Sanders Dickinson Foundation

Empowering Communities Through Trust-Based Philanthropy

Supporting Bay Area nonprofits with flexible, multi-year funding to address hunger, homelessness, and basic needs

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About Us

Building stronger communities through strategic grantmaking

Who We Are

The Sanders Dickinson Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) grantmaking foundation established in 2002, dedicated to strengthening communities across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Founded by Robert W. Sanders and Derek A. Sanders, we believe in the power of trust-based philanthropy—providing substantial, unrestricted funding to organizations that are making a real difference in people’s lives.

Our approach is simple: identify organizations doing exceptional work, provide them with flexible resources, and support them year after year to build long-term stability and impact.

Community Outreach & Services

Whether stocking a local pantry or rebuilding after disasters, effective outreach starts with listening. We share frameworks and tools for programs that meet people where they are and leave them strong.

Community Fundraising

Impact thrives when heart meets strategy. Dive into donor journeys, ethical storytelling, recurring-gift models, and creative events that keep the mission moving and supporters inspired.

Our Approach

We focus on a small set of core nonprofits, providing multi-year, general-purpose support that allows them to build operational capacity rather than just funding one-off projects.

This trust-based model empowers organizations to respond to emerging needs, invest in their teams, and create sustainable change in their communities.

20+
Years of Service
50+
Organizations Supported
$5M+
Grants Distributed
100K+
Lives Impacted

HAPPINESS
MATTERS

Our Mission

Focused funding for maximum community impact

  • Core Mission

    To concentrate funding on Bay Area basic needs and faith-based social services, backing a small set of core nonprofits with multi-year, general-purpose support that enables them to build long-term operational stability and create lasting change in their communities.

    🍽️ Hunger Relief

    Supporting regional food banks including Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, and Second Harvest of Silicon Valley to ensure no one goes hungry in our communities.

    🏠 Homeless Services

    Providing sustained backing for rescue missions and faith-based organizations like Bay Area Rescue Mission and CityTeam Ministries serving those experiencing homelessness.

    🌍 Global Health

    Extending our impact internationally through partnerships with organizations like HealthBridge Global to support health development in underserved regions.

Latest Updates

Stories of impact and community transformation

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