Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego
The Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego is a public charity based in San Diego, California. Founded in 2015, it works with individuals, families, and institutions to foster Catholic philanthropy and support the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the Catholic community in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
Key facts about Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego
In short: Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego gave $1.7M across 35 grants in 2024 (avg $48K), mostly in California. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 47-4949185
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,690,642
- Grants made (2024)
- 35
- Average grant
- $48,304
- Median grant
- $22,000
- Total assets
- $38,559,480
- Primary geography
- California (84% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- For the stated annual CCFSD-directed cycle, application responses are due in the second half of September.
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$38.6M
-17.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.7M
-37.4% YoY
Grant Count
35
-5.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$48K
-33.8% YoY
How Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego gives
- 69% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+1%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to foster and amplify Catholic philanthropy and Catholic stewardship. Its work includes helping establish and manage endowments for parishes, schools, and other Catholic ministries, as well as donor-advised and designated funds. It says endowment investments follow Catholic Values Investing standards and that grants must go to responsible 501(c)(3) organizations whose mission and values are not inconsistent with the Catholic faith.
Its 2024 grants included education, charitable support, homelessness services, and other causes. Among the recipients, Serving Hands International describes its work as assisting people in poverty through services including education, food, shelter, medical assistance, and spiritual guidance. International Relief Teams says it provides assistance to people affected by disasters, poverty, and neglect. Union Rescue Mission describes providing emergency and long-term services to people experiencing homelessness.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 35 grants totaling $1,690,642. Grant amounts ranged from $5,100 to $283,000, with a median grant of $22,000. The largest listed awards included $283,000 to Cristo Rey San Diego High School for education; $205,600 to Dynamic Catholic Institute for “Ambassador club, programs”; $160,000 to Nativity Prep Academy; $150,000 to Serving Hands International; and $140,000 to International Relief Teams for its 2024 Annual Giving Plan.
Other listed awards included $100,000 to East County Transitional Living, $80,000 to Big Brothers & Sisters of San Diego, $68,200 to Father Joe’s Villages, and $55,000 to Union Rescue Mission for general support. These examples reflect the reported grants; the Foundation also distributes donor-directed grants.
For CCFSD-directed grants, the Foundation says it identifies recipients whose work matches the purpose of a field-of-interest endowment, using its own research, previous grant outcomes, and institutional and philanthropic relationships. These grants are made at the Executive Committee’s direction and are generally between $500 and $5,000, depending on endowment size and the number of grants. The Executive Committee reviews applications and recommends awards for approval by the full Board of Trustees.
Review Cycle
For the stated annual CCFSD-directed cycle, application responses are due in the second half of September.
Invitation Only
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. CCFSD-directed grant opportunities are offered by private invitation when investment earnings are sufficient; invited organizations submit application responses for Executive Committee review and Board approval. Grants are restricted to responsible 501(c)(3) organizations whose missions and values are not inconsistent with the Catholic faith.
Ready to take the next step with Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation says it serves the Catholic community in San Diego and Imperial Counties. In 2024, 84% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in California; the remainder went to recipients in Kentucky (12%), Illinois (2%), Arizona (1%), and Pennsylvania (1%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 35 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.2M (2020) to $2.7M (2023). In 2024 it made 35 grants totaling $1.7M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Cristo Rey San Diego HS ($283K). Together the top 10 received $1.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
75 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 53 grants of 75 (71%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cristo Rey San Diego HS San Diego, CA | Education | $283,000 |
| Dynamic Catholic Institute Erlanger, KY | Ambassador club, programs | $205,600 |
| Nativity Prep Academy San Diego, CA | Donation | $160,000 |
| Serving Hands International San Diego, CA | Support Charitable organization | $150,000 |
| International Relief Teams San Diego, CA | 2024 Annual Giving Plan | $140,000 |
| East County Transitional Liv El Cajon, CA | Support Charitable organization | $100,000 |
| Big Brothers & Sisters of SD San Diego, CA | Support CA Violence Intervention | $80,000 |
| Father Joes Villages San Diego, CA | Homeless prog, Med & Dental fac | $68,200 |
| Union Rescue Mission Los Angeles, CA | General Support | $55,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House Chariti San Diego, CA | Program | $50,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $38,559,480 | $5,086,419 | $2,252,142 | $1,690,642 | 35 |
| 2023 | $46,754,292 | $3,504,423 | $3,257,682 | $2,699,218 | 37 |
| 2022 | $74,956,928 | $4,838,986 | $3,156,868 | $2,473,967 | 1 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $38,559,480 | $46,754,292 | $74,956,928 |
| Revenue | $5,086,419 | $3,504,423 | $4,838,986 |
| Expenses | $2,252,142 | $3,257,682 | $3,156,868 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,600,692 | $376,643 | $1,347,650 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 27, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 15, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Will Peterson as Executive Director and Manny Rubio as Former Executive Director. Listed trustees are Very Rev. Steven Callahan, Susan Carter, Dean Dwyer, Janine Mason, and Viviana Honold. Mark Neilson is listed as President, James Buddy Thomas as Treasurer and Secretary, and Bryan Gannon as Vice President.
Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego is led by Will Peterson, Executive Director on the 2024 filing; 2 of 11 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Will Peterson
Executive Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$37K (2024)
Mark Neilson
President
Trustee → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dean Dwyer
Trustee
Trustee → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Janine Mason
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Carter
Trustee
Treasurer → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Thomas Schoettle
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Viviana Honold
Trustee
Secretary → Treasurer, 2021
Treasurer → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Very Rev Steven Callahan
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Manny Rubio
Former Executive Director
CEO → Former Executive Director, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$111K (2021) → $88K (2024)
Bryan Gannon
Vice President
Trustee → Vice Chairman, 2023
Vice Chairman → Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Buddy Thomas
Treasurer & Secretary
Trustee → Treasurer, 2023
Treasurer → Treasurer & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (9)
- Former: Msgr Mark Campbell (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Brian Caster (2020–2022) — President
- Former: Jaime Honold (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Karen Conde (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Msgr Steven F. Callahan (2020–2022) — Vice President
- Former: Peter Marlow (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Ryan Douglas (2021–2022) — Director Finance
- Former: Gary Rectenwald (2020–2021) — Executive Director
- Former: Nicholas Dempsey (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $88K, to Manny Rubio (Former Exec Dir). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 4747 Morena Blvd 300, San Diego, CA 92117
Phone: (858) 397-9700
Website: https://ccfsd.org
Frequently asked questions about Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego
How much does Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego give each year?
Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego gave $1.7M across 35 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.7M across 37 grants.
What is Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego's typical grant size?
Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego's median grant in 2024 was $22,000, and its average grant was $48,304, across 35 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Where does Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego give grants?
Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego gives mostly in California: 84% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Kentucky (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were San Diego, CA (21 grants) and Chicago, IL (2 grants).
Does Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego give general operating support?
Yes: 20% of Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (7 of 35) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Support Charitable organization" (5 grants).
Who are Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego's largest grantees?
Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego's largest 2024 grantees include Cristo Rey San Diego HS ($283,000), Dynamic Catholic Institute ($205,600) and Nativity Prep Academy ($160,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 38% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego?
Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego reported $38.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $5.1M.
What does Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to foster and amplify Catholic philanthropy and Catholic stewardship. Its work includes helping establish and manage endowments for parishes, schools, and other Catholic ministries, as well as donor-advised and designated funds. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego?
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego's EIN?
Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-4949185. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in California
Orange County Community Foundation
Irvine, CA
The Orange County Community Foundation supports a wide range of causes, including human services, education, health, arts, the environment, and community development, primarily in Orange County and also beyond. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$743.6M
Grants
975
Total Given
$120.4M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation supports nonprofits through discretionary and donor-directed grants, with discretionary priorities including education, health, housing and immigration, alongside other areas such as arts, civic engagement and economic opportunity. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, and its work is focused on Los Angeles County; prospective discretionary applicants are asked to contact the relevant program officer before submitting a letter of intent.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
Direct Relief
Santa Barbara, CA
Direct Relief supports healthcare providers serving people affected by poverty or emergencies, including community health centers, clinics, and grassroots organizations, with medicines, supplies, and funding for health access and equity. In 2025, its grants had a median award of about $65,000, and its work spans all 50 U.S. states and countries around the world; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,367
Total Given
$337.4M
Conrad N Hilton Foundation
Westlake Village, CA
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funds nonprofits working to improve lives and alleviate poverty, with initiatives including early childhood development, homelessness, refugees, safe water, and support for foster and opportunity youth. Its work is global, and its 2024 grants had a median award of $76,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through its Good Neighbor Program for eligible local nonprofits and Title 1 schools.
Assets
$7.4B
Grants
1,339
Total Given
$287.7M
The San Diego Foundation
San Diego, CA
The San Diego Foundation funds nonprofit work in family well-being, education, the environment, and housing, including projects, capacity building, and general support that advance equity and resilient communities. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; applicants generally must be located in San Diego County and primarily serve county residents. It offers competitive grant opportunities through its online portal, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
1,158
Total Given
$94.3M
The California Endowment
Los Angeles, CA
The California Endowment funds nonprofit, government, and eligible faith-based organizations working to advance health and racial equity, strengthen community power, and improve health systems and communities, primarily in California. Its 2024 median grant was $100,000, and funding is by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,125
Total Given
$215.9M
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals
Oakland, CA
Kaiser Foundation Hospitals funds health care access and services, community health, health education, and related work, with priorities including mental and behavioral health, housing, and income and employment. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; most grant dollars went to California, with some going elsewhere. In Southern California, it says it does not accept unsolicited letters of inquiry or proposals and awards grants through competitive processes to pre-identified organizations.
Assets
$87.4B
Grants
1,122
Total Given
$225.4M
Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles supports human services, health, education, Jewish life, arts and culture, Israel-related work, and nonprofit capacity and capital projects, with a focus on Los Angeles and also giving in Israel and beyond. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. General Community grants are by invitation only and do not accept unsolicited applications; current procedures should be verified.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,063
Total Given
$142.2M
More Funders in California
Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego down — hundreds of funders to go?