10,000 Degrees

About Us

In 2023, The Shortino Foundation underwent a shared board and staff process to center equity and better align its grantmaking to the needs of the community. The process included a DEI learning journey, community scan, and input from nonprofit partners–and led to an update of the foundation’s vision, mission, and values.

The foundation remains committed to investing in the youth of San José, and the new grantmaking strategy more deliberately centers equity, addresses the holistic needs of youth, and celebrates partners who take an asset-based approach to supporting young people.

Teatro Visión's 2023 Day of the Dead production of La Muerte Baila, written by Rebecca Martinez and the Milagro Ensemble, directed by Rodrigo García. Photo Credit Christian Pizzirani.

Teatro Visión

Vision

We envision a vibrant San José community that supports youth to define and realize their own dreams. 

Child interacting with a food wheel display at the Children's Discovery Museum. Photo Credit Children's Discovery Museum

Children's Discovery Museum

Mission

Together with our partners, we foster and fund equitable opportunities for youth who have limited access to resources so they can achieve educational and personal success.

Values

Equity

We recognize that we are in one of the wealthiest communities, but some people who have helped build our city lack access to basic needs and opportunities. We direct resources to help our community recognize and remove the barriers created by unjust systems.

Community

We believe the community knows best how to address the challenges that youth face. 

Respect

We respect each other and the community we serve. We approach our partnerships with kindness, compassion, and trust. 

Impact

We seek to partner with organizations having the greatest positive impact on youth. We trust in those partners to measure success in ways that are most meaningful to them and the community they serve.

Accessibility

We acknowledge the power dynamics that impact philanthropic relationships. We aim to nurture open and honest dialogue to ensure that we are accessible and in service to the community. 

Humility

We are curious about how to serve the community best and listen to those most impacted by systemic injustice to guide us. We believe that this work takes all of us.