Guided by the vision of just, equitable and resilient communities, our work in 2024 exemplified our mission to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region.

From launching transformative initiatives to addressing critical community needs, here are the top 10 stories that defined this remarkable year.

1. Fifty & Forward Campaign Launch

Fifty & Forward Campaign Launch focus areas

This year, SDF launched its Fifty & Forward Campaign, a bold multi-year initiative designed to address San Diego’s most pressing challenges.

The campaign will grant $500 million to nonprofits to address critical community needs in education, support for children and families, and the environment, and raise $1 billion to help shape our community’s future. This campaign solidifies SDF’s commitment to advancing the quality of life in the region, now and for the next 50 years.

Learn more about Fifty & Forward.

2. Countdown to the 50th Anniversary

As SDF approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, we reflect on a legacy of collaboration, having granted $1.8 billion to strengthen communities across San Diego County. The milestone underscores decades of inspiring philanthropists, empowering local nonprofits, cultivating leaders and addressing critical community needs through philanthropy.

Learn more about our first 50 years.

3. Record-Breaking Scholarships

2024 Scholarships Celebration

Education remained a cornerstone of SDF’s work in 2024, with the Community Scholarship Program granting a record $4.9 million to 1,200 local students. These scholarships are critical investments in the future of San Diego, ensuring that young people have the resources to succeed and contribute to a thriving local economy.

Learn more about the Community Scholarship Program.

4. San Diego Flood Response Fund

Responding to historic floods that devastated the region, SDF activated the San Diego Flood Response Fund, providing more than 16,000 essential services, including food, shelter and healthcare, through strategic partnerships with local nonprofits.

Read the San Diego Flood Response Fund Impact Report.

5. Rooted in Comunidad: Equity Through State and Federal Grants

Barrio Logan

This year, SDF and Environmental Health Coalition secured $42 million in state and federal grants to bolster equity-focused climate programs. The “Rooted in Comunidad: Cultivating Equity” project ensures that San Diego’s central historic barrios thrive for generations to come.

Learn about Rooted in Comunidad: Cultivating Equity.

6. El Camino Fund

SDF launched El Camino Fund, a charitable fund that raises money from Latinos and their allies to support the local Latino community, close equity gaps and provide opportunities to thrive, prosper and belong in the San Diego region. SDF also developed a research report in partnership with the San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center to better understand economic mobility and generational wealth among San Diego’s Latino community.

With $500,000 in grantmaking to seven local nonprofits, El Camino Fund is well on its way to paving a new pathway – a better “camino” – to help San Diego Latinos thrive.

Learn more about El Camino Fund.

7. AANHPI Fund

SDF launched the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Fund to enhance the visibility of and advance the leadership of AANHPI residents. SDF also released a research report that sheds light on significant disparities within the community that could be addressed by philanthropic investment.

Recommendations from the report include investing in culturally and linguistically appropriate services for mental health, social connection for elders, and leadership development. The AANHPI Fund will announce its inaugural grantees in 2025.

Learn more about the AANHPI Fund.

8. National Rainbow College Fund Launch

National Rainbow College Fund

SDF launched the National Rainbow College Fund to support LGBTQ+ students in achieving their academic goals, regardless of the public nature of their sexual identity. This new fund exemplifies SDF’s commitment to inclusivity and creates opportunities for historically underserved communities.

With dozens of local LGBTQ+ students each receiving $2,500 scholarships in 2024, the National Rainbow College Fund will launch a statewide application in January 2025.

Learn more about the National Rainbow College Fund.

9. San Diego Fundraising Conference

San Diego Fundraising Conference

SDF hosted the second annual San Diego Fundraising Conference, bringing together 800 local nonprofit leaders to share innovative strategies in philanthropy. This professional development opportunity brought together national fundraising experts, thought leaders, nonprofit professionals and board members for a day of learning and camaraderie.

The San Diego Fundraising Conference is designed to build up the capacity of our local nonprofit community to better serve our region and connect donors with meaningful charitable causes.

Learn more about the San Diego Fundraising Conference.

10. Culture of Community

For the fifth consecutive year, SDF was named a Top Workplace by The San Diego Union-Tribune, reflecting its supportive culture, dedication to excellence and our 93% employee retention rate.

Learn more about our team and culture.