What is Social Justice?

In the world of philanthropy, we hear the phrase social justice a lot.

But what exactly does it mean?

While you probably have a general idea of what social justice stands for, if you were put on the spot, would you be able to define it in a short soundbite?

Several organizations and institutions provide their own definitions for social justice. Here are a few:

• “Social justice may be broadly understood as the fair and compassionate distribution of the fruits of economic growth.”
  United Nations
• “Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities. Social workers aim to open the doors of access and opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need.”
  National Association of Social Workers
• “Social justice encompasses economic justice. Social justice is the virtue which guides us in creating those organized human interactions we call institutions. In turn, social institutions, when justly organized, provide us with access to what is good for the person, both individually and in our associations with others. Social justice also imposes on each of us a personal responsibility to work with others to design and continually perfect our institutions as tools for personal and social development.”
  Center for Economic and Social Justice

Defining Social Justice

While formal definitions for social justice vary in wording, there are commonalities among them.

1. Equal rights
2. Equal opportunity
3. Equal treatment

With these core values in mind, we can define the phrase as such: Social justice means equal rights and equitable opportunities for all.

Examples in San Diego Philanthropy

Using this definition, you can see how social justice relates directly to philanthropy in San Diego.

Many local nonprofit organizations build mission statements invested in social justice in their respective social impact areas, including the California Innocence Project for criminal justice, the Neighborhood House Association for underserved communities, and Challenged Athletes Foundation for children and athletes with physical disabilities.

Black Community Investment Fund

Co-founded in 2020 by the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce and The San Diego Foundation, and led by an advisory council of San Diego leaders, the Black Community Investment Fund prioritizes and invests in community-led, innovative efforts that increase racial equity and generational wealth for Black San Diegans.

The fund focuses grantmaking on four key pillars impacting economic prosperity among Black San Diegans:

• Education
• Employment
• Entrepreneurship
• Housing

After just one year, the fund has resulted in $3.1 million raised and leveraged and $3 million granted and committed to support Black San Diegans.

Learn More

Learn more about the Black Community Investment Fund and how you can help make San Diego a better, stronger and more equitable region so every San Diegan can thrive, prosper and feel like they belong.

Learn More