Catholic Community Foundation San Diego

We are thrilled to welcome Will F. Peterson as the new Executive Director of CCFSD! Introducing our New Executive Director: Will F. Peterson The Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego (CCFSD) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Will F. Peterson as its new Executive Director. With a deep connection to San Diego and the Catholic community, Mr. Peterson brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and Catholic education. Peterson expressed his enthusiasm about returning to his roots: "I jumped at the opportunity to return home to San Diego because the position is driven by mission, and guided by faith and strong business principles.?This reflects what I have built over the last seven years and feels very much aligned with who I am." Peterson, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (B.A. ’14, M.Ed. ’16), is the founder of Modern Catholic Pilgrim, a nonprofit organization which strives to deepen faith and build community through walked pilgrimage. Most recently, the organization directed this summer’s successful National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. ?“The Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego is looking forward to continued growth and impact of our mission under the guidance of Peterson”, shared Mark Neilson, Chair of the Board of Trustees.?“Will’s leadership and commitment to Catholic values and philanthropy will be instrumental in realizing the Foundation’s vision of transformative philanthropy, rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church. Working with the board, we believe he will be a driving force for community participation, social justice, and spiritual growth.” The Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego is an emerging and dynamic organization dedicated to fostering and amplifying Catholic philanthropy. As an autonomous pious foundation formed under canon law, CCFSD operates independently from the Diocese of San Diego and is recognized as a tax-exempt nonprofit under civil law. The Foundation works to maximize philanthropic impact through investment vehicles that align with Catholic Values Investing (CVI) standards, as set by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. CCFSD currently manages approximately $35 million in assets, supporting parishes, vocations, Catholic education, and social services through a variety of endowed and non-endowed funds. The Foundation upholds the values of Catholic Principles, Stewardship, Service, Leadership, and Community. Under Mr. Peterson's leadership, CCFSD aims to expand its donor base and enhance its philanthropic efforts. With a background in building strong donor relationships and a passion for advancing the Foundation’s vision, he is well-positioned to lead CCFSD into this new phase of growth. Peterson is moving home to San Diego from Minnesota with his family.?He will begin his work with the Foundation on October 1, 2024.?

The Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego (CCFSD) has announced the departure of its CEO, Manny Rubio, effective at the end of May 2024. Rubio, who has served in this role for the past three years, will be leaving the organization to pursue other professional opportunities, according to Mark Neilson, Board Chair of CCFSD. ? Founded in 2015 with the aim of becoming the recognized leader of Catholic philanthropy in San Diego and Imperial counties, CCFSD has provided a means for individuals and organizations to contribute to the long-term financial stability of various Catholic entities in the region, including parishes, missions, schools, agencies, and nonprofit organizations. CCFSD is one of nearly 100 Catholic community foundations in the nation and serves independently of the local Diocese and with its own board of trustees. ? Following the retirement of the founding executive director, Gary Rectenwald, in 2021, Rubio took on the leadership mantle at CCFSD. Under his guidance, the organization has continued its mission of fostering philanthropy within the Catholic community and throughout the San Diego Region. ? The Board of Directors will now initiate a search for an executive director to lead CCFSD into its next phase of growth and service. Individuals interested in learning more about the transition or the organization's future plans are encouraged to contact Katie Sharra at [email protected]. ? CCFSD expresses gratitude to Manny Rubio for his contributions during his tenure and wishes him success in his future endeavors. ? Contact if questions: Mark C. Neilson / Board Chair Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego and Imperial Counties Phone: 858-401-0640 Email: [email protected]