About the Santee Community Foundation
What is the Santee Community Foundation?
The Santee Community Foundation is Santee's behind-the-scenes civic engine — the nonprofit that funds youth sports seasons, free community events, park improvements, and grants for local organizations working to make Santee stronger.
The Santee Community Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization — EIN 46-0668130 — incorporated in the City of Santee, California. It is governed by an all-volunteer board of Santee residents and business owners.
Santee Community Foundation was established to fill the gap between what the city budget can fund and what the community needs. From the first pitch of youth baseball season to the last night of a free summer concert at Town Center, SCF is behind the scenes making it happen.
Foundation at a Glance
| Legal name | Santee Community Foundation |
| Status | 501(c)(3) nonprofit |
| EIN | 46-0668130 |
| Location | Santee, CA 92071 |
| Board model | All-volunteer |
| Local impact | 100% stays in Santee |
Who leads the Santee Community Foundation?
The Foundation is governed by an all-volunteer board of Santee residents. Board members are elected by the board itself and serve minimum two-year terms. Every board member lives or works in Santee — there are no outside professionals drawing a salary.
Meghan Lanigan's roots in Santee run deep. She grew up in the community, attended Hill Creek Elementary School, and graduated from Santana High School before earning her degree in journalism from San Diego State University.
As president of the Santee Community Foundation, Meghan brings a personal connection to the community she serves. She is passionate about bringing people together, building local partnerships and supporting opportunities that help Santee thrive. Her involvement reflects her commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape her.
Dean “Deano” Velasco owns Deano’s Pub in La Mesa and Deano’s Pub East in Santee, which was named the 2025 Santee Business of the Year. Through his businesses, Dean supports local nonprofits, veterans and military families, first responders, and youth programs.
Before opening his pubs, Dean spent 22 years at Qualcomm, where he served as a Senior Staff Engineer and led teams and global technology initiatives.
In addition to serving as Vice Chair of the Santee Community Foundation, Dean serves on the boards of the Santee Chamber of Commerce and Santee Kiwanis and chairs the Santee Parks and Recreation Committee (SPARC). He was named a 2024 Santee Civic Service Hero.
Dean believes a strong community is built by people who show up, get involved, and give back.
Andrew Phillips serves as Treasurer of the Santee Community Foundation. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in real estate, public/private financing, project and asset management, and finance. He is President and CEO of Civic Communities, a federally-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).
Andrew holds a B.A. in public administration with a certificate of accountancy from San Diego State University and is a licensed real estate agent in California. He has resided in Santee for nearly 25 years and is a member of the Urban Land Institute and Lambda Alpha International Land & Economic Society.
Darlene Bautista-Homer is a lifelong Santee resident. She attended Cajon Park School and graduated from Santana High School. After living in Ocean Beach she returned to raise her family in Santee, purchasing her home in 1997.
"I am blessed to have raised my boys in such a tight-knit community where either you have grown up with someone or just met through volunteering for our kids through school or sports — we definitely made the right decision choosing Santee as our hometown."
How is the Santee Community Foundation structured?
SCF is governed by a board of directors who elect officers from among themselves. All positions are volunteer — no staff salaries are paid from donor funds.
Directors
To become a director, a person must be nominated and elected for a minimum term of two years. Vacancies may be filled by the board between annual meetings.
Officers
Officers include a President, Secretary, and Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer. There may also be a Chairperson of the Board, Vice Presidents, and assistant officers. Any board member may serve as an officer as long as they are elected by the full board.
Governing Documents
Bylaws, 501(c)(3) letter, and EIN documentation are publicly available.
SCF funds four program areas in Santee
Every grant and program investment targets one of four pillars the Santee community identified as most critical.
Youth & Sports
Season fees, equipment, and field access — so every Santee kid can play regardless of family income.
Community Events
SCF participates in free summer concerts, the Santee Street Fair, and Town Center gatherings — and helps underwrite the cost so Santee families attend free.
Parks & Recreation
Trail upgrades, open space investment, and park improvements at Big Rock Park, Mast Park, and beyond.
Every dollar raised stays in Santee
The Santee Community Foundation does not maintain a national headquarters, a paid executive staff, or a reserve fund outside the city. When you donate to SCF, your money goes directly to Santee programs and grants — nothing leaves Santee.
Financials are publicly available. The Foundation files with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) and is listed on Charity Navigator. Bylaws and the 501(c)(3) declaration letter are available for download.
Santee runs on neighbors
who show up.
Join the board, volunteer at events, or make a donation. Every contribution — time or money — stays in Santee.