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San Diego supervisors approve philanthropic partnership to shield services from federal cuts
Summary
The board approved a public-philanthropic partnership with the San Diego Foundation and others to protect $36 million in county-funded nonprofit contracts and create an $8 million rapid-relief fund, with the county contributing $4 million matched by philanthropy.
San Diego County supervisors on Tuesday approved a partnership led by the San Diego Foundation to protect county-funded nonprofit services from anticipated federal funding cuts.
Chair Tara Lawson Riemer said the plan would protect about $36 million in existing county contracts for nonprofit providers and create immediate rapid-relief funding. Under the motion, the foundation will provide roughly $18 million through donor-advised funds over two years, freeing county flexibility, and the county will contribute $4 million to the San Diego Unity Fund; the foundation will match that county contribution to bring the rapid-relief total to $8 million.
Why it matters: County staff said the partnership is intended to prevent service disruptions for food banks, housing programs and health clinics as the county navigates an estimated $300 million in federal-driven cost pressures. The proposal also seeks to save the county an estimated $13 million over two years by preserving services and avoiding deeper cuts.
Board reaction: Supervisor Anderson seconded the motion and praised the foundation's focus on unincorporated communities. Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Stepp and multiple colleagues voiced support while asking for transparent reporting on how philanthropic dollars and county savings are tracked. Supervisor Desmond voted no, raising a process concern that an implementing memorandum of understanding (MOU) should be returned to the full board for review before execution.
Next steps: The board directed the chief administrative officer to negotiate an MOU with detailed nonprofit partners and reporting mechanisms and to provide the board a memo with status and savings information once the MOU is completed.
