The Patriots Connection, a program of the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation, has invested more than $1 million since 2009 in San Diego nonprofit programs that address needs of the military community in the region. With the launch of The San Diego Directory, we enhance our support of transitioning military service members, both active duty and veteran, and their families. Through this new resource, The Patriots Connection seeks to increase the San Diego community’s awareness of the most effective programs providing transition and veteran support.
Donors Seeking Greatest Impact
The San Diego Directory provides a way for donors to make the greatest impact with their charitable giving. Donors seeking to help alleviate the challenges faced by transitioning service members can be overwhelmed by the sheer number of nonprofit organizations addressing these needs. The San Diego Directory is a listing, based on careful research and rigorous evaluation, of trustworthy and accountable nonprofits in San Diego County that provide services to military members and their families.
Nonprofit Grant Opportunities
Through its grantmaking, The Patriots Connection seeks to expand the capacity of transition programs in the region. Nonprofit organizations listed in The San Diego Directory have the opportunity to receive funding from The Patriots Connection.
Military Service Members Seeking Resources
An estimated 15,000 sailors and Marines stationed in San Diego will leave service each year, and about half of these veterans and their families will stay in San Diego County. As a resource for military service members, The San Diego Directory provides a listing of the most effective and reliable service providers in the San Diego region. The organizations are listed in four categories: Basic Needs, Education & Jobs, Physical & Mental Health, and Social & Personal Connections.
Collaboration for Easier Military Transition
The categories in The San Diego Directory coordinate with those areas identified as essential for self-sufficiency by the recently-launched San Diego transition assistance organization, zero8hundred. This organization was created from cross-sector collaboration by leaders in the San Diego community dedicated to building a better system to ease the transition of military service members to civilian life.
Zero8hundred grew out of the Military Transition Support Project (MTSP), a working group of community leaders convened by San Diego Grantmakers. The Rancho Santa Fe Foundation and The Patriots Connection provided leadership and financial support for MTSP and zero8hundred. Through The San Diego Directory, we look forward to continuing the collaborative partnerships necessary for ensuring positive and successful experiences for all transitioning military service members and their families.
