Building a Brighter Future for Escondido, Together
Through strategic philanthropy and community endowment building, we unite passionate neighbors to fund vital nonprofits, support local causes, and create lasting impact for everyone who calls Escondido home. Join us in shaping our community's tomorrow.
Our Purpose
We’re committed to meeting emerging needs in Escondido by increasing responsible philanthropy to benefit all who live, work and play in this special community.
Our purpose is to build our community endowment, provide funding to local nonprofit organizations and causes, and give community members a vehicle for legacy planning and gifts.
March Grantee Spotlight: San Diego Children Discovery Museum
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution. SDCDM rely on generous donations from individuals, businesses, foundations, and government entities to continue providing interactive, educational experiences to children and their families.
Escondido Giving Arch
On April 11, the Escondido Community Foundation (ECF) and the City of Escondido lit the 40-foot by 108-foot welcome arch over Grand Avenue at Centre City Parkway in honor of first responders and as a beacon of hope.
Jacquie Skay, Chair of the ECF Board, commented: “The original plan was to host a huge public ceremony, but the rules of the day changed that plan. We decided not to wait. Now is the time to give our community something to cheer about.”
“The Giving Arch” is in recognition of the generosity and community spirit of Escondido residents. The design of The Giving Arch reflects the architectural lines of Escondido City Hall and the philanthropic spirit of the community and will welcome both residents and visitors to Escondido.
Meet Our Members
* Founder
Board of Directors
Jan Jones
Board Chair
Ken Lounsbery
Immediate Past Chair
Dara Czerwonka
Grants Chair
Rachel Currington
Membership Chair
Donna Aeling
Events Co-Chair
Rita Bowcock
Events Co-Chair
Susan Greenstein
Events Co-Chair
Rosemary Burson
Amy Concannon
*Sally Costello
Pat Flynn
Joa Giamanco
*John Goodrich
Luis Ibarra
*Tom Knight
Jean Loo-Russo
Ceci Lusky
Emily Lowe
Vaughn North
Cathy O‘Malley
Jack Raymond
*Rebecca Raymond
Carol Rogers
*Lisa Ruder
Jacquie Skay
Ron Smith
*Nick Tsoulos
Jerry Van Leeuwen
Ron Smith
*Cynthia Waasdorp
Corporate Members
2024 Nonprofit Grantees
The Escondido Community Foundation (ECF), a regional affiliate of San Diego Foundation, awarded $212,000 to seven local nonprofits at its Annual Grants Award Celebration Sept. 26 at the California Center for the Arts.
Water Wise Exhibit Project
San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
$40,000
Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead Pavilion
San Dieguito River Park JPA
$40,000
Outdoor Learning and Recreation at Daley Ranch
The Friends of Daley Ranch
$33,000
Mountain Meadow Preserve Outdoor Classroom and Event Space