The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center
The San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center, Inc., doing business as The Center, is a San Diego, California public charity. Founded in 1973, it provides programs and services for LGBTQ+, immigrant, and HIV communities across the San Diego region, including housing, health and wellness, behavioral health, youth and senior services, and advocacy.
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center at a glance
In short: The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center gave $273K across 15 grants in 2025 (avg $18K), mostly in California. 33% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $272,800
- +17.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 15
- +50.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $18,187
- -21.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $18,800
- Total assets
- $31,977,132
- -2.2% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 33% first-time grantees (5 of 15, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- California (95% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 3357, San Diego, CA 92163
Phone: (619) 692-2077
Website: https://thecentersd.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (Acce) ($31K). Together the top 10 received $216K.
Grant Size Distribution
78 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 69 grants of 78 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Center is based in San Diego, California, and describes its services as serving the San Diego region. In 2025, 95% of its grant dollars went to recipients in California and 5% to recipients in Washington, D.C.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 15 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center open to new grantees?
33%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 5 of 15 grantees (33%) were first-time recipients. With only 15 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $15K; repeat grants $20K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 60% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−10%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $214K (2020) to $497K (2021). In 2025 it made 15 grants totaling $273K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (Acce) Los Angeles, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $31,000 |
| Alliance San Diego San Diego, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $25,000 |
| North County LGBTQ Resource Center Oceanside, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $25,000 |
| San Diego Organizing Project San Diego, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $23,500 |
| Environmental Health Coalition National City, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $20,000 |
| Justice Overcoming Boundaries San Diego, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $20,000 |
| United Taxi Workers of San Diego San Diego, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $20,000 |
| Center on Plicy Initatives San Diego, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $18,800 |
| Mid-City Can Pasadena, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $18,000 |
| Pana (Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans) San Diego, CA | Funds for Local Civic Engagement | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $31,977,132 | $15,298,093 | $15,614,897 | $272,800 | 15 | $724,030 |
| 2024 | $32,701,739 | $11,631,708 | $13,756,601 | $232,515 | 10 | $467,043 |
| 2023 | $34,153,634 | $12,583,075 | $11,122,761 | $455,656 | 17 | $116,882 |
| 2022 | $31,679,513 | $27,455,889 | $8,712,436 | $302,399 | 17 | $135 |
| 2021 | $12,663,512 | $10,454,866 | $7,952,373 | $496,916 | 19 | $847 |
| 2020 | $10,478,702 | $7,880,309 | $8,005,624 | $214,320 | 8 | $9,462 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Center’s mission is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities for the betterment of the San Diego region.
Its programs include housing and homelessness services, behavioral health and crisis support, sexual health services, and community programs for youth, seniors, transgender and nonbinary people, Black and Latin@x communities, men, women, and families. Its advocacy work includes civic engagement, housing and rental assistance, public safety, and equity initiatives.
The 2025 filing lists grants for local civic engagement. Among the grantees described in their own words, North County LGBTQ Resource Center says its mission is to serve, empower, and advocate for North County’s diverse LGBTQI community. San Diego Organizing Project describes its mission as developing grassroots leaders who build organizations to transform their communities. Environmental Health Coalition says it is dedicated to environmental and social justice through empowered communities acting together. United Taxi Workers of San Diego describes its mission as unifying taxicab workers and advancing working conditions, education, and civic participation through advocacy and empowerment.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Center reported 15 grants totaling $272,800. Grant amounts ranged from $5,500 to $31,000, with a median of $18,800. The listed purposes were funds for local civic engagement.
Notable 2025 grants included $31,000 to The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), $25,000 each to Alliance San Diego and North County LGBTQ Resource Center, $23,500 to San Diego Organizing Project, and $20,000 each to Environmental Health Coalition, Justice Overcoming Boundaries, and United Taxi Workers of San Diego. The filing also lists $13,000 to Muslim American Society in Washington, D.C.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Shaun Randall Travers as chair; Bixby Marino-Kibbee and Janessa Goldbeck as co-chairs; Francis Pickford as treasurer; Hollie Bierman as secretary; and Amanda Keton, Sue Reynolds, Ben Mendoza, Monica Montano, and Alberto Bautista as directors.
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center is led by Caroline Dessert, CEO on every filing since 2020; 6 of 17 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Caroline Dessert
CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$190K (2020) → $247K (2025)
Shaun Randall Travers
Chair
Director → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ian Johnson
Senior Director of Development
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$101K (2023) → $113K (2025)
Stephen Paul Carroll
Senior Director of Behavioral Health Services
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$105K (2023) → $112K (2025)
Ben Mendoza
Director
Director → Co-Chair, 2024
Co-Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alberto Bautista
Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sue Reynolds
Director
Co-Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Keton
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Valencia
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Monica Montano
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Ann Davenport
COO
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$134K (2021) → $183K (2025)
Kim Fountain
Deputy CEO
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$101K (2023) → $181K (2025)
Todd McDonald
Vice President of Accounting
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$17K (2025)
Bixby Marino-Kibbee
Co-Chair
Director → Co-Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Francis Pickfod
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hollie Bierman
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Janessa Goldbeck
Co-Chair
Co-Chair Partial Year → Director, 2024
Director → Co-Chair, 2025
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (15)
- Former: Jonna Clark (2020–2024) — Treasurer
- Former: Kafele Khalfani (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Vernita Gutierrez (2020–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Zaneta Encarnacion (2020–2024) — Director
- Former: Angela M. Reyes (2021–2024) — CFO
- Former: Sean Slater (2023–2024) — Director
- Former: Eric B. Wilson (2024) — Senior Director of People & Culture · Filing note: Until 1524
- Former: Rebekah Hook-Held (2022–2023) — Chief Public Affairs
- Former: Joel Trambley (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lisa Nicole Sanders (2020–2022) — Co-Chair
- Former: Randall Clark (2020–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Richard Gutierrez (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Simonne Ruff (2020–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Warren Ruis (2020–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Dale Kelly Bankhead (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $247K, to Caroline Dessert (CEO). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center
How much does The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center give each year?
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center gave $273K across 15 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $233K across 10 grants.
What is The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's typical grant size?
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's median grant in 2025 was $18,800, and its average grant was $18,187, across 15 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center that year got $15K on average.
Where does The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center give grants?
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center gives mostly in California: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were San Diego, CA (10 grants).
Does The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 15 grants with a stated purpose on The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Funds for Local Civic Engagement" (15 grants).
Who are The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's largest grantees?
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's largest 2025 grantees include The Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (Acce) ($31,000), Alliance San Diego ($25,000) and North County LGBTQ Resource Center ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center?
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center reported $32.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $15.3M.
What does The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center fund?
The Center’s mission is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities for the betterment of the San Diego region. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center?
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check thecentersd.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's EIN?
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7332048. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 9, 2025)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 23, 2024)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 29, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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
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
The James Irvine Foundation
San Francisco, CA
The James Irvine Foundation funds initiatives that help low-income Californians advance economically, including career opportunities, worker rights, inclusive local economies, and related policies and housing affordability. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $11.15 million, with a median of $10,000; its focus is California. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests or inquiries and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
654
Total Given
$154.1M
The Cushman Foundation
San Diego, CA
The Cushman Foundation funds charitable organizations serving San Diego County in areas including seniors, arts and culture, children, education, food insecurity, health, human services, and veterans. In 2025, grants ranged from $1,000 to $1 million, with a median of $10,250. It accepts applications through an online process; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$37.7M
Grants
88
Total Given
$3.9M
Price Philanthropies Foundation
La Jolla, CA
Price Philanthropies Foundation supports opportunities for underserved youth and families, including early education and childcare, youth mental health, and organizations that strengthen San Diego communities; it offers general operating, program, and capital grants. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $19.1 million, with a median of $22,410, and funding is primarily focused on San Diego—especially City Heights—with additional stated interests in PriceSmart communities in Latin America and the Caribbean and Israel. The foundation says it does not accept unsolicited grant requests at this time.
Assets
$446.8M
Grants
246
Total Given
$33.8M
The Conrad Prebys Foundation
San Diego, CA
The Conrad Prebys Foundation funds visual and performing arts, youth success, healthcare, and medical research, primarily in San Diego County. Its 2024 grants ranged from $200 to $3 million, with a median of $100,000. It offers opportunities throughout the year, including open applications and requests for proposals, but may also use invitation-only or community-led processes.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
392
Total Given
$54.9M
More similar funders
More Funders in California
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-san-diego-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-community-center-morg_af5deedfdbe245809d6227437462a236
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237332048_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-san-diego-lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-community-center-morg_af5deedfdbe245809d6227437462a236},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The San Diego Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center down — hundreds of funders to go?