration at the Copley-Price Family YMCA, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters, San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and YMCA of San Diego County CEO Todd Tibbits joined nonprofit partners, SDF staff and current and former board members to honor this milestone.
“San Diego Foundation exemplifies what happens when philanthropy, public service and community vision come together,” said Montgomery Steppe. “The Foundation’s 50-year legacy of impact has touched countless lives, strengthened our social safety net, and created pathways to prosperity for generations of San Diegans. The County is proud to partner with San Diego Foundation in advancing equity, and opportunity for all.”
While the event celebrated the SDF’s impact since its founding in 1975, it was also about its next 50 years.
A Bold Vision for What’s Next
San Diego Foundation’s Fifty & Forward Campaign is a bold, ongoing effort to meet the region’s most pressing needs by granting $500 million to education, the environment and children and families, while raising $1 billion for our region’s future.
In partnership with donors, SDF has:
- Granted $369 million through Fifty & Forward to support local nonprofits
- Raised $891 million toward our goal of $1 billion for future impact
As part of Fifty & Forward, SDF has also announced recent initiatives making a difference in our region:
- A $4 million commitment to help more students attend college
- A $15 million endowment for Ready to Learn in partnership with the Dr. Seuss Foundation to support literacy for all San Diegans for decades to come
- Nearly $2 million invested in binational climate resilience projects to support communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate change
These investments are more than numbers — they’re lifelines, opportunities, and hope for our communities.
Making an Impact
As Board Chair Dr. Pamela Luster shared, “This milestone is not just about the Foundation – it’s about the lives changed because someone cared enough to give, to partner, to show up.”
