San Diego is blessed with a temperate climate, stunning landscapes, and abundant recreational spaces. It has also been enriched by the vision of Gerald T. and Inez Grant Parker, who founded The Parker Foundation in 1971. This private foundation was established to improve the quality of life for all people in San Diego County by supporting a wide range of charitable organizations.
As one of San Diego’s most generous grantors, The Parker Foundation has awarded over $63 million in grants, playing a vital role in building and sustaining the region’s nonprofit community. Starting with $4 million in 1971, the Foundation has made significant contributions over the years and continues to grow, with assets now exceeding $41 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
