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

Featured From the President
April 8, 2025
The Surdna Foundation’s Continued Commitment and Our Call for Solidarity

A letter from Don Chen, president of the Surdna Foundation: In recent months, the nonprofit sector has faced unprecedented challenges, particularly the loss of funding from government agencies, fear rippling through communities and the…

Impact Investing
April 21, 2025
High Risk, High Reward: Bold Investments Driving Change

On April 15, 2025,  Don Chen, president of the Surdna Foundation, spoke at the Global Impact Investing Network's West Coast Impact Forum and Investor Training on Surdna's intentional decision to apply our social and racial justice values to…

News
April 9, 2025
A Public Statement From Philanthropy

The Surdna Foundation is proud to sign onto the Council on Foundations' public statement from philanthropy. We invite all charitable giving organizations to join us in this effort to protect our freedom to express ourselves, to give, and to…

Staff Spotlight
April 2, 2025
Bria Graham Appointed to Senior Program Associate

The Surdna Foundation today is pleased to appoint Bria Graham to senior program associate for the Inclusive Economies Program.  Since joining Surdna in 2022, Bria has been critical in supporting the Inclusive Economies team’s investment in an…