The San Diego Foundation on Wednesday commemorated its 50th anniversary at the Copley-Price Family YMCA, while reiterating a “commitment to just, equitable and resilient communities.”
The foundation has issued more than $1.8 billion in grants since opening its doors in 1975.
At the heart of Wednesday’s anniversary celebration is Fifty & Forward, a fundraising campaign “designed to meet pressing needs and opportunities for education, children and families, and the environment for the next 50 years,” according to a news release from the foundation.
Goals for the campaign included granting $500 million to nonprofits while raising $1 billion to fund the organization’s efforts for the coming five decades.
To date, $369 million has been granted to nonprofits serving children and families, advancing education and protecting the environment, while officials have raised $891 million.
The effort is one of the largest grantmaking and philanthropic campaigns in San Diego County history.
“For 50 years, San Diego Foundation has served as a catalyst for change – connecting generous donors with opportunities to improve lives across our region,” said Mark Stuart, president and CEO of the foundation. “As we celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together, we are deeply grateful to the many leaders and organizations we’ve forged partnerships with to help those furthest from opportunity and to ensure San Diego is a place we all feel proud to call home.”
In addition to its grants, the foundation has stewarded $1.6 billion in charitable assets and run 2,400 charitable funds in the past 50 years.
“San Diego Foundation exemplifies what happens when philanthropy, public service and community vision come together,” said county Supervisor Montgomery Steppe. “The foundation’s 50-year legacy of impact has touched countless lives, strengthened our social safety net and created pathways to prosperity for generations of San Diegans. The county is proud to partner with San Diego Foundation in advancing equity and opportunity for all.”
Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, and Mayor Todd Gloria also attended the ceremony.
To mark the occasion, state representatives recognized the foundation as Nonprofit of the Year and 15 cities, along with San Diego County, issued proclamations celebrating “San Diego Foundation Day.”
The municipalities that offered proclamations include Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee and Vista.
Community foundations control charitable assets and direct them where they are most needed. In addition to in-house initiatives, the foundation responds during crises such as wildfires, the 2024 San Diego floods and the COVID-19 pandemic
City News Service contributed to this report.
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