The San Diego Foundation

March 16, 2020 - exactly one year ago today - The San Diego Foundation collaborated with local leaders to create the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund to meet the most urgent needs across our region. Join us today as we reflect on the hope that this Fund provided to so many through the Community Response Fund Impact Report. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the inspiring impact stories of some of the 200+ nonprofit grantees that served those most adversely impa...cted by the pandemic. We truly are #BetterTogether. Read the report here: https://www.sdfoundation.org//TSDF-SD-COVID19-Impact-Repor Thank you to our founding partners: San Diego County Supervisor and Chair Nathan Fletcher San Diego Gas & Electric United Way of San Diego County San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council CBS 8 - San Diego News Alliance Healthcare Foundation

#Juneteenth commemorates when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free. Although Abraham Lincoln declared the emancipation proclamation on the first day of 1863, the news didn’t reach Texas for another two and a half years. On June 19, 1865, federal soldiers delivered the news to Galveston, TX that enslaved people were now free. But the work to dismantle systemic discrimination and realize racial and social justice for all continues today.

Stay tuned Tuesday, June 22nd, as Mama's Kitchen will be taking over our Instagram! Mama’s Kitchen was established in 1990 by a San Diego caregiver who was deeply concerned about her neighbors affected by the AIDS epidemic who were often left without support or care due to stigma and discrimination. Since then, Mama’s Kitchen has expanded their mission by providing nutritional support to San Diegans at risk of malnutrition due to critical illness such as HIV, cancer, conges...tive heart failure and type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Be sure to follow @mamaskitchensd and @sandiegofoundation on Instagram to join in! #AmplifyPride

We’re no longer satisfied with our reputation as solely a community bank. We are absolutely thrilled to redefine our future with the launch of our new Strategic Plan! Our vision? Just, equitable, and resilient communities. This revival includes creating a future in which all San Diegans have the opportunity to thrive, prosper and feel like they belong here.... Dive in to this work with us: https://sdfoundation.org/strategicplan

Our friends at The San Diego Women's Foundation are announcing $316,000 in new grants to nonprofit partners that are positively impacting our region! Click below to register in advance and join the celebration on Tuesday, June 22!

The George W. Cowan and Julie Cowan Novak Fund reflects not one, not two, but three generations of impact! Learn how Julie and "Uncle" George decided to continue his legacy and positively impact the San Diego region for years and generations to come: https://www.sdfoundation.org//cowan-novak-family-delivers/

"Imagine being trapped at home with your harm-doer. As Laura Mansho, board member at Nosilence Noviolence (NSNV), shared, that’s what the past year has been like for many individuals experiencing domestic violence. The funds that you guys have given us are literally changing lives, are literally helping people heal the trauma that they have so they can move forward. ... Learn how the COVID-19 Community Response Fund helped NSNV provide trauma therapy, legal fee coverage, rental assistance and so much more to domestic violence survivors trying to navigate their healing journeys through the pandemic: https://www.sdfoundation.org//breaking-the-silence-surrou/

We are deeply honored that author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has recognized the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund at The San Diego Foundation with a gift to continue our vital work in response to the coronavirus health and economic crisis by bolstering our local nonprofit community so it can continue to help those disproportionally impacted. We extend sincere congratulations to Goodwill Industries of San Diego County, Meals on Wheels San Diego County and YWC...A of San Diego County that were also the beneficiaries of Ms. Scott’s generosity. Ms. Scott’s team considered more than 6,400 nonprofits nationwide for funding. The 384 or 6% -- that received support were selected through a rigorous, data-driven approach that valued strong leadership teams, results, and high potential for impact. As Ms. Scott shared, Our hopes are fed by others. Thank you, Ms. Scott, for providing hope for the entire San Diego region. https://medium.com/@mackenzie/384-ways-to-help-45d0b9ac6ad8

This Friday, #BlackVoicesTaketheMic Join us on Friday, February 19 as Paving Great Futures takes over our Instagram for the day! Make sure you're following us to participate in this exciting Instagram #takeover experience, and learn more about Paving Great Futures' work to increase health and wealth for under-served communities in our region. See you there! https://www.instagram.com/sandiegofoundation/

Corporate Social Responsibility is so much more than just a fad it’s a new standard. How likely are you to continue giving business to a company after learning that they supported an issue contrary to your own beliefs? In our blog, we dive into the definition of Corporate Social Responsibility, highlight companies that have had #CSR success, and offer ways to take your company’s CSR to the next level. Learn more here:

Elementary Institute of Science is mobilizing to provide STEM kits to students that include hands-on activities to keep them engaged while learning at home. Look at all those kits! Thank you, EIS team, for rising to address the #digitaldivide for students and families in our region. #BetterTogether

"When you consistently don’t see yourself represented in outdoor spaces, it never quite clicks that, ‘I, too, could be there’. -Lesford Duncan, Senior Director of Programs at Outdoor Outreach Outdoor Outreach is one of our core Thrive Outside program partners, and we’ve been grateful to support them through our Opening The Outdoors program. This short film, Resilience, follows Les’s story and underscores Outdoor Outreach’s impact, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and culturally diverse outdoor community. Check it out via The Outbound Collective: #EveryoneOutside

Las vacunas del COVID-19 están aquí. Los trabajadores de la salud y los residentes en centros de cuidados a largo plazo serán los primeros en ser vacunados. A medida que aumente el suministro, las personas con mayor riesgo y exposición potencial al COVID-19 serán vacunados. Juntos podemos #AcabarConLaPandemia, en los 58 condados. #VaccinateAll58 https://covid19.ca.gov/es/vaccines/

It's #LoveYourHeart Day The #COVID19 pandemic has made health disparities in our region more apparent than ever. For this year’s Love Your Heart campaign, we are proud to bring funders together to support the distribution of blood pressure cuffs to 6,000 under-resourced families so that they can monitor their blood pressure numbers at home. This announcement is part of a long-term effort to improve the quality of life for all San Diegans and to chip away at the health in...equalities that have existed here in San Diego County for generations, shared our President and CEO, Mark Stuart. Learn more about this County-wide campaign and ways you can participate:

For the Karen people, an ethnic minority of Burma, and other refugees and asylum seekers from around the world who have resettled in San Diego, the pandemic has brought unemployment and the risk of eviction. Many are reluctant to seek medical care, or lack the resources to access affordable care. For English language learners and their children, online education is a daunting adjustment. The challenges that many face as a result of COVID-19 are amplified for refugees and asyl...um seekers. With support from the #COVID19 Community Response Fund, the San Diego County Refugee Families Emergency Fund has provided emergency assistance to 530 families, helping a total of 2944 family members in areas of need ranging from health care to education to imperiled basic needs such as housing, food, and physical safety. We are proud to partner with #nonprofits like Karen Organization of San Diego to improve the quality of life for our refugee and asylum-seeking neighbors, especially amid the pandemic. None of us are safe until our neighbors at the highest risk are safe. For more on how Karen Organization and other #nonprofits are navigating COVID-19's impact on the refugee community, visit: https://www.kpbs.org//pandemic-cuts-san-diego-refugees-in/

Nearly 20 percent of San Diego County’s 682,000 residents who are 60 or older are living alone. And now, with the added isolation of COVID-19 quarantine mandates, staying connected is more critical than ever for seniors. Through a recent grant from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, San Diego Oasis is purchasing and distributing more than 300 computer tablets to isolated seniors throughout the region to provide online connectivity, telehealth access and more. San Diego Oas...is is a #nonprofit dedicated to successful aging with a focus on lifelong learning, and enriching the lives of older adults by keeping them active and engaged to prevent social isolation and sedentary behavior. Learn more about San Diego Oasis and their mission to help older adults remain connected during these changing times: https://www.sdfoundation.org//providing-an-oasis-for-seni/

#Vote like the next generation of leaders depends on it! Here are three reasons why Erica, a local Girl Scout Brownie, believes it's important to vote. Thank you to her mom and our very own staff member for letting us share! Improving the quality of life here in San Diego means #voting for candidates that will align with and support community solutions that address the most pressing needs in our region. Vote to ensure a stronger community for all of our residents, including our youngest ones.

The Black Community Investment Fund is a historic and necessary step for our region as we continue to promote and prioritize #racialequity in every fabric of our community. For San Diegans who are looking for ways to make an impact, this fund, co-founded by the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce and led by an advisory council of San Diego leaders, provides a new opportunity for philanthropists to help make San Diego County a better, stronger and more equitable region. To join us and learn more, go to: www.sdfoundation.org/BlackCommunity

Rider Safety Visibility - Time to be Seen, with support from the COVID-19 Community Response Fund and San Diego Gas & Electric, launched an innovative program that supports workforce development training for young adults, including participation in Pedal Ahead’s e-bike program. Did you know that Pedal Ahead provides loan-to-ownership opportunities for e-bikes in San Diego's District 4 community? Electric bikes are now available for commuting to work and school, transportation and day-to-day activities, all while promoting an active and healthy lifestyle! Find out if you're eligible for the e-bike program by visiting: https://www.pedalaheadsd.org

As we aim to increase access to quality, affordable education and childcare for children and families in our region, we are excited to announce $1.3 million in grants awarded to 8 nonprofit programs that will support The San Diego Foundation’s Early Childhood Initiative. We know that increased early childhood education opportunities for San Diego youth, as well as systems-level change, will improve quality of life throughout the region and lead to stronger, more vibrant commu...nities. By working together collaboratively, with our partners, we know that we can build a region of opportunity for all who call San Diego home. Katie Rast, Director of Community Impact at The San Diego Foundation Join us in congratulating all the program grantees, and learn more about what we will accomplish through the Early Childhood Initiative here: http://www.sdfoundation.org/ECIGrants Educational Enrichment Systems (EES) Episcopal Community Services Family Health Centers of San Diego Neighborhood House Association PIQE San Diego with Chicano Federation of San Diego County San Diego State University Research Foundation Somali Family Service of San Diego Southwestern College Foundation with International Rescue Committee in San Diego

ATTENTION Nonprofits and Small Biz Owners! Applications for the Small Business & Nonprofit Loan Program (SBNLP) program are still open! Small businesses and nonprofits are encouraged to view the loan criteria and apply at https://sandiegosbnlp.org/ As part of the collaborative SBNLP with Mission Driven Finance and other partners, we have helped deploy $1.5M in loans to eight local nonprofits, including Angels Foster Family Network, National Foundation for Autism Research,... The New Children's Museum, Bayside Community Center, San Diego Habitat for Humanity, Somali Family Services, Rise Up Industries, and San Diego Health Connect. Launched by County of San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher in collaboration with regional organizations, the program provides low-to-no-interest loans for small businesses and nonprofits to aid in the region’s economic recovery from the coronavirus. Thanks to all partners who made this possible: County of San Diego - Government Nathan Fletcher California Southern Small Business Development Corporation San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center Network Community Development Financial Institution Accion San Diego LISC San Diego Mission Driven Finance

"This fund will prioritize and invest resources in community-led, innovative efforts to increase racial equity and generational wealth for Black San Diegans." - Donna DeBerry, President, and CEO, Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce Learn more about the Black Community Investment Fund and the Dr. Wilma Wooten Courage Scholarship by visiting: www.sdfoundation.org/black-community-investment-fund.

In recognition of #HispanicHeritageMonth, we are spotlighting Southwestern College, the largest higher education system in South County with an annual enrollment of more than 28,000 students from diverse backgrounds and ages, looking to improve their job prospects and contribute to the economy. Southwestern further supports our region by providing crucial resources for their students, as well as the larger community. SWC's Dreamer Center, which is staffed mostly by students,... provides resources and support for our undocumented and DACA students. In addition, SWC's Mother-Scholars program provides support for mothers who are struggling to juggle their educational requirements with caretaking responsibilities. We are proud to support SWC, a recent grantee of our COVID-19 Community Response Fund. To learn more about their recent grant, visit: https://www.sdfoundation.org//southwestern-college-buildi/

The fight for racial and gender equity is on the November ballot. Proposition 16 aligns with our mission to enable community solutions that improve the quality of life for all San Diegans. We are proud to answer the call to level the playing field and move towards ending systemic discrimination. We believe in giving everyone, regardless of race or gender, an equal opportunity for fair wages, good jobs, and quality education. But unfortunately, we’re not there yet women and #BIPOC still face discrimination in hiring, employment, housing, and education. By repealing the ban on affirmative action in California, we can work towards delivering on the promise of equal opportunities for all. To learn more about why we support #Prop16, go to https://bit.ly/2IpgYI4.

In celebration of International #DayOfTheGirl today, we're taking a moment to highlight a few remarkable programs for girls by the Elementary Institute of Science. With women accounting for just 29% of the science and engineering workforce, Future Innovators In Robotics & Engineering (F.I.R.E) focuses on getting middle and high school girls engaged in engineering and computer science programs. Led by female coaches and role models, students learn to design, code, and build ro...botics together. Girls Take Flight is another program for 10th and 11th-grade girls that offers hands-on experience building, writing code, and flying drones. This free, in-depth program is the only one of its kind in the U.S. These are just two of the many ways the nonprofit is working to ensure that girls and young women are exposed to opportunities in STEM. Learn more at www.eisca.org/fire/#girlstakeflight "

Join San Diego Workforce Partnership on October 14 for a conversation about equity and inclusivity in the workplace with leaders from San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, City of San Diego, SDCountyHHSA and San Diego City College. Register for free at the link below! https://buff.ly/2S8uEc4

#FishtoFamilies is an important program making a big impact for two industries hit hard by #COVID19 fishermen and hospitality workers. Over the past few months, this program has been able to provide more than 2,400 meals to families in need, all while supporting fishermen and hospitality workers with stable jobs. We are proud to be a partner and believe that local food system connections such as these will provide benefits beyond the current crisis by strengthening food se...curity into the future. Learn more: https://caseagrant.ucsd.edu/Fish-to-Families-San-Diego craftmealssd Noaa Fisheries California Sea Grant San Diego Fishermen's Working Group Photos: courtesy of Chef Phillip Esteban

Today is California Clean Air Day, a statewide effort to improve air quality in our communities. Join us in taking the Clean Air Pledge by doing one small action today from buying local produce to walking to the store instead of driving. Together, small actions add up to big ways we can change the world around us. #CleanAirDay California Clean Air Day San Diego Gas & Electric Nathan Fletcher... Councilmember Chris Ward https://www.cleanairday.org/pledge/individual/