Supporting Just and Sustainable Communities

Our History

The Surdna Foundation was founded in 1917 by John Emory Andrus to pursue a range of philanthropic purposes. To this day, family stewardship of the Foundation is guided by Andrus’ commitment to serving those in need.

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Programs

Through our investments, we dismantle the barriers that limit opportunities to create more prosperous, enriching, and sustainable communities. Taken together, our investments build capacity, spark innovation, and connect stakeholders while encouraging lesson-sharing between grantees.

Inclusive Economies

We support and invest in the growth of robust, sustainable economies with diverse businesses owned by people of color and the advancement of equitable economic development.

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Sustainable Environments

We support the creation of just and sustainable communities in which low-wealth and communities of color have the power to self-determine the ownership, control and stewardship of land and its infrastructure assets.

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Thriving Cultures

We invest in artists, culture-bearers, designers, and media-makers of color who partner with their communities to radically imagine justice and foster the conditions for just systems and practices to be adopted.

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Latest News & Events Learn More

Journey to Justice: Surdna Foundation Impact Report 2018–2024

In 2018, Surdna put racial justice at the heart of its grantmaking. Today, we’re proud to publish our latest Impact Report: Journey to Justice 2018–2024, which explores six years of grantmaking data, lessons learned, and stories from our…

Uncategorized

September 26, 2025

Defending the Right to Speak and Give Freely Without Fear of Government Retaliation

The freedom of speech and, by extension, the freedom to give to causes of one's choosing, are fundamental to American democracy. These freedoms must apply equally to all individuals and organizations, regardless of political viewpoint. The…

Uncategorized

September 23, 2025

Free to Breathe Clean Air

For Climate Week NYC 2025, we’re highlighting this story from our Sustainable Environments Program partners at Ironbound Community Corporation. Read the full story and more in our recent six-year impact report: Journey to Justice. Free to…

News

September 17, 2025

Statement on Political Violence and the Fundamental Freedom of Speech

Today, the Surdna Foundation joined over 100 philanthropies in signing United in Advance's Statement on Political Violence and the Fundamental Freedom of Speech. Read the full statement below: “Acts of political violence — from the recent…