BID Foundations

The BID Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Its mission is to be a catalyst for revitalization of urban communities. Programs and projects funded by the BID Foundation enhance the physical, social, and economic environment of 18 Business Improvement Districts in San Diego. It was created as a means for donors to support the activities and promotional events of the Business Improvement Districts.

The BID Foundation recently amended its articles of incorporation to reflect a broader scope work. The amendment articles reads as such: “This corporation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The charitable and educations purposes of the corporation shall include, without limitation: (i) promoting improved neighborhoods; (ii) combating community deterioration; (iii) advancement of education; (iv) erection or maintenance of public buildings, monuments, or works; (v) lessening the burdens of Government; and (vi) instruction of the public on subjects useful to the individual and beneficial to the community.”

Since it was established in 1997, the BID Foundation has been used primarily as a tool for the BIDs and the BID Council to apply for 501(c)(3) grants. The following Business Improvement Districts have used the foundation to date: North Park, City Heights, Adams Avenue, and North Bay. The BID Council has also used the BID Foundation for grant writing purposes (i.e., San Ysidro) and for December Nights, BID Council (San Ysidro, funds for computer lab for Adams Avenue. The BID Foundation executive Committee is comprised of Ron Zappelli, President, Enrique Gandarilla as Vice President, Mike Akey as Treasurer, and Ben Nicholls as Secretary.