The County of San Diego and the San Diego Foundation announced on Mar. 9 a new public philanthropic partnership aimed at protecting local safety net services from funding cuts. The initiative, called the Partnership to Protect San Diego, was formalized with a ceremonial signing at the County Administration Building following its approval by the Board of Supervisors in November 2025.
This partnership is designed to address recent federal budget reductions and eligibility changes that impact food assistance, housing programs, and healthcare access for some county residents. The program includes two main components: a Matching Stabilization Fund and an investment in the San Diego Unity Fund.
The Matching Stabilization Fund will be managed by the San Diego Foundation and is set to preserve up to $16 million in county-contracted nonprofit services this fiscal year, with potential for $20 million next year if extended. The fund matches county dollars dollar-for-dollar—up to $8 million this year and $10 million next year—to maintain essential services for vulnerable populations. This fiscal year through June 30, 67 existing county contracts are eligible for support, covering behavioral health care, food assistance, domestic violence shelters, homelessness programs, substance use recovery, senior services, youth services, and more. The County will continue overseeing all contracts while the Foundation will issue payments directly to providers after approval.
Additionally, the County will invest up to $4 million in the San Diego Unity Fund established by the Foundation in 2025 as a response to federal budget cuts. With matching contributions from the Foundation, this fund is expected to distribute up to $8 million supporting food security, housing stability, and healthcare access. Grant decisions will be made by the Foundation with performance metrics shared quarterly with the County. To date, more than $32 million has been raised for the Unity Fund and over $29 million has been granted or committed to more than 100 local nonprofits.
San Diego County Government supports historic preservation and community development through various boards and initiatives according to its official website. The Administration Center where Monday’s event took place is listed on the National Register of Historic Places according to county records. Essential services are delivered through groups focused on public safety, health and human services, land use and environment issues as reported by county officials. Legislative leadership comes from the Board of Supervisors with Sarah Aghassi serving as interim chief administrative officer according to official sources.
San Diego County serves residents across urban centers as well as rural areas including mountain and desert regions according to government information, while also managing regional airports through its aviation department as noted by county authorities.
The agreement between the County and San Diego Foundation remains effective through June 30, 2026 with an option for extension into June 2027. Both organizations plan ongoing collaboration on future program design.
