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…

Grantee Perspectives

August 26, 2025

Free to Imagine: Ashé Cultural Arts Center

In honor of the twenty-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we’re remembering the culture and lives lost in the devastation and recognizing the culture and community that continues to shine in New Orleans and across the Gulf Coast. We recently…

Staff Spotlight

July 24, 2025

Celebrating Staff Updates at Surdna

The Surdna Foundation today announced two staff updates: Silvana Serafimovska is now the director of Grants Management, and Amel Alyamani is now communications manager. ___________________________________ Silvana Serafimovska joined Surdna in…

News

July 22, 2025

ALERT: Beware of Scam Claiming to Come from Surdna

Beware of a phishing scam claiming to come from a Surdna employee (using the fake email joshuaelliott@surdnafoundation.org) and requesting that recipients conduct job interviews via text and provide personal information. These messages are…