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.

Three women pose in front of the estuary during a trash clean up event

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!

An old tree surrounded by tall grass set against mountains and a blue sky

Open Space Acquisition Fund

The Open Space Acquisition Fund is used to purchase and forever conserve privately owned, pristine, open space near the Cleveland National Forest that wildlife depend on to survive. Learn more about our land acquisition fund.

The exterior of the River Studio in a near-complete state.

River Studio Construction at Grant Park

The River Studio provides space for hands-on learning. Students will use the space to access digital microscopes, fish tanks, remote monitoring data, STEM Station, and more. Help us complete this project! Learn more about the River Studio Project.

Critical Research: Wildlife and River Health

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 Critter Cam program, by testing the health of the river; and by uncovering the locations of non-native, invasive plants and animals.

A view of the San Diego River framed by green trees and foliage

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.

A hillside in the South Rim set against a golden-blue sky and light clouds

Protect & preserve the South Rim

The South Rim is a critical home for wildlife and native plants. Help us conserve this very special place and provide wildlife open space to roam forever.

The face of El Cajon Mountain set against a blue sky, with green trees in the foreground.

Conserve El Cajon Mountain

Several years ago we set a goal of acquiring and conserving all 17 privately owned properties on El Cajon Mountain. Now just one property remains to conserve El Cajon Mountain! Help us ensure we have the funds needed to acquire this land when it becomes available.

Three men work together to measure the water quality of the River near the Old Mission Dam.

River Watch

Water quality monitoring through our River Watch program provides an ongoing picture of how the River changes from season to season, and how that may affect the plants and animals that live in and along the River. Your donation can help us continue our water monitoring efforts across the San Diego River.

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.