San Diego Foundation Celebrates 50 Years with 5M in Grants

San Diego Foundation’s Million Endowment Supports Monarch School for Unhoused Students

In a significant boost to educational support for homeless students, the San Diego Foundation has established a million endowment for the Monarch School, an institution dedicated to serving children without stable housing. Operating under the foundation’s extensive Fifty & Forward Campaign, this endowment underscores a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for some of San Diego’s most vulnerable children.

The Fifty & Forward Campaign aims to raise billion to fund initiatives focused on education, child welfare, and environmental sustainability over the next 50 years. To date, the campaign has generated approximately 0 million, actively granting over 5 million to local nonprofits that are aligned with these objectives. The campaign was launched as part of the foundation’s efforts to make lasting improvements in the region, marking its 50th anniversary.

Mark Stuart, the foundation’s president and CEO, highlighted the transformative potential of the campaign, stating, “Fifty & Forward provides opportunities for San Diegans to align their charitable giving and make a transformational impact on critical community needs that, when met, can change the trajectory of San Diegans’ lives for generations.”

The fund for Monarch School comes from the estate of Ernest Llynn Lotecka, a behavioral health psychologist based in San Diego. The endowment is designed to support the school’s operational stability and enhance teacher training, ultimately benefiting the educational experiences of its students. As a K-12 institution, Monarch School plays a crucial role in providing a safe and structured environment for children affected by homelessness.

Afira DeVries, Monarch’s president and CEO, expressed gratitude for the generous donation, saying, “This gift enables us to train more San Diego and California educators to support unhoused students, expanding our impact and advancing advocacy efforts to build a stronger, more equitable future for the youth and families we serve.”

Monarch School has long been recognized for its positive impact on the lives of its students. Jorge Trevino, a 2020 graduate, reflected on his time there: “If it wasn’t for Monarch staff and community, I’m not sure where I would be. They brought a safe place for students of all ages to hang out and learn.”

The establishment of this endowment is part of a broader initiative by the foundation, which has embarked on various projects aimed at improving quality of life throughout San Diego. Initiatives include partnerships with organizations such as the Dr. Seuss Foundation and a commitment to enhancing environmental resilience across the binational region.

In conclusion, the San Diego Foundation’s strategic support through the million endowment to the Monarch School exemplifies a holistic approach to community improvement, focusing on urgent local needs while paving the way for future sustainability and educational equity.

This pivotal action not only enhances immediate educational resources but also reinforces the importance of long-term planning in addressing homelessness and supporting vulnerable populations within the community.