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.
October Grantee Spotlight: Frosted Faces Foundation
This year's grants support the Frosted Faces Foundation with $35,000 for Senior Animal Programs, which help Escondido residents adopt and foster senior pets and provide ongoing veterinary care so pets and their families can stay together.
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
Rosemary Burson
Board Chair
Jan Jones
Immediate Past Chair
Amy Concannon
Grants Chair
Rachel Currington
Membership Chair
Donna Aeling
Events Co-Chair
Rita Bowcock
Events Co-Chair
Lisa Ruder
SPOT Chair
Sally Costello
Dara Czerwonka
John Goodrich
Susan Greenstein
Tom Knight
Jean Loo-Russo
Ken Lounsbery
Ceci Lusky
Andrew McGuire
Vaughn North
Cathy O‘Malley
Jack Raymond
Rebecca Raymond
Carol Rogers
Jacqueline Skay
Ron Smith
Dan Sundquist
Nick Tsoulos
Larry Trautner
Jerry Van Leeuwen
Cynthia Waasdorp
Corporate Members
2026 Nonprofit Grantees
The Escondido Community Foundation (ECF), a regional affiliate of San Diego Foundation, awarded $183,000 to seven local nonprofits at its Annual Grants Award Celebration on Sept. 24 at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido.
Senior Animal Programs to Support People & Pets
Frosted Faces Foundation
$35,000
Save-A-Life
Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE)
$35,000
Escondido Students at the Safari Park
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
$35,000
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter for Escondido Pets
Spay Neuter Action Project (SNAP)
$33,000
Improving Access to Escondido Residents
Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center
$25,000
Escondido Outreach
Project Street Vet
$10,000
Pet Encounter Therapy