Supporting Just and Sustainable Communities

Our History

The Surdna Foundation was founded in 1917 by John Emory Andrus to pursue a range of philanthropic purposes. To this day, family stewardship of the Foundation is guided by Andrus’ commitment to serving those in need.

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Programs

Through our investments, we dismantle the barriers that limit opportunities to create more prosperous, enriching, and sustainable communities. Taken together, our investments build capacity, spark innovation, and connect stakeholders while encouraging lesson-sharing between grantees.

Inclusive Economies

We support and invest in the growth of robust, sustainable economies with diverse businesses owned by people of color and the advancement of equitable economic development.

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Sustainable Environments

We support the creation of just and sustainable communities in which low-wealth and communities of color have the power to self-determine the ownership, control and stewardship of land and its infrastructure assets.

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Thriving Cultures

We invest in artists, culture-bearers, designers, and media-makers of color who partner with their communities to radically imagine justice and foster the conditions for just systems and practices to be adopted.

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Latest News & Events Learn More

Featured Uncategorized
April 10, 2024
Investors and Asset Managers Cannot Afford to Turn Their Backs on Climate Commitments

The Surdna Foundation is proud to sign onto this statement from the U.S. Impact Investing Alliance and other impact investing foundation leaders calling on recent defectors from Climate Action 100+ to recommit to their climate pledges and to their…

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April 9, 2024
Surdna President Don Chen on Philanthropy and Artificial Intelligence

On  March 20, 2024, Don Chen, president of the Surdna Foundation, delivered the closing keynote at the Philanthropy and AI Forum hosted by Partnership on AI. He spoke about the societal impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the importance of…

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April 3, 2024
Geraldine Lopez Appointed Office Assistant at the Surdna Foundation

The Surdna Foundation today announced the appointment of Geraldine Lopez as office assistant. Providing administrative support to staff and board, she plays a critical role in ensuring seamless operations and keeping the office efficient, positive,…

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March 29, 2024
NY Small Business Funders Collective Moves $500,000 to Local Entrepreneurs

In 2023, the NY Small Business Funders Collective awarded planning grants to five collaborative initiatives across the New York City area to support the development of innovative initiatives that would both advance inclusive economic growth and…