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

Uncategorized
April 16, 2026
Beyond the Money: The Power of a Question

We’re highlighting this story from our recent six-year impact report: Journey to Justice.  Surdna’s Resilient Organizations Initiative (ROI) began with a simple question: “Whose needs are being served by our financial due diligence…

Staff Spotlight
April 8, 2026
Honoring Marc de Venoge: Decades of Stewardship, History, and Heart

After 35 years with the Surdna Foundation, Marc de Venoge, vice president of finance and investing, will retire in June. He’ll hand off a finance operation built to last—a strong team, sound policies, and proven practices that ensure Surdna's…

Impact Investing
March 31, 2026
TIIP Releases Case Study on Surdna Foundation’s Endowment Transformation Strategy

Reposting from The Investment Integration Project (TIIP), an impact investing partner of the Surdna Foundation. We are proud to support TIIP's work to educate and empower institutional investors to engage with core social issues like racial justice…