David and Tina Thomas can do without the accolades. Their philanthropy isn’t about recognition, it’s about impact. And through their 25-year partnership with San Diego Foundation, their generosity has transformed countless young lives across the region and beyond.
“We have been fortunate and we were both raised with a foundation of giving back,” David said. “The focus is not about us but rather on the charities. We prioritize working with organizations who, by emphasizing having a direct connection with each individual that comes to them, can address their specific needs and make for the most positive impact in the community.”
Focused on Lasting Change
Among the nonprofits and educational institutions benefitting from their gifts through their SDF-based David and Tina Thomas Family Charitable Fund:
- Just In Time For Foster Youth (JIT), an organization whose mission is “to engage a caring community to help transition-aged-out foster youth achieve self-sufficiency and well-being.” JIT allocates more than $4.5 million annually, supporting transitioning foster youth through financial literacy workshops, essential education, emergency funding for unanticipated expenses, healthy practices and well-being, and much more. About 80% of JIT youth receiving academic guidance, support and scholarships stay in school and graduate. “Too often, the kids in the foster community have had to struggle, and Just in Time puts these kids first. Their mission is to not only help them achieve but to help them thrive and break the cycle,” explains Tina.
- UC Berkeley Hope Scholars, a UC Berkeley academic retention program supported by David and Tina to support current and former foster youth with an array of services that include mentorships, mental health services, and financial and academic counseling and emergency housing. “Foster youth who transition to college are facing a whole new set of problems,” says Tina. “You can’t just drop them off and say, ‘See you later!’ There’s a responsibility to help them complete their educational goals.”
- Nativity Prep Academy, an all-scholarship Catholic middle school and college-preparatory program for students from under-resourced families who go on to become first generation college graduates.
- Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), an organization whose mission is to change the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience. PCA recognizes the urgent issue of creating a fair and inclusive sports landscape that provides positive, equitable and accessible opportunities for all kids.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest San Diego, the second largest Boys & Girls Club organization in the region. Formerly the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito and Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside – which joined forces in 2024 and now includes eight clubhouses with expanded services ranging from after-school support to teen leadership initiatives. David Thomas has been involved with the chapters for more than 30 years, including the San Francisco club and other clubs around the country, as a volunteer and board and foundation member.
The SDF Connection
David and Tina do their research before committing to a cause. And that’s one reason SDF has been so critical to their philanthropic decisions. “They’re not going to recommend or work with a nonprofit that’s not focused on the population it’s trying to serve,” says Tina.
Their philanthropy extends beyond financial contributions. “Just as valuable, if not more valuable, than making a donation is giving your time and volunteering,” says David, who is especially active with most of the charities they support. “I was raised in a family that had very little money, but had a lot of time to give to others.”
Inspiring Others to Give
As SDF celebrates a half century of philanthropy with its Fifty & Forward Campaign, the North County couple is hoping that you, too, can give what you can. “Nothing gives us more pleasure or satisfaction than helping other people,” David says.
“Having an opportunity to donate and make a difference, and see the results is very rewarding,” adds Tina. “It’s not a handout, it’s a continual assist that is impacting lives.”
