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

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…

Uncategorized
October 30, 2024
AAPI Civic Engagement Fund Fellows Unveils Five Interdisciplinary Art Projects to Mobilize Critical Voting Base

The Surdna Foundation is proud to support the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund in sustaining Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations working to create a thriving, multiracial democracy. Five AAPI Artists Unveil Interdisciplinary Art…

Inclusive Economies
September 5, 2024
NY Small Business Funders Collective Announces New Grant Opportunity

The Collective has previously awarded $1 million to local organizations New York, NY (September 4, 2024) - Small businesses are a vital economic driver in NYC, and the NY Small Business Funders Collective is dedicated to strengthening and funding…