San Diego is a society of optimists. Where others see challenge, we see opportunity. And one of the best investment opportunities San Diegans can make is in the lives of others.

Every year, thousands of San Diegans give generously through The San Diego Foundation to advance quality of life in communities across the region. Their philanthropy creates opportunity for all San Diegans, from the youngest with increased early childhood education programs to the oldest through more age-friendly communities.

This year, that philanthropy reached a significant milestone.

During fiscal year 2018, donors at The San Diego Foundation granted more than $67 million to the nonprofit community to strengthen our region.

Never before have our donors given so much to so many.

What made this year special was the level of impact generated by thousands of donors. The grantmaking included:

  • $21.4 million for Education
  • $17 million for Civil Society
  • $11.3 million for Health & Human Services
  • $6.7 million for Arts and Culture
  • $3.9 for Youth Development
  • $3.4 million for the Environment

2018 Annual Meeting

That generosity took center stage at The San Diego Foundation 2018 Annual Meeting, where more than 250 philanthropists and community partners celebrated the longstanding impact philanthropy has had and continues to have in San Diego.

“Donors play a significant role in making our region a vibrant place to work, enjoy, live and learn,” shared Dr. Constance Carroll, Board Chair of The San Diego Foundation. “Their deeply-held values of generosity, innovation, and service are moving San Diego forward.

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The event showcased the broad partnerships that make San Diego so special, from business and education to government and philanthropy.

As California Senator Toni Atkins, President pro Tempore of the California State Senate, shared at the event, “One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was to imagine the world you want to live in and then work to create it. And The San Diego Foundation gives people a way to do just that.”

Jack Raymond, CEO of Raymond Companies and Founder of the Escondido Charitable Foundation, reminded everyone of the importance of partnerships and investing in the entire region, while Dr. Karen Haynes, Presidents of California State University, San Marcos, spoke about the power of philanthropy and education.

And most of all, each speaker underscored the role that generous donors play in growing a vibrant San Diego region.

“San Diego is an extremely generous region when it comes to philanthropy,” explained Jerry Sanders, President & CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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Long heralded as one of the most generous regions in the country, the $67 million granted through The San Diego Foundation in fiscal year 2018 is yet another example of why San Diego is a society of charitable optimists.

Thank you to the donors and partners who help make a difference in the lives of others through philanthropy every day.

See the Impact