The San Diego Foundation Development & Stewardship Team is here to help you by delivering world-class philanthropy and service, and promptly 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 Trudy Armstrong, Director, Regional Affiliates.
I find it richly rewarding to work with and learn from our donors. I love learning more about their passions and what has inspired their passion. I am honored to work with these individuals who consistently put the needs of others first. It is their way of life; a continuous desire to use their time, talent and treasure to make the world a better place.
After graduating from college, it was my goal to attend the Indiana School of Philanthropy, but a not-to-be-missed job opportunity came up and I changed course. For a long time, I fulfilled that longing by getting deeply involved in the philanthropic service club, Rotary, both here and internationally. After a long career in the for-profit sector, 13 years ago I was thrilled to join the staff at The San Diego Foundation and live out my lifelong desire to work in the nonprofit sector!
The relationships, both internally and externally. There is an extremely supportive team atmosphere at The Foundation and the donors that we work with are incredible. It is inspiring to assist them in making their impact on the future of our region.
I think the San Diego region retains a strong “hometown” feel, whether in City of San Diego or the many strong communities that make up our region. We have found a robust desire for individuals in our region to protect and enhance the place where they have been raised and are raising their families, and where they work and play. They display this with their generosity.
Human services and the many areas encompassed in human services, such as feeding our hungry, sheltering and providing services for our homeless, and caring for our elderly and young people. I have a particular personal interest in organizations helping foster youth, especially as they face aging out of the system.
I like to take walks in my free time.
This is a critical life lesson that took me a long time to learn. I now know how important it is to leave work behind on weekends and days off; to actually schedule time, just as I would for business appointments, for exercise, self-reflection and time with family and friends.
I am fortunate to have a son and daughter-in-law close by… so it is their backyard!
Walking on the beach or kayaking.
Costa Rica!
Our many donors and philanthropists who put the needs of others before their own. Those who consistently stretch out their hands and hearts to give others a hand up in the world.
From my parents: be kind, always. You never know what someone else is going through, so always default to empathy and kindness.
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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The Advisor monthly e-newsletter provides philanthropy news and trends and financial planning strategies for advisors and their clients.
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Receive quarterly email updates about our Children and Families programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support stronger families in our region.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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This helpful resource provides you with information about corporate philanthropy and custom corporate giving solutions for your business.
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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).
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