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
January 18, 2021

Answering Dr. King’s Question: Where Do We Go from Here?

On this day of remembrance of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I'm acutely in need of solace and inspiration. In recent days, I've found myself reaching for his 1968 book, Where Do We Go from Here? Chaos or Community? because the question of…

News
January 21, 2021

Amplify Fund: Grantmaking to Communities Driving Just and Equitable Development

The Amplify Fund envisions a reality where Black, Indigenous, people of color and low-income people benefit from the changes caused by development, including wealth creation, land control and quality of life outcomes. Watch this short video to hear…

News
January 8, 2021

Philanthropies Condemn Political Violence, Call on Leaders to Protect Democracy and Get Back to the People’s Business

The Surdna Foundation is proud to be among the early signers of the Democracy Letter from philanthropists. As representatives of nonpartisan philanthropic institutions, serving rural, urban, and suburban communities across the nation, we…

From the President
January 7, 2021

The Attack on the Capitol: A Call for Accountability and Action

Yesterday's lawless attack on Congress at the Capitol building was an unbelievable and yet completely predictable attempt to overturn the results of America's electoral process and subvert our democracy. It is a direct result of dangerous…