2015 marks an important milestone for many agencies that were created to protect, enhance and improve the quality of life for our aging community.
At The San Diego Foundation, we are proud to celebrate our 40th Anniversary (Ruby) dedicating our efforts to serving the community through effective and responsible philanthropy and through our Age Friendly Communities initiative.
To date, The Foundation has provided more than $1 million dollars in grants to bring awareness and increase capacity to programs, services and partnerships to create a community for all ages to thrive.
Through our Age Friendly Communities initiative, our region is joining a national movement.
On July 13, The Foundation joined one of 600 viewing parties held across the country and participated in the White House Conference on Aging. Topics ranged from caregiver resources to protection against elder abuse, technology and the future of aging.
We also engaged in the “Getting Older is Getting Better because…” social campaign to raise awareness for key initiative issues:
The Older Americans Act and programs such as Medicare and Medicaid are celebrating their 50th Anniversary (Gold) while the Social Security Administration is celebrating its 80th Anniversary (Diamonds) all serving millions of families in our nation. Although resources have ebbed and flowed throughout the years, the purpose and need of these programs has not faltered.
According to the U.S. Administration on Aging, between 2003 and 2013 the population age 60 and over increased 30.7% from 48.1 million to 62.8 million. Grants, resources or support to our healthy aging, planning, social services and research are more critical today than ever.
[Tweet “Grants & support to our healthy aging, planning, social services & research are more critical today than ever.”]
This continues to show how important the Age Friendly Communities initiative is to help share these opportunities, as well as convene around ways to improve existing and/or future programs.
Currently there are several spaces where San Diegans can join the conversation.
The City of San Diego Senior Affairs Advisory Board (SAAB) is seeking San Diegans over the age of 55 to complete a survey to learn more about San Diego’s aging community.
Later this year, the County of San Diego Department of Aging and Independent Services will also be conducting a survey to see what issues are of concern regionally.
Through ongoing support from the Board of Supervisors, the county has continued the “Cool Zones” Program with its local libraries, recreation and senior centers to address areas where a senior or young family may not have access to air conditioning. This year marks the Cool Zone Program’s 14th year with participation in over 115 communities in the county.
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