It Takes a Community to Build a Community Foundation
This post is part of the #CF100 Series of blog posts. The Council on Foundations is marking the 100th anniversary of the nation’s first community foundation, The Cleveland Foundation, by highlighting the roles of community foundations with this series.
See where it all began at our
Fall Conference for Community Foundations in Cleveland this October!
Philanthropy in San Diego is healthy and growing thanks to community residents from Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido, Ramona, 4SRanch-Del Sur, Rancho Bernardo, Chula Vista, La Jolla and San Ysidro collaborating through pooled philanthropy and a shared vision to build a powerful catalyst for immediate and lasting improvements in their regions.
It does take a community to build a community foundation, and people that care can make great strides within a region today and for years to come. By joining like-minded residents, people in a community can demonstrate commitment to a region and help establish a legacy for generations to come.
The Escondido Charitable Foundation approaches a milestone accomplishment this fall when it marks $1 million in grantmaking within that region since 2007. A recent grant of $19,000 to Angel’s Depot will provide 140 meals to Escondido’s at-risk senior citizens by purchasing nutritious, nonperishable food to seniors at-risk for malnutrition and food insecurity. The Angel’s Depot food box contains a week’s worth of meals and is provided before the last week of the month, in order to provide a bridge between Social Security checks.
Meanwhile in the southern tip of the county, the newest affiliate, the San Ysidro Community Foundation, will award its first grants in the upcoming weeks.
In total, more than $2.7 million has been granted from The San Diego Foundation’s regional community foundation network since inception. These grants enhanced the region, helping nonprofit organizations introduce programs and services that enrich the region.
These community foundations leverage the experience and reputation of The San Diego Foundation board, volunteers and staff, providing the San Diego region’s leading resource for helping public-spirited citizens and philanthropists to develop and fund vital solutions to meet the need of millions of area residents. Regional community foundation members themselves are as diverse as the communities they serve, including local businesses, community leaders and new residents.
While each regional community foundation has a unique philanthropic goal, they share a passion and commitment to their respective community. They give where they live and engage where they can make a difference. That’s community.
