Giving Back with Intention
Philanthropy at IIDA Northern California
At IIDA Northern California, we believe that design has the power to create positive change in our communities. Through our vibrant philanthropy program, we channel our passion for design into actions that make a real difference in the lives of others. Led by our Chapter Vice President, Paul Mabe Fogg, we are proud to be a part of the larger IIDA organization, a 501(c)(6) nonprofit professional association, committed to giving back to our local communities.
Contact:
VP of Philanthropy
philanthropy@iidanc.org
Our Impact
Each year, IIDA Northern California donates approximately $75,000 and countless volunteer service hours to local nonprofit organizations. Our contributions are focused on addressing the unique needs of our community through the lens of design. We firmly believe in giving back with intention, and our philanthropic efforts are an integral part of our chapter’s mission.
Our Community Involvement
By aligning our chapter and city centers under a unified theme each year, we can address the specific needs of our local community in a relevant and meaningful way. Together, we can harness the power of design to create a brighter future for all.
2022 Philanthropic Beneficiaries
In 2022, we directed our support to organizations that share our passion for design and our commitment to making a positive impact. Here are the beneficiaries of our philanthropic efforts:
- East Bay City Center – Larkin Street Youth Services
- Fresno City Center – Rebuild Our Sierra
- Sacramento City Center – American River Conservancy
- San Francisco City Center – Casa de la Madres
- Silicon Valley City Center – Life Moves
Pro Bono Project Requests
If your organization would like to be considered for a pro bono project, please fill out our online form.
K-12 Oakland School District Initiative
At IIDA NC, we recognize the importance of exposing career options to students at a young age. As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we are working with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) to develop programs to teach students about the interior design profession and to provide them with creative opportunities to grow.
Our primary goal is to expose young students to creative career options around design. By partnering with the OUSD, we aim to build confidence and excitement among students around a wide variety of design professions, providing them with new opportunities to grow.
OUSD is a public education district comprised of 116 K-12 schools, serving 49,000+ students. The vast majority of the student population are racial and ethnic minorities: 44% Latino, 23% African American, and 14% Asian, Pacific Islander.
We hope to inspire and challenge students through fun activities, involving creative problem-solving and ideation.
Initiative Goals:
- Support students in the pursuit of design careers
- Bring more diversity into the professional field of architecture and design
- Extend outreach and support to the broader community
- Introduce design-thinking as a tool for success in the growth of a career
- Provide new engagement tools for teachers to help them stay involved and engage students
Chapter Themes and Initiatives
Our commitment to philanthropy goes hand in hand with our annual chapter themes, which guide our efforts and inspire our actions. In the coming years, we will be focusing on the following themes:
- Design for the Future – 2023
- Design for Dignity – 2024
- Design for Empowerment – 2025
- Design for Wellness – 2026
These themes provide a framework for us to approach our philanthropic work with purpose and relevance.
