There’s been a lot of talk recently about the so-called “K-shaped” economy: The K’s upward-slanted stroke represents wealthy residents who are getting wealthier, while the line sliding downward stands for the dwindling prospects of the less-well-off. That phenomenon may also be affecting cha ritable giving. While the San Diego Foundation saw a surge of new donors during the pandemic, there’s been less of a rush to give amid sweeping federal cuts to social service programs. “With Covid, everyone felt connected to the issue,” said Pamela Gray Payton, a vice president at the foundation. “Right now, I don’t sense that everyone has felt the impact — nor do they necessarily know someone who has.” In an effort to both rally support for vulnerable neighbors and offset at least some budget cuts, the foundation earlier this year launched the San Diego Unity Fund to aid residents struggling with the cost of housing, health care and food. Hundreds of donors have already given more than $32 million, and the foundation has so far pledged to distribute more than half of that to a range of nonprofits. The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans will receive $50,000 to cover rental aid and other services. The San Diego Rescue Mission, which shelters and feeds homeless people, got $60,000. A quarter-million dollars each were earmarked for the Neighborhood House Association, Project New Village, Food Shed Cooperative and the UC San Diego Center for Community Health, all of whom provide meals or groceries. To be eligible for the money, those groups had to show that they recently lost federal funding. San Diego County leaders have said the H.R. 1 legislation passed by Congress — a measure more commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — could pull nearly $300 million out of the region. That may cause hundreds of thousands of low-income residents to lose at least some aid. “If you are not someone who is reliant on organizations who receive government subsidies, you don’t necessarily know just how challenging this has become,” Gray Payton said. Another recipient of a Unity Fund grant is the Urban League of San Diego County. That nonprofit received $350,000 to help local renters and homeowners head off evictions. “It’s expensive to live in San Diego, and people are hurting right now,” said Al Abdallah, the group’s president and CEO. When a household is behind on rent or mortgage payments, the organization will give up to $10,000 in one-time emergency aid. Recipients must also agree to participate in a financial education program. At least 50 families should benefit, and Abdallah said several have already joined a wait list. About 15% of that grant is to go toward administrative costs. Mama’s Kitchen received a similar amount, $325,000, to continue preparing meals for residents who are seriously ill or recovering from hospital stays. Each participant is assessed by a team of dieticians to determine what food will best help their recovery. “The Unity Fund grant is really, truly transformational,” said CEO Eva Matthews. The money also allows the organization to hire a full-time community health worker to connect residents with other supportive services. The San Diego Foundation is largely not charging its own administrative fees, except when it comes to overseeing the millions of dollars it’s getting from San Diego County, another donor. In that case, the foundation is applying a 5% fee. A spokesperson said that overhead will ensure that “taxpayer dollars are managed with transparency, accountability and impact as required by law.” The foundation continues to receive applications from nonprofits and distribute new grants. Residents can donate by visiting SDFoundation.org/Unity. In addition, the organization is working with the Prebys Foundation, Price Philanthropies and the Price family on a separate fundraising effort known as United for San Diego. That initiative currently has around $50 million in pledges. ...read more read less