Matt McLaughlin – One Man. One Legacy. One Region Enhanced by His Kindness…
The Late Jean and Matthew McLaughlin.
Matt McLaughlin cared deeply about the North San Diego County region. He loved where he lived and he gave generously to support the organizations and causes that make the region thrive.
Mr. McLaughlin and his wife Jean donated millions of dollars to local causes during their lifetimes and their spirit of generosity will continue for years to come with the $10 million endowment they established at The San Diego Foundation. The couple received vociferous applause at ceremonies marking their benevolence on August 17, 2011.
The region Matt and Jean loved will be touched forever through their forethought and generosity. Matt McLaughlin was driven by his belief that he was blessed by life and had a responsibility to share his good fortune with the community he grew to love. He felt that the resources that were given to him were a gift, and he felt he was simply a shepherd of the money.
In 1946, Matt began his long career in sales and marketing at Ford Motor Company, rising in the ranks to General Manager of the Ford and Lincoln-Mercury divisions. In the early 1970s, he was named Vice President of Ford's North American automotive operations and marketing staff. After his retirement in 1978, Matt and Jean moved from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, to Rancho Bernardo, where they immediately got involved in the local community and supported the Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation and many other local charities.
On Wednesday, August 17, 2011, five community foundations in the North County region announced that Matt and Jean's gift would significantly impact the grantmaking dollars devoted to the communities of 4SRanch-Del Sur, Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, and Ramona. The astounding generosity of Matt and Jean McLaughlin will support North County nonprofits and increase the quality of life for area residents for years to come.
Approximately 100 attendees gathered for two events to recognize Matt and Jean’s gift. A breakfast was held at Canyon’s Restaurant at The Crossings to share the great news with North County coastal residents, followed by a lunch at the Escondido Chamber of Commerce to announce to residents who live in the Inland North County area. Bob Kelly, President & CEO
of The San Diego Foundation was joined by The Foundation’s Board Members representing North County, Hollyce Phillips, Chair of the Carlsbad Charitable Foundation, and Jack Raymond, Founding Chair of the Escondido Charitable Foundation.
The Live Here, Give Here: McLaughlin Matching Gift program will match membership grant dollars for North County community affiliates of The San Diego Foundation that use a membership model, further benefiting nonprofit organizations that make a difference throughout the region. For the next three years, every member who joins or renews their membership in the community foundations in 4SRanch-Del Sur, Carlsbad, Escondido, Oceanside, and Ramona will revel in the ability to double the grantmaking portion of their membership to support the region that both Matt and Jean McLaughlin loved. By helping to donate even a modest amount, donors and members will significantly increase our communities’ efforts to nurture a better San Diego.
These participating North County affiliates of The San Diego Foundation will support a variety of grant focus areas through this program. They will support a single focus area during the third year of the program to provide a concentrated approach and even greater, synergistic impact. Focus areas under consideration include arts and culture, education, environment, health and human services, science and technology, economic/job development, youth and senior services, and retired and active military.
The Live Here, Give Here: McLaughlin Matching Gift program will be evaluated on an annual basis to ensure that it continues to reflect Matt and Jean’s desires and honor their intent to grow and inspire philanthropy throughout the North County region.
Click here to view photos of the McLaughlin celebrations.
For information please contact Trudy Armstrong at trudy@sdfoundation.org or call (858) 674-6979 to inquire about 4SRanch-Del Sur, Escondido, Ramona or Rancho Bernardo. For information about Carlsbad or Oceanside community foundations, contact John Duca at john@sdfoundation.org or call (760) 929-2800.
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