As Del Mar’s oldest 501(c)(3) non-profit, the Del Mar Foundation sponsors programs, makes grants, and manages over $5,000,000 in endowment funds to benefit the community and the San Dieguito Lagoon. The community endowment provides long-term funding stability for community needs.

Best known for their Summer Twilight concerts, First Thursdays cultural arts series, and children’s events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and 4th of July Parade, the Foundation sponsors a wide array of community programs. The Foundation also provides financial support to community organizations and projects. Over the years, the Foundation has also served as an incubator or fiscal sponsor for many of the present day non-profits that so greatly enrich the community.