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 Impact Investing
August 3, 2022
TIIP and Surdna Foundation Join Forces to Help Investors Adopt Innovative Techniques to Address Global Systemic Challenges

Grant expands tools and support that empower investors to incorporate system-level investing strategies into their asset management and beyond. August 3, 2022 – The Investment Integration Project (TIIP), a…

In Memoriam
September 29, 2022
Remembering Gwen Walden

This Monday, we lost our beloved Board member and friend Gwen Walden to cancer. Gwen was a gentle powerhouse, always speaking with great wisdom and insight, drawing from her deep knowledge of the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, and…

Inclusive Economies
September 7, 2022
New York City-Based Funders Collective Launches with First Award Opportunity

NY Small Business Funders Collective will award $500,000 to local organizations New York, NY (September 7, 2022) - On the heels of layered crises and big challenges for small businesses in the New York City region, JPMorgan Chase, M&T…

Inclusive Economies
August 4, 2022
Mekaelia Davis Joins Ballmer Group; Patrice R. Green to Serve as Interim Director

The Surdna Foundation announced today that Inclusive Economies Program Director Mekaelia Davis is moving on to head up a new program at the Ballmer Group, a philanthropic entity that invests roughly $450 million annually in creating economic…