Katie Sawyer

Assistant Vice President, Philanthropy

As Assistant Vice President of Philanthropy, Katie works collaboratively with fundholders and partners to build a stronger and more equitable San Diego region.

She leads the team that provides strategy, resources and community expertise to support $100MM in annual donor-advised and collective grantmaking. With 15 years of nonprofit and philanthropy experience, Katie serves as SDF’s highest-level philanthropic advisor and enjoys working closely with fundholders to have meaningful impact in our community and beyond.

Katie also leads and supports key cross-departmental initiatives to achieve organization-wide priorities. Prior to this role, she was Executive Director of San Diego Women’s Foundation, where she oversaw grantmaking initiatives to address pressing community needs. She previously served as Director of Philanthropy for United Way of San Diego County and has a background in direct service work.

Katie is a Certified Philanthropy Advisor through 21/64. She is a graduate of LEAD San Diego’s Impact and Influence programs and a proud member of the Fieldstone Leadership Network, Rotary Club 33, and San Diego Women’s Foundation.

She has been recognized as an Assembly District 78 Woman of the Year, Girls on the Run International Remarkable Volunteer, and San Diego Magazine’s Nonprofit Visionary.

Katie lives in Normal Heights with her husband. She welcomes book recommendations.


Contact Katie Sawyer