San Diego Foundation believes in just, equitable and resilient communities where every San Diegan can prosper, thrive and feel like they belong. We partner with donors, nonprofits and regional leaders to co-create solutions that respond to community needs and strengthen San Diego. Since our founding in 1975, our community foundation has granted $1.8 billion to nonprofits to improve quality of life in San Diego County and beyond.
This year, San Diego Foundation is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Throughout 2025, we are sponsoring events throughout our region, from North County to the South Bay. You can see more information on our sponsored events at SDFoundation.org/events.
Last October, we announced the most ambitious grantmaking and fundraising undertaking in our history—the Fifty & Forward Campaign. With the help of donors and community partners, we will grant $500 million to realize our region’s greatest opportunities in three key areas: education, children and families and the environment—and raise $1 billion to help shape our community’s future.
In February 2025, we announced a major Fifty & Forward milestone—we have granted $335 million to local nonprofits and fundraised $880 million for the next 50 years. Learn more about Fifty & Forward at SDFoundation.org/50.
San Diego Foundation has opened registration for the San Diego Fundraising Conference presented by PNC Bank. The event will return to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel on Sept. 18 – 19, 2025, and is now expanded to a two-day, in-person experience offering insights from fundraising experts, thought leaders and local colleagues.
With the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures,” this year’s conference will focus on strengthening nonprofit capacity and building sustainable fundraising strategies. One of this year’s keynote speakers is Nathan Chappell, a thought leader, public speaker, author of “The Generosity Crisis,” AI inventor, and recognized globally as an expert on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and generosity.
Early bird local registration is $279 through May 31, and is available for nonprofit professionals that support San Diego County nonprofits.
We are excited to announce our new partnership with National University Fundraising Academy, bringing more dynamic topics to this year’s programming. As a 2025 conference sponsor, National University Fundraising Academy will help make this learning and networking opportunity accessible to more professionals in the nonprofit sector.
Nonprofit professionals are also invited to submit speaker proposals. The call for speakers is open through April 25, offering local leaders the chance to share case studies, tools, and lessons learned that can benefit peers across the region. Submit a speaker proposal today.
Previous conferences have brought together more than 800 nonprofit leaders from across the region. With this year’s expanded format and strong lineup of speakers and sessions, early registration is recommended.
Learn more and register today at SDFoundation.org/SDFC.