Our Mission

Since 1983 progressive San Diegans have been helping local leaders and activists launch grassroots groups that are part of larger movements giving shape to a more just and humane world – the movements for human rights, for economic justice and for environmental sustainability.

The Foundation for Change supports emerging leaders and organizations working for progressive social change in the San Diego/Tijuana region.

We are a member fund of the Funding Exchange, a network of publicly supported, regionally-based community foundations committed to “Change, not Charity”.

Plant, Water, Nurture

The Foundation for Change is the only philanthropic organization in the region that supports progressive leaders and organizations on both sides of the border.

PLANT. We award seed monies to start-up groups and organizations. The Foundation for Change encourages applications from first-time grant seekers and from the kinds of emerging organizations that traditional philanthropy so often overlooks.

"Back in 1999 all we had was a concept – that workers without unions needed help from the Labor Movement to get ‘justice on the job.’ The Foundation for Change gave us our very first grant, which allowed us to open our doors and begin to serve the working community." -- Peter Zschiesche, Director, Employee Rights Center

WATER. Recipients of seed grants are eligible in succeeding years to apply for downstream support. The Foundation for Change is committed to grassroots groups that prove effective in promoting progressive social change.

“For the women we serve, it is the staff and community's belief in them, and their wholeness, that makes the difference. And this is what the Foundation for Change did for us – they believed in our vision and our mission, and the possibility that we would realize our potential as an organization, and as a leader and change-maker in our community.” -- Shannon Thompson, Executive Director, Shakti Rising

NURTURE. Beyond providing financial support, the Foundation for Change mentors grassroots leaders, nurtures organizational development and promotes vital, collaborative relationships between organizations on both sides of the border.

"So much of grassroots work is seat of the pants. Where do you turn? I turned to the Foundation for Change – and they were there for me.” -- Joni Halpern, Executive Director, Supportive Parents Information Network (SPIN)

Our Vision: A Bi-National Garden of Grassroots Organizations

We are a diverse group of progressive-minded people who understand that injustice is deeply rooted on both sides of the border. We are dedicated to cultivating an entire ecology of grassroots movements spanning the San Diego/Tijuana region. We envision a flourishing “bi-national garden” of grassroots organizations empowering people in both San Diego and Tijuana to create a world marked by social, economic and environmental justice. We invite you to join us.