Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Partner in Regional Philanthropy & Community Change
The San Diego Foundation has been a cornerstone of philanthropy in the region since 1975, connecting donors with causes that drive meaningful, lasting change. Our mission centers on building a permanent philanthropic resource to address critical community needs in education, environment, housing, and workforce development. With over $1.6 billion in assets and a track record of granting $1.8 billion to nonprofits, we empower donors through donor-advised funds, planned giving, and strategic grantmaking. Our team of experts collaborates with individuals, families, and organizations to create customized charitable strategies that align with personal values and community priorities. For 50 years, we have fostered partnerships across sectors to tackle complex challenges, from crisis response to long-term systemic change.Our commitment to equity and inclusion ensures resources reach underserved communities, including first-generation students and marginalized populations. Recognized as a top workplace, we combine financial stewardship with innovative programs like the San Diego Donors Guide and Community Impact initiatives. Through affinity funds and regional collaborations, we amplify the impact of every dollar entrusted to us. Our strategic plan prioritizes justice, equity, and resilience, ensuring San Diego thrives for generations. As a trusted leader, we provide transparency, accountability, and expertise to donors seeking to maximize their charitable impact.
Services
Donor-Advised Funds
Planned Giving
Grantmaking
Scholarship Programs
Community Impact Initiatives
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- 50 years of experience guiding philanthropy in San Diego since 1975
- Over $1.8 billion granted to support nonprofits and community initiatives
- Custom donor-advised fund solutions for personalized charitable giving
- Specialized affinity funds targeting education, environment, and housing equity
- Recognized as a Top Workplace for organizational excellence and community focus
Services
Donor-Advised Funds
We offer donor-advised funds that provide flexible, tax-efficient vehicles for charitable giving. These accounts allow donors to support multiple causes while receiving expert guidance on strategic philanthropy. Our team helps establish and manage funds aligned with personal values and community needs.
Planned Giving
Our planned giving services help donors create lasting impact through estate gifts, trusts, and endowments. We provide customized solutions for complex assets and tax planning while ensuring alignment with long-term community needs and donor intentions.
Grantmaking
We administer strategic grants to nonprofits addressing education, environment, housing, and workforce development. Our rigorous evaluation process ensures funds reach high-impact initiatives that advance equity and sustainability across San Diego County.
Scholarship Programs
We manage scholarship funds that increase access to higher education for San Diego students. Our programs prioritize first-generation college attendees and those facing financial barriers, with streamlined application processes and community partnership networks.
Community Impact Initiatives
Our initiatives tackle systemic challenges through cross-sector collaboration. Focus areas include climate resilience, economic mobility, and equitable development, leveraging data-driven strategies and $1.8 billion in grantmaking expertise since 1975.
People
Mark A. Stuart
President and CEO
With nearly 30 years in fundraising, Mark leads The San Diego Foundation's growth strategy. Under his leadership, assets reached $1.5 billion and $67 million was raised for pandemic relief. He previously managed San Diego Zoo Global's $14 million budget and 64 staff members.
Alison Ohanian
Associate Vice President of Gift Planning
A certified planned giving specialist with 15+ years' experience, Alison advises donors on complex charitable vehicles. She previously served as SDSU's Senior Director of Planned Giving and holds public administration degrees from CSULB and USD.
Jeff Spitko
Senior Director of Integrated Fundraising
Jeff develops multichannel fundraising strategies with 11 years at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. He doubled annual revenue from $26M to $57M and has expertise in digital marketing and donor journey optimization.
Brian Zumbano
Chief Development & Stewardship Officer
Brian oversees donor engagement and fundraising growth. He previously led UC San Diego Health Sciences' development team and brings experience from Columbia and NYU development offices with expertise in principal gift campaigns.
Tarry Kang
Senior Director of Development
Tarry secures major gifts for student affairs at CSUN with prior roles at Village Family Services and MEND. She serves as AFP Greater San Fernando Valley Chapter President and holds CFRE certification.
Questions
What is a donor-advised fund and how does it work?
A donor-advised fund is a flexible charitable account allowing tax-deductible contributions, investment growth, and grant recommendations to nonprofits. We provide expert guidance to maximize your philanthropic impact.
How can I apply for a nonprofit grant?
Visit our website to access grant applications and guidelines. We prioritize proposals aligned with our strategic plan focusing on education equity, environmental sustainability, and economic mobility in San Diego County.
What scholarship opportunities are available?
We offer multiple scholarship programs for San Diego students through our Common Application portal. Priority is given to first-generation college attendees and those with financial need.
How does the foundation support community initiatives?
We implement data-driven strategies addressing systemic challenges through affinity funds, crisis response programs, and partnerships focused on climate resilience and equitable development.
Can I donate non-cash assets?
Yes, we accept complex assets including real estate, stocks, and cryptocurrency. Our planned giving specialists provide guidance on maximizing tax benefits for non-cash charitable contributions.
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