San Diego Unified School District

Community Service Association (CSA)

Mission Statement

The Community Service Association of San Diego Unified School District is a nonprofit association organized to solicit contributions from district employees for recognized charitable agencies in San Diego County which support the arts, education, health, and human services.

The Story of CSA

It began in 1956 with a simple idea: what if the people of San Diego Unified School District could come together, pool their generosity, and create something bigger than themselves?

That winter, employee groups across the district gathered around the same vision. They wanted a way to give back, to support neighbors in need, and to strengthen the community they served every day. On February 6, 1956, a small group met as the very first Board of Directors. Out of that meeting, the Community Service Association (CSA) was born.

What started as a grassroots effort quickly became a legacy. Year after year, members contributed what they could, and together those gifts grew into something remarkable. Since that first meeting, CSA members have given more than $12 million to local nonprofits—fueling programs that inspire creativity, open doors to education, expand access to health, and provide essential human services.

But the story of CSA isn’t about dollars—it’s about people. It’s about a student discovering a passion for the arts because of a program CSA helped fund. It’s about a family receiving critical support in a moment of crisis. It’s about district employees standing side by side, knowing that when we give together, we change lives together.

Nearly 70 years later, CSA is still powered by the same belief that started it all: that our collective kindness can make San Diego stronger, more equitable, and more connected.

How to Join CSA

Becoming a CSA member is simple and your contribution goes straight to supporting programs that make a difference in our community. District employees can join by setting up a voluntary payroll deduction through PeopleSoft self-service.

Here’s how:

1. Log in to the Staff Portal, open the A–Z Index, and select PeopleSoft – HCM (Duo login required).

2. In Employee Self-Service, go to Payroll and Compensation then, Voluntary Deductions.

3. Click Add Voluntary Deduction and select Community Service Association.

4. Choose your contribution type: a flat amount or a % of your pay.

5. Enter your start date (and stop date if you’d like), then click Submit.

Once you’re enrolled, your CSA membership continues automatically at the amount you’ve chosen. You can adjust your contribution or change your membership status at any time.

📄 Need a walkthrough? View PeopleSoft Job Aids

By-Laws

Click here to review CSA's By-laws

Articles of Incorporation

Click here to review CSA's Articles of Incorporation

Updated 9/05/25