On June 18, 2025, the San Diego Solidarity Network (SDSN) convened nonprofit, government, philanthropic, and community leaders at the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center to declare a state of civic emergency in response to devastating federal funding rollbacks that are threatening the region’s social infrastructure.
The event highlighted urgent calls for action as nonprofit organizations across San Diego continue to experience widespread layoffs, service reductions, and destabilizing funding losses. In recent months, federal freezes and program terminations have disrupted frontline services—from food access and housing support to climate resilience and public health—placing thousands of San Diegans at risk.
“This is not just a funding crisis. It’s a dismantling of the safety net that holds our region together,” said Shantel Suarez Avila, co-steward of the San Diego Solidarity Network. “We are calling for coordinated, cross-sector action to protect our communities, restore trust, and rebuild systems with equity at the center.”
Crisis by the Numbers (as of March 2025):
- 72% of nonprofit leaders report current or imminent harm
- Nearly 500 staff laid off or furloughed
- 1 in 3 nonprofits have reduced or eliminated critical services
The SDSN Emergency Declaration outlines two core demands:
1. Rapid and sustained investment in community-rooted organizations
2. Support systems that center racial equity, cultural knowledge, and grassroots leadership
As part of the event, Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties also announced the launch of the San Diego Resilient Response Fund—a philanthropic effort to mobilize resources in alignment with the declaration’s goals.
Event Speakers Included:
- Shantel Suarez Avila and Claire Groebner, San Diego Solidarity Network
- Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, San Diego City Council
- Amy Castañeda, Environmental Health Coalition
- Noun Abdelaziz, United Women of East Africa
- Alondra Alvarado, San Diego Hunger Coalition
- Cristina Sanchez-Kerr, Nonprofit Institute
- Megan Thomas, Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties
Shantel Suarez Avila and Claire Groebner, San Diego Solidarity Network
- Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, San Diego City Council
- Amy Castañeda, Environmental Health Coalition
- Noun Abdelaziz, United Women of East Africa
- Alondra Alvarado, San Diego Hunger Coalition
- Cristina Sanchez-Kerr, Nonprofit Institute
- Megan Thomas, Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties
Later, the San Diego Solidarity Network convened to deepen next steps and strengthen collective strategy. More than 50 people participated in the conversation, and momentum continues to grow to defend San Diego’s nonprofit sector from ongoing federal threats.