Our Mission

We connect and activate funders to learn, lead, and invest in our communities.

Our vision: An equitable, collaborative, and impactful social change ecosystem that improves the lives of all residents in our region.

Our Values

Image Preview A smiling woman with glasses and a bun, wearing a patterned blue and white blouse, holding a microphone and gesturing during a panel discussion.

Learning

We actively seek knowledge and inspiration from Catalyst members, field experts and those from the communities we serve to ensure we make informed, timely and relevant decisions in all that we do.

Image Preview Two women in business attire shaking hands during an event, other attendees visible in the background.

Collaboration

Meaningful collaboration must take place in philanthropy to ensure the best outcomes of our work and is further strengthened by partnering with other sectors.

A middle-aged East Asian man wearing glasses and a dark blazer smiles slightly, wearing a name tag indicating his name is Bennett, his affiliation with Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and Qualcomm, and a lanyard, attending a conference or event.

Equity

The common good is served by creating systems and opportunities that lead to equity for all – regardless of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or socio-economic status.

A smiling woman with long black hair, wearing a black cardigan over a pink top, and a blue lanyard around her neck, is facing towards the right with a background of blurred horizontal lines.

Future-focused

We anticipate future trends to better prepare our members to contribute to a more vibrant region.

A smiling, middle-aged bald man in a suit jacket and glasses hanging from his shirt, talking and gesturing at an event; a name tag reads "Tomas Herrera-Mishler."

Impact

Our work must make a measurable difference.

Young woman with brown hair and glasses smiling, wearing a grey blazer over a white lace top, and carrying a pink purse.

Courageous Leadership

We demonstrate conviction for our values by taking risks and being bold.

Map of the Southwest US with California and the USA labeled, with a blue and orange state highlighted near the border with Mexico.

Where We Work

We work with local, statewide and national funders who are seeking to learn about and fund solutions in San Diego and Imperial Counties. As a border region, we also partner with peers in Baja California, Mexico to form a thriving binational region.

San Diego County

Imperial County

Stronger Together

Our state’s three philanthropy regional associations—Northern California Grantmakers, Southern California Grantmakers, and Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties—are working together to increase our impact in building and sustaining thriving, equitable communities.

Two men in business attire seated at a table on a stage, engaged in a conversation, gesturing with hands, with potted succulents on the table, and a backdrop of vertical fabric panels.
A young man with dark hair, wearing a light blue checked shirt and belt, holding a microphone, gesturing with his right hand as he speaks to an audience; a purple name tag is on his chest.
Woman with long brown hair wearing glasses, smiling and gesturing with her hands while holding a document during a conference or meeting.