SAN DIEGO–The San Diego Foundation has named Robyn Sharp as Director, Corporate Giving.
Sharp began her career at The Foundation in 2007 within its nonprofit partnerships program area, helping to build the capacity of nonprofits region-wide. In October of that year, Sharp took a leadership role in The Foundation’s response to the massive wildfires that struck the county, managing the San Diego Regional Disaster Fund’s Board of Directors and interfacing with nonprofits seeking grant funding. Over time, Sharp gained increasing leadership of the nearly four-year project, steering the grantmaking strategy and allocation of $10 million to more than 50 nonprofit partners. In this work, she helped several large corporate donors to enact their disaster philanthropy, including Qualcomm, Harrah’s, Home Depot, Jenny Craig and the San Diego Chargers.
In 2009, Sharp also assumed responsibility for The Foundation’s Health & Human Services program, managing grants and special projects such as the Paradise Valley Community Health Fund, with a total portfolio topping $4 million. She also provided critical support to The Foundation’s recent 5-year strategic planning effort and serves as staff liaison for the Economic Development Task Force of the Our Greater San Diego Vision effort.
In her new role, Sharp will manage relationships with The Foundation’s current corporate clients, which include CareFusion, Del Mar Healthcare, H.G. Fenton, Life Technologies, WD-40, and others. She will also bring new corporate business to The Foundation, helping companies develop strategies and enact their philanthropic goals.
“We’re honored to name Robyn as our new Director, Corporate Giving,” said Bob Kelly, President and CEO of The San Diego Foundation. “Robyn has displayed a natural ability to connect to our corporate philanthropists, large and small, and assure they receive the personal and professional attention they deserve to realize their commitment to the San Diego region, and beyond.”