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 Andrus Family Fund
September 12, 2023
Lincoln Mondy Appointed Program Officer, Andrus Family Fund

The Andrus Family Fund (AFF), a program of the Surdna Foundation, today announced the appointment of Lincoln Mondy as Program Officer, starting August 2023.   Lincoln will help guide a $5 million grant portfolio and manage field leadership and…

From the President
July 11, 2023
Announcing a Reorganization and Promotions at Surdna

Dear Friends, Today, I want to share news about a recent reorganization at Surdna and celebrate some of our people who have been promoted. Looking Inward As one of the few relatively large foundations devoted to advancing racial justice in the…

Staff Perspectives
June 29, 2023
Surdna’s Unwavering Commitment to Advancing Racial Justice in America’s Communities

The Surdna Foundation is extremely disappointed in the Supreme Court’s ruling today on affirmative action, which will prevent colleges and universities from considering race in admissions. We wish tools like affirmative action were not necessary…

News
June 29, 2023
Statement in response to the US Supreme Court’s Decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College

The following is a statement by funders and philanthropic organizations in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings in Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of…