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
December 4, 2021

This Foundation Let Youth Organizers Decide Where to Give its Money

By Kristin Toussaint | Originally published by Fast Company In a typical room where nonprofits do the work of grantmaking—deciding which programs and solutions to fund with their philanthropic dollars—the faces around that table likely…

Inclusive Economies
January 25, 2022

Measuring Together: A Learning Approach for Inclusive Economies 

In 2020, the Surdna Foundation’s Inclusive Economies and Learning Grants Operations teams, alongside a dedicated group of grantee partners, completed phase one of a two-part pilot program to co-create a set of metrics and indicators to measure…

News
November 15, 2021

Founders First Closes Oversubscribed Series A Funding

In March 2021, Founders First Capital Partners announced its initial close for a $9 million Series A financing. The Surdna and Rockefeller foundations backed the initial round of financing. This week, we are thrilled to share that Founders First…

News
November 4, 2021

Donors of Color Network Releases Foundation Funding Data to BIPOC-Led Organizations 

New Top 40 Funder Takes The Climate Funders Justice Pledge; Donors of Color Network Releases Never Before Seen Foundation Funding Data to BIPOC-Led Organizations   With the addition of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, eight of the top 40…