Rancho Santa Fe Foundation

08/26/2026

Recently, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation convened fundholders, philanthropists, and community partners to explore collaborative solutions to San Diego’s housing challenges.

We were pleased to host YIGBY (Yes in God’s Back Yard), which works with faith communities to transform underutilized land into affordable housing, in partnership with Lucky Duck Foundation.

At RSFF, we believe thoughtful philanthropy begins with listening, learning, and staying close to the people and ideas shaping our region.
Thank you to YIGBY, Lucky Duck Foundation, and everyone who joined us. We look forward to continuing to bring together philanthropy, expertise, and promising ideas that can help address critical needs across San Diego.

Interested in exploring collaborative funding opportunities or innovative approaches to housing? Contact us at [email protected].

08/19/2026

This month, we are proud to spotlight Junior Achievement of San Diego County, an RSF Foundation nonprofit fundholder helping young people build the knowledge, confidence, and skills to shape their futures.

Through immersive learning experiences and mentorship in financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship, JA San Diego connects students with practical lessons in business, money management, career pathways, and economic opportunity. Their programs help young people understand how classroom learning applies to life, work, and future success.

As the RSF Foundation continues to support nonprofit fundholders strengthening lives across our region, we are grateful to highlight Junior Achievement’s commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and community contributors.
Learn more at jasandiego.org

08/17/2026

The Sorrento Fire is another reminder of the wildfire risk communities across San Diego face. We are thinking of everyone affected and wishing them safety and a swift recovery. For the latest official information on the Sorrento Fire, including incident updates and maps, visit CAL FIRE: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/8/16/sorrento-fire/

We are grateful to the firefighters and first responders working to protect our region, including the teams at CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.

At Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, fire prevention and preparedness is an important part of our community leadership work. Through partnerships, education, and investment in prevention, we are working to help strengthen our community before the next emergency begins.

One example is our current collaboration with UC San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe Association, ALERTCalifornia, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District to advance wildfire monitoring capabilities in our area. The project is designed to strengthen early detection and situational awareness, helping fire professionals respond when minutes matter.

Wildfire risk extends beyond any one neighborhood. Staying informed, preparing our homes and families, and knowing where to find trusted information all contribute to a safer, more prepared region.

To learn more about Rancho Santa Fe Foundation’s Fire Prevention and Preparedness work and the partnerships helping strengthen our region, contact us at [email protected].

San Diego is requesting additional resources from CAL FIRE. CAL FIRE is assisting with two dozers and multiple aircraft from Ramona Air Base.

08/10/2026

Back to school season is here, and we’re excited to welcome students, families, educators, and the entire Rancho Santa Fe community to a new year of learning and possibility.

We are especially grateful to our school and education fundholders, whose generosity helps create lasting opportunities for students and strengthens education now and into the future. Here’s to a year filled with curiosity, growth, connection, and new beginnings.

Wishing our Rancho Santa Fe community a wonderful school year ahead!
Torrey Pines HS Foundation, Solana Beach Schools Foundation, Cristo Rey San Diego High School, SDA Foundation, The Cambridge School, San Diego, Aseltine School, Rancho Santa Fe Education Foundation, The Grauer School, Nativity Prep Academy, Valley Center High School Foundation, Miramar College Foundation, Friends of San Pasqual Academy

08/05/2026

How do you pass generosity from one generation to the next?

Family philanthropy can begin with simple moments, a conversation at the dinner table, volunteering together, or an invitation to help make a giving decision.

In our latest blog, Rancho Santa Fe Foundation shares 10 practical ways to involve children and grandchildren in charitable giving, helping them explore what they care about and understand the difference they can make.

Read the full blog and discover ideas for making philanthropy a meaningful part of your family’s legacy: https://rsffoundation.org/charitable-giving-ten-ways-families-can-get-involved/

Discover how endowments help nonprofits plan for the future, stabilize funding, and strengthen mission impact through long-term investment.

07/28/2026

This month, we are proud to spotlight Freedom Dogs, an Oceanside nonprofit fundholder serving wounded service members and veterans.

With the training provided by Freedom Dogs dedicated trainers, Freedom Dogs provide physical and emotional support by executing specifically trained mitigating tasks for individuals navigating PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other service-related challenges. Their work helps participants build confidence, strengthen independence, and move forward with trusted support at their side.

As the RSF Foundation continues its longstanding commitment to the military and veteran communities, we are grateful to highlight nonprofit fundholders whose service, compassion, and philanthropy strengthen lives throughout our region.
Learn more at freedomdogs.org

07/24/2026

Charitable giving is easier when you have the right partner.

At Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, fundholders benefit from a personal relationship with a team that understands their goals, knows the nonprofit community, and can help turn generosity into lasting impact, locally and beyond.

Explore what sets RSFF apart, and discover how becoming a fundholder can bring greater clarity, confidence, and purpose to your philanthropy: https://rsffoundation.org/what-makes-a-community-foundation-different/

Discover how endowments help nonprofits plan for the future, stabilize funding, and strengthen mission impact through long-term investment.

07/21/2026

Did you leave the military before age 30? Your experience matters.

The Rancho Santa Fe Foundation is funding a first-of-its-kind study with the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families - IVMF to better understand how young veterans transition to civilian life in San Diego County.

If you meet the criteria, please take a few minutes to complete this confidential survey by August 14th. Your input will help shape future programs, services, and investments that better support veterans in our community.

Were you under age 30 when you separated from military service?

If you're a veteran living in San Diego County, the D'Aniello IVMF, with support from the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, invites you to participate in a confidential survey.

Your experience can help researchers better understand the transition from military to civilian life, identify opportunities to strengthen support, and inform future programs and resources for veterans in San Diego County.

Help shape what's next for veterans in your community. Complete the survey by August 14.

🔗 https://go.syr.edu/ivmf/sdsurvey

07/16/2026

A special thank you to our nonprofit fundholders who joined us for the latest session in the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation Planned Giving Webinar Series: Congratulations! You Got a “No.”

Professor Russell James of Texas Tech University shared practical, research-based guidance on what to do after a donor declines a request, reminding us that a “no” is often not the end of the conversation, but an opportunity to listen, better understand the donor’s motivations, and continue building trust.

We are grateful to Professor James for his insight and to Blair Search Partners for sponsoring this educational series.

As a community foundation, we are proud to support nonprofit fundholders with learning opportunities that strengthen donor relationships, long-term sustainability, and philanthropic impact.

Interested in opening a fund? Contact us at [email protected] or visit rsffoundation.org.

07/02/2026

Happy Fourth of July from Rancho Santa Fe Foundation!

As our nation celebrates 250 years, we are reflecting with gratitude on the service and generosity that have shaped our nation and our community.

For 45 years, RSFF has been honored to help local philanthropy create lasting impact. Through Supporting Our Heroes, one of the Foundation’s original Impact Pillars, we remain especially grateful for San Diego’s service members, veterans, and military families, whose dedication continues to inspire our work.

RSF Foundation will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day. We wish you a safe and meaningful Fourth of July.