Surdna Foundation Inc

The Surdna Foundation Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization established in 1917 by John Emory Andrus. It is headquartered in New York City and is known for its philanthropic efforts aimed at fostering sustainable communities in the United States.

History

John Emory Andrus, a prominent businessman and former U.S. Congressman, founded the Surdna Foundation with the goal of pursuing various philanthropic activities. The name "Surdna" is the reverse spelling of Andrus. Initially, the foundation focused on supporting causes that reflected Andrus's values, including thrift, practicality, modesty, loyalty, excellence, and a commitment to direct service for those in need.

In 1928, Andrus established the Julia Dyckman Andrus Memorial as a tribute to his wife. The memorial later evolved into part of the Surdna Foundation's broader mission. By the 1950s, the foundation expanded its operations with the establishment of the John E. Andrus Memorial, a retirement home for the elderly, fulfilling Andrus's wish to provide both opportunities for youth and rest for the aged.

Over time, the Surdna Foundation has been governed largely by descendants of John E. Andrus. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, third and fourth generations of the Andrus family introduced new programs focused on the environment, community revitalization, effective citizenry, and the arts.

Mission and Activities

Today, the Surdna Foundation is committed to fostering sustainable communities guided by principles of social justice. Its mission emphasizes creating communities with healthy environments, strong local economies, and thriving cultures.

The foundation's grant-making activities are concentrated in several key areas:

• Environment: Supporting initiatives that enhance environmental quality and promote sustainability.
• Community Revitalization: Focusing on urban renewal and community development projects that improve the quality of life in underserved areas.
• Effective Citizenry: Encouraging civic engagement and empowering communities through participatory democracy.
• Arts: While smaller, this program contributes to cultural development and artistic expression.

One notable initiative was the Comprehensive Community Revitalization Program (CCRP) launched in the South Bronx during the 1990s. This multi-year effort aimed to improve living conditions and create opportunities through community-driven projects.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the Surdna Foundation has refocused its grant-making strategies to prioritize racial justice and social justice more broadly. It has increased its commitment to addressing systemic racism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by expanding its grant-making efforts to support Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.

The foundation continues to explore innovative approaches to philanthropy, including mission-related investments to align its financial resources with its core mission.

Leadership and Governance

The Surdna Foundation is currently led by President Don Chen. The organization's governance is guided by a board of directors that includes members with diverse backgrounds in philanthropy, finance, education, and environmental leadership.

Successes and Challenges

While the Surdna Foundation has achieved significant milestones in fostering sustainable communities, it also faces challenges related to maintaining alignment with its founder's original vision while addressing contemporary social justice issues. Some descendants of John Emory Andrus have raised questions about the foundation's focus on racial equity, highlighting ongoing discussions about the evolution of its philanthropic goals.

Despite these challenges, the Surdna Foundation remains a prominent player in U.S. nonprofit work, committed to creating equitable and sustainable communities across the country.