Mission Statement

The Foundation’s mission is to carry on the Copley family’s legacy of giving by funding nonprofit organizations making a difference in the areas of human services, military and military veterans, youth development, medical and medical research, education, arts and culture and animal welfare, especially those programs and services improving the life or opportunities of the underserved in the San Diego area.

History

The David C. Copley Foundation (formerly known as the Helen K. and James S. Copley Foundation) began in 1953 as The Copley Foundation and was initially funded by The Copley Press, Inc., owner of multiple newspapers in California, Illinois and Ohio. David C. Copley, the son of Helen K. and James S. Copley, was a businessman and philanthropist, born and raised in San Diego. He passed away in 2012 naming the Foundation as the sole residuary beneficiary of his estate. Upon David Copley’s passing, the Foundation has been governed by independent directors whose mission is to continue the Copley Family legacy.

2023 Impact Report

The David C. Copley Foundation and its Board of Directors are proud of its ability to further the Foundation’s mission over the past year, by continuing to support nonprofit organizations meeting critical human needs such as food insecurity, homelessness, mental health programs, education, youth development, and disaster relief. In addition, the Foundation supported military services, hospital facility needs, medical research, the arts, animal welfare, and human service organizations such as Alzheimer’s San Diego and Make-A Wish Foundation. Overall, the Foundation awarded 162 grants totaling $5,031,851 to a collection of nonprofit organizations determined to make an impact in our community and surrounding areas.

The Board committed support to Father Joe’s Villages to build supportive/affordable housing, in addition to a multi-year grant to Interfaith Community Services to open its urgently needed Family Shelter in Escondido. The Board also approved matching challenge grants to Feeding San Diego and Home Start for their Giving Tuesday campaigns, Ronald McDonald House Charities San Diego for its capital campaign to renovate and expand current space, and to the San Diego Blood Bank for lab equipment for its Precision Blood Program™.

This past year has certainly been full of challenges: rising inflation and its ripple effect causing an increased number of homeless, including higher numbers of youth and seniors; a dramatic increase in the number of people facing food insecurity; and a continued mental health crisis. Although some days felt somber, the San Diego community was resilient and unwavering in its efforts to overcome obstacles to assist neighbors in need.

I believe all of us at the David C. Copley Foundation are proud to be a part of such a devoted community and the Board will remain steadfast in its commitment to supporting equitable and diverse nonprofit organizations as David C. Copley and his parents Helen K. and James S. Copley would have wanted.

Sincerely,
Kimberly Koch
Chief Operating Officer

Click here to download the 2023 Impact Report.