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 News
February 10, 2025
Center for Effective Philanthropy: Standing Strong for DEI

Center for Effective Philanthropy’s Phil Buchanan makes the case for supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and highlights ways in which funders and nonprofits can stand by their commitments to justice. The below is an excerpt that…

News
March 13, 2025
Jeffrey Jiménez-Kurlander Moves on to New Position

The Surdna Foundation announced today that Jeffrey Jiménez-Kurlander, learning and impact officer, is moving on to a new position as manager of strategic learning and evaluation at the Mellon Foundation, the largest funder of arts and humanities…

From the President
February 7, 2025
Becoming the Vision: The Oath with Don Chen

The follow is an excerpt from Freedom Dreams in Philanthropy's Becoming The Vision podcast where hosts Dr. Chera Reid, Efraín Gutiérrez, and Dr. Trinel Torian talk with those who "embrace the tradition of freedom dreaming in service to racial…

From the President
December 7, 2024
Dreaming of Joy: Finding Light As We Reimagine Power and Possibility

In September 2024, Surdna President Don Chen joined a panel of philanthropic leaders—Flozell Daniels, Jr. (CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation), Mayra Peters-Quintero (executive director of Abundant Futures Fund), and Vanessa Mason…