About Grant Oliphant

Philanthropy and Leadership

Grant Oliphant serves as CEO and President of the Prebys Foundation, managing $1.13 billion in assets since 2022, where he is reshaping San Diego's philanthropic landscape by prioritizing bold grants and community partnerships [4][17][24]. Previously, as President of the Heinz Endowments, he addressed issues like anti-Semitism, extremism, and family separation [6][13][18]. He has chaired the Center for Effective Philanthropy and advocates for philanthropy that listens to communities and measures impact [14][15][18]. Recent efforts include committing $70M alongside other philanthropies for San Diego initiatives and responding to federal cuts by supporting arts groups [21][25][26].

Creativity and Storytelling

Oliphant champions creativity as a force to 'reinvent your story,' as highlighted in his Creative Mornings talk [1][2]. In speeches like 'Let's Tell Better Stories' to the Iranian American Bar Association, he calls for narratives that foster empathy and progress [16]. He connects creativity to philanthropy, urging better stories amid challenges [19].

Community Strength and Moral Action

Oliphant stresses that 'we see what we are' through community reflections, drawing from visits to George Floyd Square and linking Minneapolis and San Diego's moral fabric [11][14][23]. He rallies San Diegans to unite when federal aid dwindles, emphasizing compassion and action on issues like child separation [13][20]. Blogs like 'We Are the Cure' and 'We Are What We Do' call for resolve against hate and extremism [6][13].

Purpose and Reconnection in Work

In podcasts and talks, Oliphant explores reconnecting with 'why our work matters,' flipping scripts to share philanthropy insights [3][5][12]. Year-end messages reflect on challenges and new paths at Prebys [17][19]. He critiques federal assaults on free speech in giving [10].

San Diego Focus and Civic Impact

Oliphant drives Prebys' role in San Diego's future, from arts funding to Civic Center redevelopment discussions and 'United for San Diego' efforts [21][22][24][26]. Opinion pieces urge moral community-building [20][23].