Connecting and Strengthening San Diego’s Creative Community

San Diego Art Directory was born from a simple realization: San Diego has an incredible wealth of artists, cultural organizations, exhibitions, and creative activity, yet much of it remains scattered and difficult to discover.

Launched in 2023 as a simple business directory portal, SDAD sought to bring those pieces together in one accessible place. It has since grown into a grassroots nonprofit that connects artists, arts organizations, local businesses, and the public while creating
greater visibility and practical opportunities across San Diego County. We promote thousands of cultural activities every year, and constantly hear from our users that they wouldn’t have realized the richness of San Diego’s cultural environment if it wasn’t for us.

Today, we serve artists of all disciplines, arts and cultural organizations, and the people who want to discover and engage with what is happening creatively across San Diego County. We share opportunities and resources, promote exhibitions and events, build connections, and do our little part in building a sustainable creative economy in our region

One belief guides everything we do: exposure alone is not enough. Artists deserve meaningful opportunities, fair pay, and recognition for the value they bring to our lives and neighborhoods. That belief has shaped programs like Activated Spaces, which creates exhibition opportunities in local businesses and gives artists 90% of artwork sales, as well as the San Diego Artist Network and other programs that bring people together across disciplines and sectors.

People can support this work by donating, volunteering, partnering with us, sharing opportunities through our website and social media, and introducing others to SDAD. Every connection helps make San Diego’s arts landscape more visible, accessible, and sustainable.

Photo credit: Jackie Han, instagram.com/jackiexphoto

https://sandiegoartdirectory.com

IG: @sandiegoartdirectory

FB: @sandiegoartdirectory

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/san-diego-art-directory/

Co-hosts:

Hera Hub Carlsbad is a premier coworking space and supportive ecosystem designed to empower entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, nonprofits, and business owners in North County San Diego. More than just a workspace, we provide a collaborative platform to launch, grow, and scale your organization. By offering essential resources, mentorship, and connections, we foster a robust network where like-minded individuals achieve their professional aspirations and thrive together.

Womanity Portrait Foundation is a San Diego-based nonprofit that empowers women through art, storytelling, and community. Through portrait experiences, creative workshops, wellness retreats, and public exhibitions, we create spaces where women can feel seen, heard, and connected. Our current programs primarily support women affected by breast cancer, helping them reconnect with their identity, strength, and sense of belonging while bringing their stories into public view to build empathy, awareness, and meaningful connection.

 

 

At the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, San Diego, we know that behind every service member and veteran is a family navigating the joys, challenges, and sacrifices that come with military life. Our mission is rooted in a simple belief: no military-connected family should have to face life’s challenges alone.

Every day, we meet individuals and families who are balancing deployments and reintegration, transitions, caregiving responsibilities, relationship changes, and the invisible wounds that can accompany service. It is a privilege to walk alongside them as they build resilience, strengthen relationships, and take meaningful steps toward healing and wellness. Some arrive looking for support during a difficult season, while others simply want tools to help themselves or their loved ones thrive. Regardless of where they are in their journey, they are welcomed with compassion, dignity, and understanding.

Our community plays an important role in making that possible. Whether through referrals, partnerships, volunteerism, or simply helping spread the word, every connection helps us reach more military families who may not know support is available. Together, we can ensure that veterans, service members, and their loved ones have a place where they feel supported, understood, and empowered to move forward with hope. Learn more about us and our sister locations in Oceanside and Torrance: vvsd.net/cohenclinics

CVN’s Impact:

• Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a global not-for-profit integrated network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members and military families, delivering high-quality, accessible mental health care.
• We serve the entire military family, including parents, siblings, spouses or partners, children, caregivers, and others of veterans and active duty military.
• We have a network of 23 Cohen clinics serving 22 states and the District of Columbia, with five clinics on US military bases in Asia opening soon.
• Care is available in-person and via CVN Telehealth face-to-face video therapy.
• Since CVN’s inception in April 2016, CVN has cared for over 107,000 clients and provided over 960,000 clinical sessions.
• Approximately 46% of our clients are non-veteran family members and children, while 54% are veterans or active duty.
• Among veteran and active-duty clients, women make up about 31% of the group. This percentage is more than two times the size of the female veteran population in the United States.
• Our targeted, outpatient care is centered on therapy and counseling options that are proven to work. Our Evidence-Based Practices are built on the best current research.

Every connection helps a military family find support.

Website: https://vvsd.net/cohenclinics/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cohenclinicvvsd

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cohenclinicVVSD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cohenclinicvvsd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cohenveterans/

Rooted in the rich heritage of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, Sycuan Casino Resort embraces the spirit of giving back.  Through Sycuan Cares, we’re dedicated to investing in the well-being and future of the community.

This year, we celebrated our 35th Annual Sycuan Cup Golf Tournament in June, where community advocates and Sycuan leaders came together to support four local charities.  During the event, the Sycuan Tribal Council awarded a total of $100,000 to the Kumeyaay Diegueno Land Conservancy, 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center and the East County Transitional Living Center.  While honoring the nonprofits, participants also learned how to support causes ranging from environmental conservation, public safety and human services.

Building on that spirit, we’re getting ready to spread the holiday joy during the 2026 Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony.  Dozens of charity representatives and Sycuan leaders will
gather to celebrate those making a lasting impact and inspire continued generosity. Through events like this, we foster collaboration among community organizations,
strengthening the San Diego community and beyond.

Thanks to our multi-year partnership with San Diego Gives, we’ve collaborated with philanthropic organizations across the county to support a diverse range of fundraising and capacity-building efforts.  Through North County Philanthropy Council’s leadership and guidance, these partnerships have created opportunities to learn from one another, share ideas and work together to better serve the community.

As our impact grows, we’re always seeking new opportunities to partner with organizations making a difference. To learn more about Sycuan Cares and how we can partner with you, please visit www.sycuan.com/sycuan-cares/.

www.sycuan.com/sycuan-cares

 

Scatena Media Group is a fully integrated communications agency that helps brands attract attention, build credibility, and inspire action.

Led by CEO and Founder Denise Scatena, the certified woman- and minority-owned agency collaborates with mission-driven brands and organizations across Southern California,connecting them with the right audiences through insightful, inclusive media relations, social media, and copywriting.

Their storytelling approach centers on human impact first. They translate programs and statistics into narratives that resonate with journalists, donors, elected officials, and the public. They identify your audiences and approach them in meaningful ways.

Scatena Media Group is rooted in the belief that strong connections create lasting impact. The agency builds authentic relationships with clients, partners, and communities, going beyond media to amplify voices, support local initiatives, and foster meaningful collaboration.

For over 16 years, they have been a trusted partner for over 100 organizations, including:

● Alzheimer’s San Diego

● Mama’s Kitchen

● Meals on Wheels San Diego County

● UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies

● United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST)

● Wakeland Housing

● Walden Family Services

Through their close ties with community organizations, they keep clients and partners informed of key events, funding, and engagement opportunities, helping them stay visible, connected, and positioned for growth.

Learn how they can help your organization at scatenamediagroup.com. Follow them on LinkedIn for ways to get involved with top community organizations, professional development opportunities, and industry updates.

ScatenaMediaGroup.com

$2.4 billion. 143,000 grants. Our one task: make your giving matter.

We’re the Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, the team turning good intentions into real impact. With thoughtful and caring guidance, we connect donors with the causes they care about most, strengthen nonprofits, and help families build legacies that last.

Here’s what that looks like: A donor came to us wanting to support vulnerable kids. We introduced him to our close contacts at organizations that fight for children facing real hardship and helped him give in a way that was personal, strategic, and built to outlast him. That’s one story out of thousands.

As we approach our 60th anniversary, we’re expanding education programs, ways for donors to connect with each other, nonprofit training, and legacy giving paths.

Ready? Open a donor advised fund. Establish an endowment. Create your legacy. Find a scholarship. Strengthen your nonprofit.

Or just show up curious. https://jcfsandiego.org/individuals-families/donor-advised-fund/

Give with purpose.  Give with JCF.

www.jcfsandiego.org

 

NGA partners with nonprofits of all sizes and sectors to build organizational capacity through expert counsel in fundraising, planning, staffing, and training.

As a trusted regional consulting firm, NGA is currently advising 32 organizations across California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaiʻi. Our work spans feasibility studies and capital campaigns to strategic planning and executive search—supporting nonprofits at critical moments of growth and transformation.

We tailor every engagement to the unique needs, culture, and goals of our clients, delivering practical, cost-effective strategies that drive results. Our team brings more than 250 years of combined experience and a 40-year track record of success, grounded in a commitment to client impact above all else. The result is stronger organizations and more resilient communities.

Regionally, NGA is proud to continue its partnership with the Armed Services YMCA San Diego, supporting a successful $500,000 year-end major gifts campaign to expand programming at the new Center for Military Families. This builds on NGA’s prior counsel for the organization’s $7 million capital campaign.

Beyond client engagements, NGA plays an active leadership role in the nonprofit sector. Our team serves on the board of the North County Philanthropy Council and contributes as trainers and presenters for San Diego Gives. On May 21, past NCPC Board President and NGA Executive Vice President Jeanne Schmelzer, CFRE, will lead a workshop on “Making the Ask,” sharing practical insights with nonprofit professionals and volunteers.

Through this work, NGA remains deeply committed to strengthening the regional nonprofit sector—serving as both a strategic advisor and a resource for the field.

To learn more about our work and how we can partner with you, visit netzelgrigsby.com

www.netzelgrigsby.com

At Lifeline, we know that thriving communities begin with people who feel seen, supported, and empowered. Founded in 1973 and today reaching more than 25,000 people across San Diego County each year, our work sits at the intersection of behavioral health and economic empowerment, helping individuals and families face life’s challenges and move toward a future filled with possibility.

Our extraordinary team meets people where they are, adapts to challenges as they arise, and walks alongside individuals and families with care, humility, and deep commitment. Every day brings new moments to celebrate: a young adult paying their own bills for the first time, a parent gaining confidence to create a safe home, a survivor reclaiming their identity. These moments remind us that our communities are strong and why we show up every day.

What sets Lifeline apart is our ability to bridge direct services with systems change. We use what we learn on the ground, the day-to-day realities of our communities, to inform policy, shift narratives, and close opportunity gaps. By investing in people and communities, we’re helping to build a more connected, resilient, and prosperous San Diego, today and for generations to come.

We invite you to become part of the Lifeline community! The summer is a great time to get involved by supporting our annual Backpack Drive in July, bringing your company out for a meaningful group volunteer day, or volunteering your own time working with youth, supporting food distribution, helping with hands-on improvement or beautification projects, and more. Contact mmolina@nclifeline.org for more information.

And of course, you won’t want to miss our annual ¡Viva la Vida! On Friday, September 25^th! Start planning your most vibrant cocktail outfit for an evening of community, joy, and inspiration. Register at lifelinecs.org/vivalavida

Learn more or make a donation at: lifelinecs.org

 

www.lifelinecs.org

 

Mission Federal Credit Union (Mission Fed) is honored to serve as the largest member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County. 

Success is measured by results. We measure our success based on a double bottom line of both financial performance and social purpose. 

Mission Fed is committed to enhancing the lives of all of our stakeholders including our more than 350,000 member owners, 600 employees, and our larger extended community throughout the county, by focusing intently on financial education and financial inclusion to provide the essential resources and skills to help every San Diegan experience financial wellbeing. 

Mission Fed is regularly recognized as a Top Workplace in San Diego and nationwide, but what we’re most proud of is the fact that just simply by banking with Mission Fed you are automagically doing good for San Diego. Each year Mission Fed gives back more than $1 million to our community by donating or helping to raise funds for key nonprofits serving our community.

Mission Fed’s focus is hyperlocal and intentionally supports our local communities throughout San Diego County by investing our time, treasure and talent to help hundreds of nonprofits and critical causes in our region. We purposefully build deep relationships with our valued community partners to maximize impact and change lives for the better. You can see some of our collaboration at https://www.missionfed.com/community/.  

Our Mission Fed ecosystem is keenly focused on three key areas:

• Health and Well Being: Food Scarcity and Feeding People, Health Related Causes, Homelessness, and Pet & Animal Needs
• Serving the Underserved: Including our large local Hispanic Community, but extending deeply into Diverse Communities throughout the county
• Values-Based Community Organizations: Local Emerging Nonprofits, and Values-Aligned and Capacity-Building companies/organizations that are making a difference locally

Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion are a through line in all that we do. We also remain attentive to preserving and protecting our cherished San Diego environment and activate volunteer opportunities to support this important cause. 

If you’re looking for a like-spirited partner, or have an upcoming event that aligns with our vision and values, don’t hesitate to contact any member of the small-but-mighty Mission Fed team including:

• Neville Billimoria, Chief Marketing Officer, who is also the proud NCPC board chair, nevilleb@missionfed.com
• Courtney Pendleton, PR & Community Manager, courtneyp@missionfed.com
• Catalina Duarte, PR & Community Officer, catalinad@missionfed.com 

Additionally, Mission Fed’s business development team can be reached to explore a variety of unique opportunities for nonprofits and businesses (and their employees) to support the community in a meaningful way. Mission Fed is also providing a special offer to NCPC members. Please see this linked graphic for details.

For more information and for full terms and conditions on offers, contact: 

• Rachel Rendon, AVP, Business Development Manager, rachelr@missionfed.com  

To learn more our organization, please visit www.MissionFed.com. We are federally insured by NCUA and are an Equal Housing Lender.

www.MissionFed.com

Where confidence begins with a dress, and community makes it possible!

The Princess Project began in February 2002 with a simple but powerful moment: a high school teen needed a dress for prom and asked for help. Founders Laney Whitcanack and Kristi Smith Knutson rallied friends and family to host a small dress drive. What began as one act of kindness has grown into a nonprofit that has now served thousands of high school teens through the dedication of many volunteers.

In 2009, the mission expanded to San Diego,  and today, San Diego proudly serves as The Princess Project’s Headquarters and year-round boutique location. From our boutique at Parkway Plaza, donated dresses (many of them brand new) are thoughtfully curated and transformed into joyful milestone moments for the teens we serve. In doing so, we also promote fashion sustainability by extending the life of beautiful formalwear and reducing textile waste through community-driven reuse.

But the true transformation goes far beyond the dress itself.

One mother shared that in her entire life, she had never been able to walk into a store and tell her daughter, “You can choose anything you want.” That day, she could. Her daughter stepped out in the most beautiful dress, beaming and completely transformed.

We see it again and again. Teens often arrive with shoulders slightly hunched, unsure or hesitant. They leave with their heads held high – smiling, confident, and excited for the milestone ahead.

Prom Dress Giveaways begin in San Diego at the end of March and will continue through April. Any high school teen in need of a dress may book an appointment with proof of enrollment in high school. In addition to boutique appointments, we will have eight library pop-up prom shop events throughout San Diego County to ensure access for teens who may not be able to travel to our main location.

At its heart, The Princess Project is about more than a dress. It is about belonging. It is about dignity. It is about making sure every teen feels confident, celebrated, and seen,  because confidence truly changes everything.

                 

If you’d like to learn more about The Princess Project and donate dresses or funds, volunteer, or register a teen for an appointment, please visit princessprojectsd.org!

www.princessprojectsd.org

 

Nativity Prep is a private-independent, all-scholarship Catholic middle school and college access program for income eligible, first-generation students. Founded in 2001, Nativity Prep is an 11-year program serving over 280 students annually in grades six through college. Nativity Prep’s purpose is to break the cycle of generational poverty by developing its students’ and their family’s ability to live a life of opportunity, choice, and service.

The Nativity Prep Graduate Support Program (GSP), is the most important component of its mission.  GSP establishes and sustains a college culture beginning in the sixth grade and continuing through college graduation by providing students and graduates academic support and college counseling with personal care, which remains the hallmark of the school.

The current projected graduation rate for Nativity Prep students is 83%, more than five times the rate for their demographic peers.  More than anything, Nativity Prep is a community of faith rooted in relationships.  By educating a child, Nativity Prep helps to change the trajectory of the entire family.  This work, this mission, breaks the cycle of generational poverty.

Nativity Prep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is fully funded through the generosity of individual donors and grants.  Nativity Prep does not receive any funding from the state or Diocese of San Diego.

Nativity Prep Highlights:

• 100% of Nativity students have graduated high school on time, representing a 67% increase over the past decade.
• 100% of graduates have earned college acceptances.
• 83% of Nativity college students have graduated or are on track to graduate, reflecting a 42% increase over ten years.
• 13 alumni have earned or are pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees.
• 23 Nativity Prep alumni are currently enrolled at the University of San Diego through the Torero Promise Program, which guarantees admission and scholarship support to exceptional Catholic high school students.
• 14 alumni serve on our Alumni Council, taking on leadership roles and supporting new college graduates
• Nativity Prep held its first-ever Alumni Reunion in summer of 2025, reconnecting graduates from across 20 years of Nativity history.

 

Volunteer Opportunities:

AMIGOS (Adult Mentors Inspiring Growth in Our Students) Mentoring Program

For the past 20 years, Nativity Prep has successfully run its own mentor program, the AMIGOS (Adult Mentors Inspiring Growth in Our Students) Mentoring Program.  The program matches each middle school student with an adult volunteer mentor.  Each adult commits to supporting and guiding a student through the school year during a weekly meeting of both structured and unstructured activity.  The mentoring program promotes academics and helps to build a student’s self-esteem.  Our goal is for all students and mentors to maintain their relationship for the three years they are on the middle school campus (6th-8th grade).

In addition to the GSP program, the mentoring program has made a significant impact on the students and on the entire community.  Many students have credited their success in college and beyond to the relationship that they built with their mentor.  The relationship between mentor and mentee becomes one of trust, guidance and friendship.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Email: amigos@nativityprep.org

Upcoming events:

25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Celebration, Saturday, September 26, 2026, USD.  More details to follow: www.nativityprep.org/events

www.nativityprep.org