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.
July Grantee Spotlight: Meals-On-Wheels Greater San Diego
Meals on Wheels San Diego County is making a life-changing impact right here in Escondido. With support from the Escondido Community Foundation (ECF), 270 homebound seniors now receive nutritious meals — and something equally essential: human connection and safety checks.
This grant helps fund 12,000 of the 35,000+ meals Escondido seniors will receive this year. But the impact goes beyond food. For many older adults living alone, a volunteer’s daily visit can prevent medical emergencies, ease loneliness, and offer reassurance that someone cares.
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
2025 Nonprofit Grantees
The Escondido Community Foundation (ECF), a regional affiliate of San Diego Foundation, awarded $203,160 to nine local nonprofits at its Annual Grants Award Celebration Sept. 25 at the Orfila Vineyards & Winery.
Uniendo: Intergenerational Storytelling
CCAE Theatricals
$30,000
Senior Meal Delivery & Support Services
Meals on Wheels San Diego County
$30,000
Project Seniors
Assistance League of Inland North County
$27,000
Connections to Care: Escondido
Hope Through Housing Foundation
$25,000
TTTC (Transportation and Telehealth with Truecare)
Truecare
$21,160
Transportation on the Go
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
$20,000
Senior Food Program in Escondido
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
$20,000
Senior Nutrition Program in Escondido
Mama’s Kitchen
$15,000
Free Silver Age Yoga for Seniors