For 50 years, San Diego Foundation (SDF) has carried forward the vision of community leaders serving on its board of governors. Their memories, from rallying during crises to expanding opportunities in environment and education, reflect not just what was accomplished, but the values at the center of the SDF mission – to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region.
Finding Its Roots
From its start, board members played a pivotal role in shaping the SDF path.
Kevin Munnelly recalled a time in 1975 when the City of San Diego began exploring the creation of a community foundation, only to discover that what would become San Diego Foundation was already taking shape.
“I was able to get the City to withdraw in favor of San Diego Foundation,” he said. Along with the withdrawal came a $100,000 gift to support the launch.
“It was remarkable money – when you consider that police and firefighters were getting a salary of about $6,000 a year,” Munnelly said.
Decades later, Jack Raymond, former SDF Board of Governors Chair, pointed to two defining moments: the creation of the Regional Affiliate program – which empowers people to give where they live, and the purchase of SDF headquarters at Liberty Station. Both decisions helped root SDF in the community it serves.
That foundation of stability became the launching point for how SDF would respond to San Diego’s greatest challenges.
Coming Together in Times of Crisis
That early strength became a springboard for action during San Diego’s toughest times –from floods to pandemics, wildfires and beyond.
“What I’m most proud of is the $67 million that we deployed in a matter of months in response to the Global Pandemic of 2020,” said Hal Dunning.
For Jim Ziegler, he’s most proud of the SDF leadership and support for wildfire victims in 2003.
“It affected more than 280,000 acres in San Diego County, and thousands of homes were destroyed,” Ziegler said. “We were able to raise lots of money to help those people with their long-term recovery efforts.”
But board members also remembered the joy of investing in San Diego’s future, from education and the arts to protecting the beloved San Diego environment.
Investing in the Future
For years, San Diego Foundation has helped open doors of opportunity and for youth across San Diego. Former board chair Steve Klosterman recalled the joy of awarding multi-year grants to 10 nonprofits that ran music education programs for children, made possible by the Jay Kahn Endowment Fund. It was a moment that reflected commitment to nurturing creativity, social-emotional skills and supporting the next generation.
That same commitment to youth was also at the heart of Gloria McColl Powell’s fondest memories. More than 40 years ago, she witnessed the Foundation begin awarding scholarships, a tradition that continues today.
“The granting of scholarships makes me the proudest of San Diego Foundation,” she said.
The Community Scholarship Program is made possible through the generous donor support of 154 unique charitable funds at San Diego Foundation, which is the largest non-university scholarship provider in the region. Since its inception in 1997, the program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students.
For former board member Ileana Ovalle, it was the environmental work she remembered most.
“The Environmental Working Group was my favorite, most impactful effort,” she said. The former group’s focus on protecting and enhancing San Diego’s natural environment remains central to SDF priorities to this day.
Leadership and Growth
For many former board members, the most meaningful memories came from watching San Diego Foundation grow under the guidance of strong community leaders and advocates.
“I am most proud of the efforts we made to bring in new leadership, resulting in major financial growth and significant expansion of philanthropic opportunities,” she said. “San Diego Foundation is a jewel in our wonderful city!”
For Dr. Constance Carroll, former Board Chair, it was the moment current President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Stuart, accepted the role.
“Mark knew San Diego well. He is a man of vision and compassion,” she said. “As the past years demonstrate, he has been an extraordinary leader. He’s made a remarkable difference in San Diego, and I hope he will continue for many years to come.”
About Fifty & Forward
The San Diego Foundation Fifty & Forward campaign is a multi-year grantmaking and fundraising initiative. The goal of the ambitious campaign is to partner with donors to grant $500 million to local nonprofits supporting education, children and families, and the environment, while fundraising $1 billion to help shape San Diego’s future. To date, $335 million has been granted to create a place we feel proud to call home.
