Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties

Bright Spots: Highlights from Catalyst’s 2025 Annual Conference

Our 2025 annual conference, Bright Spots: Igniting Change, Together, brought Catalyst’s community of funders, partners, and changemakers to the ARTS campus in National City for a day of connection, learning, and celebration. Together, we explored the bright spots of our region: the people and ideas sparking creativity, collaboration, and progress in philanthropy. You can see … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XXIV: Stuck at a Standstill

Hi all — Katie here, stepping in while Megan takes a much-deserved sabbatical this month. Here’s a look at what happened this week. Catch up on our previous installments of this briefing here. THE FACTS THE SHUTDOWN As of this morning, the federal shutdown has entered its 24th day, making it the second-longest shutdown in … Continue reading

When Antisemitism Impacts the Community, the Jewish Community Emergency Response Team Helps San Diegans Feel Secure Again

The Anti-Defamation League of San Diego has recorded a significant jump in the number of local antisemitic incidents in recent years. Antisemitism is on the rise in San Diego County. The 2019 Chabad of Poway attack — in which a gunman opened fire on a congregation during a Passover Shabbat service, killing one and wounding … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XXIII: Under Pressure

Hi all — Katie here, stepping in while Megan takes a much-deserved sabbatical this month. This week’s update has a lot to cover, so grab your coffee and let’s dive in. Here’s a look at what happened this week. Catch up on our previous installments of this briefing here. THE FACTS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN After … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XXII: Shutdown & Scrutiny

Hello again. Here’s a look at what happened this week. (Catch up on our previous installments of this briefing here.) THE FACTS GOOD NEWS FIRST: SAN DIEGO UNITY FUND ANNOUNCED On Thursday, Catalyst members the San Diego Foundation, Price Philanthropies, and the Prebys Foundation announced a precedent-setting $70 million commitment to the United … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XXI: Hanging in the Balance

Hello again. A week scarred by gun violence — including the murder of Charlie Kirk and the shooting of multiple high school students in Colorado — starkly reminds us why we must work every day to build communities where people are safe and supported. Our families, our freedoms, and our future depend on it. Here’s … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing: Issue XX: Leadership in Limbo

Hello again. Let's get to it. Here's a look at what has happened. Catch up on our previous installments here. THE FACTS EXECUTIVE POWER & FEDERAL FUNDING Last Tuesday, President Trump announced on social media that his audit of the Smithsonian would be only the beginning, and that other museums would follow. He also criticized … Continue reading

Language as Legacy: The Power of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi

Cal State San Marcos recently offered its very first ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Language & Performing Arts workshop. The program was developed in partnership with Umeke, a North San Diego County-based nonprofit working to nourish the Hawaiian diaspora and local communities through cultural preservation, education, and connection. Supported by a Stop the Hate grant and provided to … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XIX: Redrawing the Rules

Any hopes that the summer recess would slow the flood of federal policy changes quickly faded with the events of the past two weeks. Here's a look at what happened this week. Catch up on our previous installments here. THE FACTS MAJOR SHIFT IN FEDERAL GRANTMAKING RULES On August 7, the president issued the executive … Continue reading

Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XVIII: Recess & Our Region

Hello again. As Congress heads into its August recess and the pace of federal policy news slows, we’re highlighting key updates and resources to help you stay informed and prepared for what’s ahead this fall. Locally, with a fully seated Board of Supervisors, we are monitoring changes in our region with new leadership in place. … Continue reading Catalyst Biweekly Policy Briefing Issue XVIII: Recess & Our Region

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