Chula Vista Charitable Foundation Invests in Regional Economic Growth

With population growth outpacing economic growth, Chula Vista faces an ongoing challenge.

According to the US Census, from 2015 to 2016, while the population in Chula Vista grew from 265,754 to 267,169, a 0.53 percent increase, employment in Chula Vista only grew at a rate of 0.12 percent, from 119,492 employees to 119,630 employees. Additionally, nearly 30 percent of the workforce in Chula Vista commutes longer than 35 minutes to work.

Collective Giving in Chula Vista

Philanthropy may help change those trends soon.

Through collective giving, Chula Vista Charitable Foundation (CVCF) members are leveraging philanthropy to strengthen economic development in their neighborhood.

On May 16, more than 60 CVCF members, community leaders and partners came together at the George G. Glenner Center Town Square, an innovative day facility for those living with Alzheimer’s, to award $55,000 to four nonprofits at the Annual CVCF Grants Celebration.

The 2018 grants will support local economic development and growth through programs that will provide job skill training, small business loans and employment opportunities to Chula Vistans.

Among the four organizations supported was Accion San Diego, a mission-based micro-lender dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs with the accessible financing and resources to create or grow healthy businesses.

With the CVCF grant, Accion San Diego will empower 15 Chula Vista small businesses with loans to start or expand their businesses, create and maintain 38 jobs in the community, and provide wrap-around services, including business counseling, technical assistance and monthly credit reporting, to support and sustain existing local small businesses.

“We are thrilled to be supported by this grant to build lasting impact in Chula Vista by creating economic activity and jobs through the small businesses we will serve with access to capital and education,” shared Elizabeth Schott, CEO of Accion San Diego.

Throught the Accion San Diego grant, as well as the three others, CVCF is investing in innovative and sustainable solutions that support smart economic growth.

Outdoor Outreach, San Diego Futures Foundation and South County EDC also received CVCF grant support.

Make a Lasting Impact

Since 2010, CVCF has supported Chula Vista by granting more than $300,000 to nonprofit organizations working in the region, building an endowment of more than $550,000 to benefit the community in perpetuity.

CVCF is just one of eight Regional Affiliate organizations working together to advance quality of life for its respective residents. If you aren’t a member yet, the Regional Affiliate Program is the perfect way to become an active participant in your community’s growth.

Together, members help their respective community and build a strong, resilient neighborhood today, and into the future.

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