October 14, 2010

The San Francisco Foundation Grants $5 Million to Cushion those Hardest Hit in the Recession

Jobs, Foreclosure Response and Neighborhood Preservation, and the Safety Net

(SAN FRANCISCO) – Thursday, October 14, 2010 – Dr. Sandra Hernández, CEO of The San Francisco Foundation, announced today $5 million in focused funding in response to the recession. While market indicators signal a measured upswing in the economy, many in the region continue to suffer residual effects. Informed by community input and a new strategic plan, The San Francisco Foundation will fund three priority areas:

•    Job Training and Creation
•    Foreclosure Response and Neighborhood Preservation; and
•    Safety Net Programs and Services

An invitation-only request for proposals process opened this week, and selected nonprofit organizations will be funded by December 1, 2010.

"This has been one of the most dramatic and disabling economic downturns in decades," said Dr. Hernández. "We listened and learned that it’s all about jobs, family stability, and the safety net. Through a targeted and streamlined grantmaking process, we’re infusing our partner nonprofits with resources to ignite the turnaround. This is about helping those hardest hit to get back on their feet."

The San Francisco Foundation will also offer an open application grantmaking opportunity, open to all, beginning Monday, November 1, 2010. Eligible nonprofit organizations in the Bay Area are encouraged to apply through the areas of Community Health, Community Development, Education, Arts and Culture, or the Environment. Applications will be accepted from November 1, 2010, through December 6 and 8, 2010.

Please visit www.sff.org for detailed information about The San Francisco Foundation’s priorities, funding cycles, and how to apply.

About The San Francisco Foundation
The San Francisco Foundation (TSFF) is the community foundation serving the Bay Area since 1948, granting more than $800 million over the past ten years. Through the generosity and vision of our donors, TSFF awarded grants totaling more than $80.6 million in fiscal year 2009. TSFF brings together donors and builds on community assets through grantmaking, leveraging, public policy, advocacy, and leadership development. By focusing on people, organizations, neighborhoods, and policy, the Foundation addresses community needs in the areas of community health, education, arts and culture, community development, and the environment. In response to the economic downturn, TSFF is focusing funding on safety net partners, job creation and training, and foreclosure response and neighborhood preservation for the next three years. The San Francisco Foundation serves San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and San Mateo Counties. www.sff.org