Celebrating Community Foundation Week and National Philanthropy Day

Today kicks of Community Foundation Week across the U.S.

Running through Friday, November 18, Community Foundation Week (#CFWeek) recognizes the work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative approach to working with public, private, and nonprofit sectors to address community challenges.

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Community Foundation Fast Facts

The community foundation field is one of the fastest growing philanthropic sectors in the U.S. today.

Here are five fast facts to help you understand the impact of community foundations:

1. The first community foundation was launched 100 years ago in Cleveland, Ohio
2. Today, there are more than 780 community foundations in the U.S. and more than 1,000 community foundations worldwide
3. Community foundations in the United States are located in almost every region and state in the country
4. Community foundations grant funds to a wide variety of causes—urban affairs, the arts, education, environmental projects, health and disaster relief
5. According to the Foundation Center, in 2012 community foundations received an estimated $7.5 billion in gifts, gave $5 billion in grants, and held total assets of $65 billion

Impact in San Diego

The San Diego Foundation is just one example of a community foundation that helps maximize the impact of charitable giving to enact positive social change in a region. Every day, we mobilize resources to advance quality of life, increase social impact and champion civic engagement though effective, responsible and innovative philanthropy.

In FY2016, The Foundation provided $58.5 million in the form of 5,650 grants to 1,666 nonprofit organizations that serve community needs. And earlier this month, thanks to thousands of local philanthropists and partners who are committed to growing a vibrant region, we reached a major milestone: $1 billion in community grantmaking since our founding in 1975.

The Foundation represents one of the largest donor networks in San Diego, and together, we help move our community forward for future generations in the areas of Education, Environment, Health & Human Services, Arts & Culture, Science & Technology, Youth Development, Disaster Relief and more.

National Philanthropy Day

Whether you give your time, talent or treasure to San Diego, what you do from the heart makes a difference.

That’s why in the middle of Community Foundation Week, we’ll be celebrating the charitable work that you and your fellow San Diegans do to make a difference and create impact in your communities on National Philanthropy Day® (NPD) November 15.

In honor of NPD, we’ll be sponsoring the National Philanthropy Day® Awards Celebration November 16 honoring our community heroes who represent the spirit of philanthropy and reflect the great stories of generosity and selflessness that happen every day in the world. Get your tickets today.

Stay current on NPD updates here >

Stories of impact and generosity are all around us in San Diego.

In fact, many of our donors have powerful stories behind their philanthropic passions. Get inspired by reading our Donor Stories today, and help us grow a vibrant San Diego region by supporting our Programs and Funds.

Support San Diego

Don’t forget to share your own philanthropic efforts in the comments below!