Since 1984, we have provided financial and in-kind support to San Diego County’s abused and neglected children through grants to local agencies that serve them. Grant applications are available on the website the 1st week of January and must be submitted by the 1st week of February each year. Founder Barbara Christensen started the organization 41 years ago in her quest to prevent and end child abuse.

OUR MISSION

To prevent the abuse of children and young adults in San Diego County by providing financial support and community awareness to those agencies dedicated to the care, shelter and treatment needed for victims, newborn to 25 years of age.

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WHO WE ARE

For 40 years, our base of dedicated and philanthropic members have contributed countless hours of individual donated time. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the organization’s administrative costs are paid through membership dues. Membership is $65 annually and renews each July.

WHAT WE DO

St. Germaine Children’s Charity raises critical funds for local child abuse prevention agencies, supporting their programs through our grant awards.

Providing public awareness of the escalating crisis facing this vulnerable population is an integral part of what we do. We host Cocktails and Conversation gatherings highlighting speakers from our supporting agencies.

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Become a Sponsor

HOW WE DO IT

The charity hosts fundraising events throughout the year to generate funds to support our mission. Our signature event is The Silver Tea – held in the beginning of December at a private home. Another fundraising campaign is our Mother’s and Father’s Day card drive that takes place in April. We also have fun raising money on special shopping days.

WHY WE DO IT

Child abuse was not recognized as a problem until the mid-70s. Barbara Christensen and nine of her friends didn’t just talk about it. They took action and started St. Germaine Children’s Charity to help raise awareness to prevent child abuse.

The number of reported cases escalated in 2020 due to the pandemic lockdown. Kids were falling prey to sex-trafficking at an alarming rate as mandatory quarantines and in-home schooling provided additional fuel on the Internet to online traffickers using web cams and videos for exploitation.

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HOW WE HAVE HELPED

Our efforts have contributed over $5 million in cash and in-kind donations to the San Diego community since its founding. We have supported over 50 local agencies in San Diego that offer supportive services to victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Our support has aided in countless services that have touched close to 10,000 children and young adults.

Low operating costs and membership dues enable us to fund close to 100% of our donations to the agencies and their programs through our grants. Join our fight to prevent child abuse!

Annual Grants Awards

JUNE LUNCHEON FLASH BACK

Another fabulous June Luncheon was held on June 17, 2025, where we were able to put your generous donations and the results of our fundraising efforts to work. Thank you to all who attended.

The June Luncheon event is where St. Germaine Children’s Charity presents annual Grants Awards to supporting agencies and the Barbara Christensen Heart of San Diego Award. It’s a meaningful and fun event – you won’t want to miss!

This year’s June Luncheon was held at a beautiful private club, where we awarded $160,000 in grants to 10 agencies that support our organization’s mission to stop child abuse.

Luncheon Moments

THE CHANGEMAKER

St. Germaine Children’s Charity is honored to be chosen as one of the top “Changemakers for Foster Children” by Promises2Kids. This award recognizes St. Germaine’s efforts in making a significant difference in the lives of San Diego’s foster youth.