Design Forward Alliance
Advocating for Human-Centered Design as a regional approach to improve economic, social, and civic life in our community.Design Forward Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to leveraging the power of design to drive social impact. As a collective of San Diego's leading design minds from industry and academia, it fosters collaboration across disciplines to tackle complex societal challenges. The organization focuses on creating innovative solutions that enhance community well-being, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$21K
-65.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$8K
Grant Count
1
Avg Grant Size
$8K
About Design Forward Alliance
Based on IRS filings
Design Forward Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on Community Improvement & Capacity Building, based in SAN DIEGO, CA. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $21K in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 1 grants totaling $8K. Net investment income was $2.
Focus Areas
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $21,269 | $62,235 | $89,861 |
| Revenue | $382,367 | $311,613 | $337,105 |
| Expenses | $423,333 | $339,241 | $322,770 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $2 | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 1 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
1 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Blue Peak Credit Union ($8,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BLUE PEAK CREDIT UNION SAN DIEGO, CA | PROJECT CLEAN WATER CHALLENGE | $8,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARLOS CRISTIANI | Executive Dir. | 10 | $57,000 |
| ANNA QUACKENBUSH | CEO | 5 | — |
| SARA MOUNIER | CFO | 5 | — |
| KENNEN SISCO | President | 5 | — |
| ERIC WEISS | President | 5 | — |
| JULIE MORGAN | Vice President | 5 | — |
| ANN BERCHTOLD | Secretary | 5 | — |
| SUNAINA MEHTA | Treasurer | 5 | — |
| MICHAEL MEYER | Treasurer | 5 | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Design Forward Alliance?
Design Forward Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on Community Improvement & Capacity Building, based in SAN DIEGO, CA. It holds $21K in total assets as of 2024.
How large is Design Forward Alliance?
As of 2024, Design Forward Alliance holds $21K in total assets with $382K in annual revenue. It awarded 1 grants totaling $8K in 2024.
Where does Design Forward Alliance operate?
Design Forward Alliance has awarded grants in California.
What size grants does Design Forward Alliance award?
In 2024, Design Forward Alliance awarded 1 grants totaling $8K — an average of about $8K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Design Forward Alliance's EIN?
Design Forward Alliance's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-5389496. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Design Forward Alliance's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
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