San Diego is fortunate in many ways – its temperate climate, beautiful geography, and outdoor areas for recreation. It has also been fortunate enough to benefit from the vision of Gerald T. & Inez Grant Parker who in 1971 started The Parker Foundation, a private foundation, which was established to lead to the betterment of life for all people of San Diego County through a variety of charitable organizations.
The Parker Foundation has the distinction of being one of San Diego’s most generous grantors. With grants totaling more than $61 million, it has been an essential part of building and sustaining the region’s non-profit community. Begun with $4 million in 1971, and despite its significant contributions over the years, the endowment continues to grow and is currently valued in excess of $40 million.
One of the keys to its success has been the long-term commitments its board has made in service to the Foundation. By combining deep expertise in non-profit management with intricate knowledge of the San Diego non-profit community, the board has steered The Parker Foundation well.
A primary goal of The Parker Foundation is to encourage others to consider philanthropy through a Private Foundation. There are many reasons why using a Private Foundation as a vehicle for giving makes sense. You can read a side-by-side comparison of the benefits and features of a Private Foundation as compared to Donor Advised Funds in this downloadable analysis by Foundation Source. For purpose-driven organizations and businesses, establishing a Private Foundation is an excellent way to ensure its mission can continue for decades.
The Parker Foundation’s support for several Oceanside Museum of Art initiatives has long standing cultural impact, not the least of which is memorialized in the Gerald and Inez T. Grant Parker Community Gallery where regional talent is showcased to great benefit for communities across San Diego County.
Maria Mingalone – Executive Director, Oceanside Museum of Art
