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The San Diego Foundation Development & Stewardship Team is here to help you by delivering world-class philanthropy and service, and expertly responding to your needs.
In this Meet our Giving Team blog series, we’re interviewing each of our team members so you can learn more about the individuals – both professionally and personally – who are helping you give confidently to make the most social impact. In today’s post, meet Candance Wo, Director of Mitigation and Nonprofit Funds.
The people and organizations! I remember a past employee telling me that there are many things to love about working at TSDF, but chief among them are the amazing people this organization attracts, and to this day that sticks in my mind. Additionally, in my role at TSDF, I get to interact with all of the amazing organizations within our diverse region, and partnering with them is such an incredible gift.
As the Director of Mitigation and Nonprofit Funds, I primarily work with environmental organizations and nonprofits. Seeing the dogged determination of all of our partner organizations gives me hope for the future of all San Diegans.
My incredible husband. He is by far the brightest, most compassionate, and service-minded person I have ever met. He can build a house and enjoy a musical, and most importantly, he helps me to see that there are other sides to every situation. I truly believe the world is a better place because he is in it.
I always say you don’t find fundraising, fundraising finds you. I volunteered at a small direct service organization for homebound seniors in college and the Executive Director at the time suggested I study public administration/policy in graduate school. She must have seen my knack for nonprofit organizations early in my career. I ended up going to the University of Southern California where I finished graduate school and ended up working for their Advancement team. As they say, the rest is history.
I have lived and worked in San Diego for nearly ten years, and being in the nonprofit world, The San Diego Foundation has always been in my orbit. I first learned about TSDF through the Arts Initiative and later through other programmatic areas.
I take the time to care for myself. If I don’t do it, no one will. You have one life and one body – take care of it, love it, cherish and harness all its power.
I believe one of the most pressing issues we face in the modern era is the impact of human life on the environment. How can we ensure there is a world for the future? How can we stop sea-level rise and the rising temperature?
Either by reading or admittedly scrolling through my phone, and playing with my cats.
I just moved, so that is yet to be seen, but in my old neighborhood, this amazing Vietnamese spring roll joint call Goi Cuon. They are not paying me to say this, but I would welcome a roll of any kind!
Walking or hiking on or near the beach.
Most recently, The Vanishing Half or Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning. The sheer amount of AAPI writers who have gained prominence in the last few years is heartening and has been a joy to read.
Morocco, Hong Kong (my home), or my parent’s house in the Bay Area (my other home).
“Feelings are not facts and the universe is a benevolent conspiracy hellbent on showing me magic if I simply get out of the way.” (words by author Mary H.K. Choi)
Women. The power we possess is otherworldly. I see women every day making “it” happen with little more than sheer will and courage. Thank you to all those brave women who have come before and after.
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.
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