By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–San Diego Gives, the region’s largest fundraising campaign, is back with 104 participating nonprofit organizations from across the county.
In its fifth year, the annual day of giving represents the culmination of an eight-month nonprofit capacity-building program that arms local organizations with the skills to maximize their fundraising capabilities.
The 104 participating nonprofits represent the diverse array of philanthropic organizations throughout San Diego. Whether you want to donate to an organization that brings arts education and programming to local schools or support a non-profit that provides veterinary services to unhoused pets, San Diego Gives elevates that platform of local philanthropies to ensure San Diegans can give money to the causes they’re most passionate about. You can find a full list of participating organizations here.
“San Diego Gives is more than just a fundraising campaign—it’s a community movement rooted in collective generosity and local impact,” said Jim Davis, director of the North County Philanthropy Council, who presents San Diego Gives. “This year’s Day of Giving highlights the incredible work of our region’s nonprofits, many of which are navigating increasingly complex political and economic landscapes. The enthusiasm and support we’ve seen from donors, volunteers, and partner organizations reflect the deep commitment San Diegans have to uplifting one another.”
This year, several organizations and businesses have stepped up to support the San Diego Gives campaign. Sponsors include Champions of Change – Ron Jesse Marcus Purpose-Powered Marketing, and Impact Cubed; Ambassadors – Scatena Daniels Communications and Sycuan Casino & Resort; Social Catalyst – Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, Queen Bee Consulting, and Netzel Grigsby Associates; In-Kind Sponsor – National University Fundraising Academy.
San Diego Gives rallies the San Diego community behind transformative nonprofits that make an undeniable impact on our county. By uniting many nonprofit organizations under one campaign, San Diego Gives can expand the visibility and funding opportunities for organizations that are otherwise overlooked by many in the community.
To maximize the impact of the Day of Giving on Sept. 9, San Diego Gives and the North County Philanthropy Council host special workshops and webinars led by the region’s leading philanthropic experts for eight months leading up to the big day. From budgeting advice to crowdfunding campaign tips, these educational panels provide local non-profit organizations with actionable strategies to better connect with donors, the media, and potential beneficiaries.
Since its inception in 2021, the San Diego Gives campaign has harnessed the collective power of San Diego philanthropy to raise more than $3.6 million for 500 local nonprofits. The campaign has seen a steady increase in donors each year, starting with 2,385 donors in 2021 and reaching over 3,000 donors in 2024.
The North County Philanthropy Council is the organizer of San Diego Gives. Their staff and volunteers thoroughly vet every nonprofit that applies to participate in the campaign to ensure every dollar donated goes to a truly impactful organization.
Nonprofits that have joined San Diego Gives have met the following criteria:
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in and serving San Diego County.
In good standing with the Franchise Tax Board and the Attorney General of California; and paid the appropriate registration fee.
Businesses, groups, and individuals are all encouraged to participate in San Diego Gives, whether through donations, fundraising events, or volunteering. There are three ways to get involved with San Diego Gives:
Donate to a Specific Nonprofit. If San Diegans have a specific nonprofit they wish to champion, we encourage them to donate directly. Potential donors can find a list of participating nonprofits here.
Host a Fundraiser. To maximize the amount of a donation, San Diego Gives encourages businesses and groups to host fundraising events to engage employees and customers in the campaign. This can be a special event, a sales percentage drive, or any other kind of creative initiative.
Become a San Diego Gives Campaign Sponsor. Organizations that become campaign sponsors can support the San Diego Gives initiative while gaining extensive visibility as an entity that is committed to the community. Campaign sponsors gain additional media exposure and can partner directly with their preferred nonprofits. Learn more about sponsorship packages here.
The 2025 San Diego Gives campaign is currently underway, ending on Sept. 9 with the “Day of Giving.” To learn more information about the campaign or to make a donation, visit NCphilanthropy.com.
