Opinion: The Joy of Charitable Giving Makes the Holiday Season Bright for all San Diegans

When we give, something amazing happens. We don’t just transform the lives of others — we transform ourselves. Giving has the power to connect us to something bigger, to fill our hearts with purpose and to remind us of the strength we find in community.

At San Diego Foundation, we see this transformation every day. For nearly 50 years, the foundation has been connecting donors with causes that matter, managing charitable funds, and addressing our region’s most pressing challenges. And through this work, one truth stands out: when people come together to give — whether of their time, talent, or treasure — it creates a ripple effect that strengthens our entire region.

This year alone, thanks to the generosity of so many, the foundation and its fundholders granted $114.5 million to 2,313 nonprofits. And here’s what’s even more inspiring: 82% of those dollars — or $94 million — stayed right here in San Diego County, making a lasting difference for individuals, families and neighborhoods across our community.

For example, in January and February, we gave $1.4 million to support survivors of devastating floods in our region — providing temporary housing and warm meals, and rebuilding homes.

Through our Community Scholarship Program, a record-breaking $4.9 million in scholarships helped 1,200 students take steps toward brighter futures, creating opportunities not just for them, but for the region they will help shape.

Our Healthy Children & Families Initiative partnered with San Diego Women’s Foundation to grant $1.3 million to mental health resources that will support the resiliency of our local children, youth and families.

And with $42 million in funding for climate resilience projects in San Diego’s central historic barrios, we’re creating safer, healthier neighborhoods that will benefit generations to come.

These stories — and so many more that you can read about in our recently released 2024 Annual Report — are about more than a dollar amount. They remind us of what’s possible when we come together to give back, to build up and to make a difference for one another.

As we prepare to celebrate the foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2025, we’re looking to the future with bold ambition. Through our Fifty & Forward Campaign, we will grant $500 million to critical areas like education, healthy children and families, and the environment, while raising $1 billion in new funds to ensure we can continue making an impact for decades to come.

This is our opportunity to do something extraordinary for San Diego. If you want to be part of this journey, there’s no better time to start than now. The holidays are a timely reminder of the power of generosity to create hope and connection.

Whether you’re exploring causes that align with your values or creating your own fund to support nonprofits you care deeply about, giving is an act that changes lives, fills our hearts with joy, and brings us closer to the community we all want to see flourish.

As we close out another remarkable year, I invite you to join us in shaping the future of San Diego. Visit SDFoundation.org to learn more about how you can get involved.

As we close out the year, let’s make this season one of benevolence, joy and connection to create brighter futures for everyone in our region.

Mark Stuart is president and CEO of the San Diego Foundation.