Support Your Passion
Your donation can support a specific program or project
With your donation, you have the ability to focus on what matters most to you. We have listed a few of our highest priority programs below, however, if you don't see something of interest, please contact us. We would love to learn more about what you care about.
Donations by check can be mailed to: (please put on memo where you want funds to be directed)
The San Diego River Park Foundation; 4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114; San Diego, CA 92110
Working for a Trash-Free River
An estimated 1 million pounds of trash enters the San Diego Riverbed each year. We organize 2-3 river cleanups every week, work with landowners and public agencies, and advocate for policy changes to reduce the flow of trash into the river. $25 will buy one box of trash bags, which will support community members in removing a ton of trash!
Open Space Acquisition Fund
The Open Space Acquisition Fund is used to purchase and forever conserve privately owned, often pristine, open spaces near the Cleveland National Forest that are for sale. The Upper San Diego River Watershed is one of the most biodiverse places in the entire country. We work to address the loss of habitat and the destruction of the river and its tributaries.
Grant Park Improvement Fund
Grant Park is our nature learning facility along the river in Mission Valley.
The primary focus is on underserved youth but it is home to much more including the new Mission Valley Garden Club. The Fund will be used to add elements to fully implement the vision fo this exciting facility. Learn more.
Wildlife Research
We focus our research on identifying threats and opportunities to at-risk and keystone species in the San Diego River watershed. We do this is through our wildlife camera program and focus studies on a variety of species. Our focus is addressing the challenge of habitat fragmentation and the loss of open space.
Glennon Riverbed Cat Fund
Dedicated to late artist Stuart Glennon who was passionate and concerned about cats living in the San Diego Riverbed, this fund has been set up to help provide assistance to cats living in the riverbed. Funds are used to document their locations and then work with the San Diego Humane Society and other organizations.
Current Acquisition Priority - Ritchie Creek
The South Rim is an area rich in biodiversity. We focus a lot of attention on acquiring key privately owned properties to prevent them from being developed so they are conserved as open space. We recently came to terms with an owner to acquire 163 acres which includes Ritchie Creek, home to southwestern pond turtles, frogs, and other aquatic species. Cougars, golden eagles and other wildlife can be found here, too! The deposit to secure the right to purchase the property is $34,400.
Project Seed Fund
We often apply for grants to support our conservation work. Many of these grants are reimbursement based, that is we have to spend money first only to be reimbursed later. The Project Seed Fund was setup as a revolving fund to support our restoration and other open space work.
For every $60,000 raised, we can apply for a $240,000 three-year grant. Ideally, we would have at least $120,000 available in this fund.
River Health Monitoring
Monitoring the health of the river and its tributaries through our River Watch program provides an ongoing picture of how the River changes throughout the year and identifies problems.
Your donation can help us continue and grow this important program. The program budget is $50,000 per year.
Critter Cam Program
We use our Critter Cams to conduct research in remote areas of the San Diego River Watershed. We place cameras throughout the Upper Watershed to document wildlife movement and help guide our land conservation efforts.
There are many ways to make a gift. In addition to making an online gift using PayPal, options include: Venmo (@sandiegoriver), sending a check by mail, calling us with your credit card information, or donating appreciated stock. Learn more about ways to give.
The San Diego River Park Foundation is a 501c3 public benefit nonprofit. Your donation will be tax deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN is 01-0565671.