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
March 26, 2021

AAPI: A Call for Solidarity and Collective Action

Immediately after the murder of eight people–including six Asian women–in Atlanta, Georgia last Tuesday, I started to write this letter. But it didn’t feel quite right. As an Asian American, I wanted to do more than write a statement. By…

News
March 26, 2021

A Call for Solidarity and Collective Action: Asian American Philanthropy Letter of Intention

Surdna's president Don Chen co-organized Asian American / Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP)'s  Call for Solidarity and Collective Action. Surdna is proud to sign this letter and we encourage other funders to join us. Asian…

Andrus Family Fund
March 24, 2021

6 Ways Funders Can Support Visionary Freedom

How funders can challenge white supremacy, shift power and follow the lead of youth organizers and BIPOC communities By Manuela Arciniegas, Bryan Perlmutter and Jessica Pierce Society is battling threats on multiple fronts: The pandemic, ongoing…

What We're Learning
March 24, 2021

Seeking to Soar: Foundation Funding for Asian American & Pacific Islander Communities

Surdna grantee Asian American / Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP) recently released Seeking to Soar: Foundation Funding for Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities. This new report finds that foundation funding designated for Asian…