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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 Pauline Martinson, Director, Philanthropic Advisor.
The amazing staff! The staff that works at TSDF are truly the best of the best. I appreciate the camaraderie within our team. Pre-COVID times, we threw some great potlucks, too. I also appreciate that every day I am contributing to San Diego in a positive way. I am grateful for our generous donors and strong partnerships in the community.
Our donors are truly inspiring – they give selflessly and are so generous and humble. It’s interesting to hear about their passions and their drive to make San Diego a better place. I’ve learned about so many facets of San Diego from our donors, and I appreciate how much I get to interact with different community members and learn about their interest areas.
The nonprofits we serve. Having led an environmental organization for 12 years, I know running a nonprofit is a lot of work! I believe our local community organizations bridge significant gaps in our community, from getting the hungry fed to showing youth the importance of safe and clean outdoor spaces. I’m so proud of The Foundation’s role in bringing attention and resources to those who are underserved in our region.
I journeyed into the nonprofit sector in 2006 when I started at I Love A Clean San Diego as Program Manager, and a year later took over as Executive Director. It was challenging and very rewarding work to grow and enhance San Diego’s environment as well as bring others along to understand the importance of our environment. I’ve never looked back. I’m a natural-born do-gooder!
The nonprofit I led had a fabulous opportunity to lease office space in The San Diego Foundation’s building. Being in the same office building really elevated us in many ways, and it was a privilege to be close to the ‘movers and shakers’ in philanthropy. We accessed TSDF’s grant resources and were lucky to be selected by TSDF and its donor-advised fund holders for grant dollars. All philanthropic roads in San Diego lead to The San Diego Foundation.
Exercise and getting outside. During COVID, I learned to love online pilates, barre and yoga workouts when I couldn’t get to studios or go outside. I’ve also become a fan of biking since I got an electric bike. I bike more and drive less and I love the wind in my face and the unique vantage point you have when you ride a bike – much different than driving or walking.
San Diego is such a wonderful place and has a small town, community feel, despite being a big region. In San Diego, we pay a sunshine tax for our amazing weather and diverse natural resources – people really commit to living here. It’s expensive but worth it and I think that so many of our residents want to give back to our community to keep it the amazing place it is!
The environment, and teaching youth and families the importance of getting outside and enjoying the outdoors. I believe nature is so beneficial for your mind, body and spirit. I often take time to walk in the sand to ground myself and clear my head. It’s so important, especially as we spend so much time on our computers and phones.
I pass the time with a quick 28-minute workout on Obé Fitness. My quarantine pastime was catching up on the phone with friends while walking around my neighborhood.
I live in University Heights and love Trolley Barn Park. I also enjoy walking through neighborhoods along the canyons nearby.
I love snorkeling in tropical waters, but more frequently, outdoor yoga.
Amma – the Hugging Goddess. I hear a long hug from her is life-changing.
I enjoy visiting Croatia or the Almafi coast in Italy, but Hawaii is at the top of my list.
Don’t sweat the small stuff!
Ellen Browning Scripps, who left a legacy conserving open spaces and animal welfare in Southern California.
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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