Growing and Sharing Philanthropy’s Power for Transformational Change

Imagine what philanthropy could really accomplish by better activating our collective power. How do we seize on – not shrink from – the evolving nature of power? How do we use our influence and command of resources to grow and share power, in new and transformational ways, across people and places?

This week, the San Diego Grantmakers community convened for our 2019 Annual Conference: The Power in Philanthropy. Together we examined the underpinnings of power that influence the social sector’s culture and norms, and ultimately shape our philanthropic impact. Keep reading below for examples from #SDGCon19 sponsors who are for leveraging their power for transformational change and greater equity in San Diego communities.

The Parker Foundation

While many foundations concentrate their giving by sector or geography, The Parker Foundation embraces flexibility as a means to deliver greater community impact. The Foundation supports a range of San Diego County organizations and programs, including organizational sustainability and infrastructure. Board Members also work closely with other funders through San Diego Grantmakers and participate in a variety of funder collaboratives focused on education, homelessness and housing, military support, social equity, and food/hunger. The Foundation also supports social impact investing as another strategy to help grantees achieve successful outcomes.

Click here to learn more about #SDGCon19 sponsor The Parker Foundation.

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo supports national and community-based nonprofits to strengthen communities facing critical social, economic, and environmental challenges. Through monetary support, expertise, and volunteerism around issues that align with business priorities, the bank’s philanthropic activities focus on creating long-term, strategic relationships to create innovative, sustainable solutions to meet local needs. Wells Fargo community outreach and grant programs empower under-resourced communities in such areas as sustainable homeownership/affordable housing; career transition and support services for military service members, financial literacy, and higher education for diverse, lower-income, and first generation college students.

Read more about #SDGCon19 sponsor Wells Fargo here.

Nordson Corporation

Nordson’s community outreach programs are dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities by improving educational outcomes that enable individuals to become self-sufficient, active participants in society. Nordson embraces its responsibility as a corporate citizen to share its success with communities, which is why the company donates 5 percent of U.S. pre-tax profits to support charitable endeavors every year.  The company’s six community engagement programs—The Nordson Corporation Foundation; volunteerism/nonprofit board service; giving campaigns; scholarships to develop diverse talent for the manufacturing industry; matching gifts for current employees and retirees; and corporate donations—are known collectively as The Nordson Impact.

Click here for more information on #SDGCon19 sponsor the Nordson Corporation.

The San Diego Foundation

The San Diego Foundation works with a broad network of donors to advance quality of life, increase social impact and champion civic engagement. Whether it’s through the development of urban parkland or a program to get more first-generation students through college, most grantmaking is done by San Diegans for San Diegans. The Foundation’s Social Impact focus areas spur catalytic change and greater equity throughout our region, including: supporting an active and just civil society; bringing residents and local leaders together to generate solutions to local issues; prioritizing education as a pathway out of poverty; and promoting affordable housing as core stabilizing factor for employment, education, and health.