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.

2024 Impact Report

The David C. Copley Foundation continued the Copley Family's mission to support nonprofit organizations, meeting critical human needs such as food insecurity, support for the unhoused, education, youth development, mental health programs, and disaster relief in and outside of California. In addition, the Foundation supported medical research, hospital facility needs, the arts, animal welfare, and organizations directly assisting our veterans and military families.

Unfortunately, the number of unsheltered individuals and families did not improve, and we saw more youth and seniors become homeless. In response, the Foundation awarded grants to Father Joe's Villages to build supportive/affordable housing, the San Diego Rescue Mission to open its South County Lighthouse, Interfaith Community Services for its Family Shelter in Escondido and East County Transitional Living Center.

The Foundation also approved matching challenge grants to The Salvation Army, Feeding San Diego, Home Start, and Brother Benno. The Foundation believes these challenge grants are motivating factors in reaching new donors and is proud of each organization's successful campaign to raise or exceed the Foundation's match. Overall, the Foundation awarded 177 grants totaling $8,268,008 to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations that work tirelessly every day to make a positive impact in our community and surrounding areas.

The David C. Copley Foundation will continue its commitment to support equitable and diverse nonprofit organizations as David C. Copley and his parents Helen K. and James S. Copley would have wanted.

Click here to see the list of organizations receiving grants in 2024 from the Foundation.

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Eric O. Freeberg	Kimberly Koch
Board Chair & CEO	Chief Operating Officer