Best Escondido Grants for Nonprofits in California

The Begole Archaeological Research Grant supports scientific research in Colorado Desert District parks and related areas in California and Baja California. Annually, two grants of up to $5,000 each are available for archaeological projects, with no topic restrictions. Eligibility includes students, faculty, agency staff, and independent scholars. Priority may be given to research focusing on early prehistory. Proof of permitting is required before funds are awarded, and no charges for salaries or overhead are allowed.

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

• Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma

• Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne

• Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange

• Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego

• Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura

• Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine

• Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer

• South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 8: Far South Administered by Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs, City of San Diego

The City of San Diego invites applications from eligible individual artists for the Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF), which provides unrestricted awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected the City as an Administering Organization for this statewide initiative, supporting a two-year fellowship program for individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines.

The Individual Artist Fellowship for Region 8 serves San Diego and Imperial Counties, an area spanning 9,008 square miles and home to 3.48 million residents. The program strengthens the regional arts workforce by investing directly in artists whose work contributes to the cultural vitality of their communities.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

Tom and Terry Lewis Scholarship

Tom and Terry Lewis Scholarship applicants should:

• Be graduating high school seniors
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in San Diego County in fall
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Plan to major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics
• Be a United States citizen
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Special consideration may be given to students who have participated in extracurricular activities or community service, or have work experience.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation offers Community Grants aimed at supporting 501c3 non-profit organizations that focus on culinary, nutrition, and arts education, with an emphasis on life skills development. Grants are available to organizations in communities where the foundation operates, including Greater New Orleans, Austin, and Southern California. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and align with the foundation's vision of empowering youth to reach their full potential.

The John W. Miles Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography supports a researcher specializing in computational and theoretical geophysics. Funded by the Green Foundation for Earth Sciences, this one-year position, renewable for a second year, offers a $70,000 annual salary plus benefits and $3,000 in research funds. Applicants must have received their PhD within a specific timeframe and should connect with potential mentors at IGPP to discuss suitable projects.

Bob Kelly Scholarship

During his 20 years as President and CEO of San Diego Foundation (SDF), Bob Kelly built an enduring legacy that has seen SDF become the regional leader for information about charitable giving and a strong voice for civic engagement. Among a number of significant achievements as President and CEO, Bob was instrumental in building the Community Scholarship Program which is now the largest scholarship provider in San Diego County outside of the university system.

When establishing his own scholarship, Bob wanted to recognize the important role that both San Diego City College and UC San Diego play in the education of so many San Diegans. His hope is to provide a unique scholarship opportunity to those students who may not have been the top of their class, but have since taken advantage of their own “second chance” and are on the path to success.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room & board, and other educational expenses.

The scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to two years of undergraduate coursework at UC San Diego provided the student maintains a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, good citizenship, and continues to have financial need.

• Average number of awards: 2
• Average amount: $3,500

San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation, Inc.

Mission

The Kiwanis Club of San Diego works in concert with the San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation, Inc. (the ‘Foundation’). The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) foundation incorporated in California that annually provides more than $250,000 to projects and organizations in the community.

The primary purpose of the San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation is to provide a means for members and others to provide charitable contributions and to ensure those contributions are utilized in accordance with the Foundation’s guidelines as well as state and federal law.

The Kiwanis San Diego and San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation are providing Community Impact Grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for nonprofit organizations in the San Diego region with specific projects and programs focused on youth.

The Caesars Foundation supports community-focused organizations through monetary and in-kind donations, prioritizing strategic areas like social equity, climate action, and mental health. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits and educational institutions operating within the U.S. Requests must align with these focus areas to enhance community impact. Organizations that discriminate or operate outside the U.S. are ineligible. By fostering collaboration, the foundation aims to uplift vulnerable populations and promote sustainable practices.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

City of Santee

The City of Santee’s evolution from being a small, backcountry village in the late nineteenth century to becoming a diverse and multifaceted modern city is a fascinating and colorful story. From the community’s original founders, George and Jennie Cowles, Hosmer McKoon, and Milton Santee himself, to those who led the incorporation drive toward it becoming a city almost a century later, Santee’s history is filled with people who shared a vision of this community becoming something truly special.

Department of Planning & Building

The Planning & Building Department carries out a variety of functions related to the orderly development of the City. One of its primary tasks is to ensure that current developments comply with the City's General Plan, Municipal Code as well as the California Building Code. 

City of Santee Community Development Block Grant

CDBG is a federal program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The funds are used to develop viable communities by promoting decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate- income persons. Eligibility is determined by household income compared to the median household income in the region, adjusted for household size. The City of Santee submits an application for CDBG funds annually.

The New Beginnings Scholarship Fund for Unhoused Youth, managed by the San Diego Foundation, aims to support San Diego County residents who have experienced homelessness during high school. This scholarship is available to a diverse group of students, including high school seniors and adult re-entry students, enabling them to pursue post-secondary education or vocational training. By addressing educational access and housing instability, the fund promotes long-term stability and success for these individuals.

The California Watershed Protection Fund Grant supports projects aimed at enhancing water quality and protecting watersheds throughout California. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities. Priority is given to initiatives that engage impacted communities and uphold principles of equity and environmental justice. The fund emphasizes hands-on activities that yield tangible benefits for surface water quality, fostering community-based stewardship in response to fluctuating watershed needs.

The Community Enhancement Program, funded by San Diego County, supports local non-profit entities aiming to enhance tourism and economic development. Eligible activities include cultural programs, museums, and visitor bureaus, all designed to enrich community life. Non-profits can apply for funding to create jobs and improve the quality of life in San Diego County. Applicants should submit their proposals to the appropriate Board of Supervisors district based on their project location.

The San Diego Women’s Foundation is launching the SDWF-Expanding Affordable, Accessible, and Quality Child Care Grant to address the critical shortage of affordable child care for infants and toddlers (ages 0-4). This initiative aims to support nonprofit organizations that enhance access to quality child care, particularly for families with limited options. The foundation prioritizes efforts that contribute to long-term improvements in the child care landscape, ensuring that all families can find safe, developmentally supportive environments for their children.

Growing Green Spaces Grant

The Growing Green Spaces 2026 Grant Program provides funding for community-led initiatives that support community health and climate resilience by growing green spaces. Requests can be between $15,000 and up to $40,000.

Background

The Growing Green Spaces (GGS) program at San Diego Foundation (SDF) expands access to parks, green infrastructure and community gardens to support healthy neighborhoods and climate resilience. Building on the foundation of the Outdoor Access, Climate, and Food Initiatives, GGS deepens San Diego Foundation’s commitment to climate resilience by emphasizing the multiple co-benefits of green spaces, including outdoor education, sustainable food production, public health and social cohesion. GGS supports community-driven climate solutions that protect, restore and reimagine shared spaces as essential infrastructure for climate resilience, public health and local economic vitality. GGS prioritizes projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate adaptation and deliver co-benefits such as improved air quality and reduced urban heat. Emphasis is placed on initiatives led by or in deep partnership with communities impacted by climate change.

The program centers local leadership and long-term stewardship, recognizing that communities are best positioned to design and sustain green spaces that meet local needs and deliver lasting environmental and social benefits.

The TechAmerica Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving public high school seniors in San Diego County pursuing non-medical STEM degrees. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.75 and standardized test scores of at least 1200 SAT or 29 ACT. This scholarship aims to empower students to enroll full-time in accredited four-year universities in Southern California, thereby fostering educational advancement in critical STEM fields.

The Students Promoting Students Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, aims to empower San Diego County students who show academic excellence, community engagement, and financial need. Eligible applicants must have lived in the county for at least a year and plan to enroll full-time in a higher education institution within the region. This scholarship is designed to foster educational opportunities and support deserving individuals in their academic pursuits.

Escondido public and charter elementary schools in San Diego County planning youth gardens that teach water conservation and stewardship can access funding through KidsGardening. Awards of US $1,000 - US $2,250 plus an irrigation supply kit support installing or improving school gardens, with priority for under-resourced communities and programs serving larger numbers of youth.

The David J. Morafka Memorial Research Award, established by the Desert Tortoise Council, offers $2,500 to support research on gopher tortoise species in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. This award honors Dr. David J. Morafka's contributions to herpetology. Applicants must be affiliated with recognized institutions and present their findings at a Desert Tortoise Council symposium. Evaluation criteria include research significance, originality, and feasibility, ensuring impactful conservation efforts.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The La Jolla Kiwanis Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare by supporting initiatives that benefit children and families in La Jolla and San Diego. Funded through events like the La Jolla Half Marathon, grants prioritize areas such as maternal and child health, education, and community services. The foundation encourages direct allocation of funds to charitable causes and emphasizes responsible spending without unnecessary expenses like trophies. This support reflects a commitment to improving lives and fostering a child-friendly community.

The San Diego Foundation

We enable donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

For 50 years, donors, nonprofits, communities, government and civic leaders have trusted San Diego Foundation to transform lives and have partnered with us for lasting change that moves our region forward.

As San Diego’s largest regional community foundation, it’s our job to understand the pulse of our local communities better than anyone, enabling donors and nonprofit partners to tackle the most critical needs facing San Diegans.

Community Scholarship Program

Since 1997, the Community Scholarship Program has awarded $59.5 million to more than 15,400 students, making our program the largest non-university scholarship provider in San Diego County. By offering financial assistance, the program helps students dedicate more time to their studies, stay enrolled and complete their degrees.

The Hayden Scholarship

The Hayden Scholarship applicants should:

• Have resided in San Diego County for at least one year
• Be graduating high school seniors attending high schools in Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos or Escondido, or adult re-entry students who:
• Plan to enroll in an accredited community college, public four-year university, or trade/ vocational school in San Diego County
• Have a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated financial need
• Have demonstrated social responsibility and a high level of integrity
• Have contributed to their community as demonstrated by their involvement in extracurricular, work, religious or volunteer activities
• Be United States citizens

The Trade Corridor Enhancement Program aims to enhance infrastructure on significant trade corridors in California, supporting efficient freight movement. With approximately $300 million in annual state funding, it focuses on improving safety, reducing congestion, and increasing rail capacity. Projects must align with regional transportation plans and demonstrate readiness and community benefits. This competitive program not only addresses freight system factors but also prioritizes environmental impacts and economic growth, ensuring a sustainable transportation future.

The San Marcos Community Foundation offers Mini Grants of up to $1,500 to support nonprofit organizations that benefit San Marcos residents. Eligible projects must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and directly serve the community. Grant requests should adhere to reporting deadlines set by the Board, while funds cannot support religious, fraternal, or political purposes. The Foundation prioritizes applications with matching funds at its discretion, fostering diverse projects in arts, health, education, and more.

The San Marcos Community Foundation offers Regular Grants ranging from $1,500 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations benefiting the residents of San Marcos. Established in 1987, the Foundation aims to enhance community quality of life through diverse programs in arts, health, education, and more. Eligible organizations must meet specific requirements, including tax-exempt status. The Foundation prioritizes applications with matching funds at its discretion, fostering a collaborative approach to community enrichment.

Viasat Corporate Giving focuses on enhancing community strength through various initiatives. Their commitment includes support for military and veteran outreach, skills-based volunteering, and promoting STEAM education, particularly for underserved communities. By engaging employees in these programs, Viasat aims to create meaningful connections and empower individuals, ensuring that families and service members thrive. This holistic approach not only fosters community growth but also inspires the next generation of STEM leaders.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Millie Vancio Professional Nursing Scholarship

Millie Vancio spent most of her career in the Critical Care theatre as a staff nurse, charge nurse and department manager. She was always amazed by the ability, strength and resourcefulness of the nurses with whom she worked and supervised.

Knowing how challenging it can be to work a full-time schedule and participate in a degree program Millie established the Millie Vancio Professional Nursing Scholarship fund to assist nurses in their pursuit of either a BSN or Master’s degree (MSN or MA) within the field of Nursing or healthcare. This is her way of offering support and saying “Thank you” to working nurses who continue to enhance the profession of Nursing.

Recipients will be asked to submit a copy of their Registered Nursing license as verification of working as a registered nurse and prior to receiving the scholarship.

This scholarship may be used for tuition, books, fees, room & board, and other educational expenses.

This scholarship may be renewable (depending upon available funds) for up to one additional year (including if they are using the first year of an award to finish a BSN and the second year to begin a Master’s program), provided that the scholarship recipient continues to pursue a degree in Nursing or healthcare and maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

• Average # of awards: 2
• Average amount of award: $1000