Best San Diego County Grants for Nonprofits in California

Nonprofit and public agencies in San Diego County, California can seek funding for projects that stimulate tourism, promote the economy, create jobs, and enhance quality of life. Grants from San Diego County help local cultural institutions, museums, visitor and convention bureaus, and economic development councils deliver regional tourism and economic development programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with a primary mission of alcohol and drug treatment, prevention, education, or recovery in Southern California, including San Diego County, can apply for McMillen Family Foundation grants up to Up to US $50,000. Funding supports non-government-funded program activities, facility improvements, capital purchases, staff development, and equipment for substance use services.

Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative San Diego

Investing in Nonprofit Impact

The Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative (NSI) San Diego is a pooled fund fiscally sponsored by Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties inviting applications from September 1, 2026 onward to support non-profit organizations pursuing formal sustained collaboration partnerships that increase mission impact, organizational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Collaboration

Collaboration is one of the most powerful paths towards sustained impact, and yet it is often one of the most under-resourced. Many nonprofits lack access to the flexible, discretionary funding required to navigate complex transitions while continuing to deliver on their missions.

NSI San Diego helps close that gap by supporting a range of collaboration models, including:

• Jointly managed programs
• Back-office consolidations
• Shared ventures
• Full-scale mergers.

With the right support in place, organizations can reduce duplicative work, strengthen internal operations, and focus more of their time and energy where it matters most: serving their communities.

Responding to a Changing Nonprofit Landscape

Nonprofits today are facing increasingly destabilizing conditions that threaten their long-term viability. Federal funding cuts, heightened scrutiny, and shifting policy environments have changed what risk looks like and how quickly it can compound. The pace of these challenges means organizations are losing capacity faster than it can be rebuilt.

NSI San Diego responds to these challenges by investing in the kinds of structural supports that help nonprofits adapt, stabilize, and continue serving communities.

Exploratory Grants support two or more organizations that are ready to engage in structured discussions regarding a potential strategic partnership.

Organizations receiving Exploratory Grant funding are not committing to a specific outcome. Rather, they are committing to participate in a good-faith process of exploration, due diligence, and negotiation to determine whether a partnership would advance their missions and better serve their communities.

• Potential activities may include:
• Strategic assessment and readiness discussions
• Facilitation and negotiation support
• Organizational due diligence
• Governance and leadership conversations
• Financial and operational analysis
• Exploration of partnership models

Exploratory Grants typically range from $20,000–$40,000.

Funds are intended primarily for third-party consultants and technical assistance providers supporting the exploratory process.

San Diego County, California legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation can access funding through the Impact Fund for out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 support economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases that benefit communities facing systemic oppression, with priority for filed or imminent class actions and significant law reform efforts.

Nonprofit organizations in San Diego County, California and Northern Baja California with specific projects serving children and young adults up to age 26 can receive US $5,000 - US $50,000 for youth-focused programs. San Diego Kiwanis Club Foundation funding can support program costs, capacity building, capital needs, and specific operating expenses within a 12‑month grant period.

Nonprofit organizations in San Diego County, California serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities can seek funding for innovative programs in employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy. Focused on disability care and services, the Foundation for Developmental Disabilities offers grants of US $500 - US $20,000 for programs benefiting people with IDDs and their families.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies in San Diego County, California can seek US $3,000 - US $7,500 for specific projects in areas like community services, education, health, environment, and civic improvement. Grants from Teichert Foundation help San Diego County, California nonprofits and agencies strengthen local communities and address underlying social and environmental needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in San Diego County, California can seek funding for literacy, STEM, STEAM, and educational enrichment programs serving preschool through secondary students and learners of all ages. Grants from Bessie Minor Swift Foundation range from US $500 - US $5,000 and favor small, local, low-budget projects with limited other funding sources.

The Dr. Seuss Foundation Bright Futures Grant, in partnership with The San Diego Foundation, invites applications from nonprofit organizations. This initiative supports early literacy and social-emotional development for children up to age 8. Since 2022, nearly $5 million has been awarded to enhance educational opportunities for over 70,000 individuals, including 37,000 children. The grant aims to strengthen literacy skills and provide positive experiential activities, fostering a nurturing environment for children and their caregivers.

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.

Ready to Learn Grant

The Dr. Seuss Foundation and San Diego Foundation are now accepting applications from eligible nonprofit organizations to be considered for either a Ready to Learn grant, a Dr. Seuss Foundation Bright Futures grant, or both.

Since 2022, the Dr. Seuss Foundation (DSF) and San Diego Foundation (SDF) have collaborated to award nearly $5 million to local organizations offering high-quality early educational opportunities and programs for children and families in San Diego County. To date, this collaborative grantmaking effort has supported 40+ nonprofit partners in providing critical services to more than 70,000 individuals, including 37,000 children aged 0-5.

Launched in Spring 2025 through the support of a $15 million endowment established by the Dr. Seuss Foundation at SDF, the joint Ready to Learn initiative aims to provide sustainable, long-term funding to support early literacy efforts for children up to age 5 in the San Diego region for years to come.

Grant Goals

The Ready to Learn initiative supports the expansion of early literacy and learning opportunities for children up to age 5, with an emphasis on literacy and language competencies as key drivers of healthy development and school success.

Proposals will be considered for programs that pursue at least one of the following objectives:

• Expanding access to high-quality literacy and learning opportunities
• Building provider expertise in literacy instruction
• Promoting family-centered literacy and learning
• Addressing barriers to learning through whole-child, developmentally appropriate approaches

Students in San Diego County, California pursuing nutrition, dietetics, or clinical healthcare studies can receive scholarship support through the Amy E. Johnson Memorial Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 - US $5,000. Grants from The San Diego Foundation help local residents with financial need advance higher education and college success in health-related fields.

The Austin Bice Memorial Scholarship, administered by the San Diego Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors in San Diego County who will enroll full-time at San Diego State University. Eligible candidates must have participated in a varsity sport for at least one year, maintained a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. This scholarship recognizes the dedication of student-athletes committed to their academic and athletic pursuits.

High-achieving AVID seniors in San Diego County, California planning to attend a four-year college can receive $1,000 - $5,000 for higher education through the AVID Donald Costa Scholarship. San Diego Foundation supports students in approved AVID programs, especially Senior Standouts and Top STEM Scholars, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and college readiness.

The AVID Founder’s Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports high-achieving AVID seniors in San Diego County. Eligible candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, completed community service, and participated in an approved AVID program for at least three years. This scholarship recognizes academic excellence and leadership, encouraging students to pursue higher education at accredited four-year colleges or universities in the U.S. It aims to promote college readiness and long-term success for deserving individuals.

The Barbara Monroe Scholarship Fund, managed by The San Diego Foundation, offers financial support to academically capable residents of San Diego County pursuing their undergraduate studies. Eligible students must maintain a GPA of 3.0, demonstrate community involvement, work at least 10 hours a week, and exhibit financial need. This scholarship aims to empower hardworking individuals to balance their education, employment, and community service, fostering growth and opportunity in the region.

The Barta-Lehman Musical Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, supports talented musicians from San Diego County who are pursuing careers in music performance. Applicants must have lived in the area for at least a year and can include high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students. Preference is given to accomplished musicians specializing in string instruments, ensuring support for those who aspire to perform professionally. This scholarship nurtures the next generation of musical talent.

The Barton-Tomlinson Scholarship, offered by The San Diego Foundation, is designed to support residents of San Diego County who are enrolled in community college and intend to transfer to San Diego State University in fall 2026. Eligibility requires a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need, with community service also considered. This scholarship aims to facilitate a smooth transition for students pursuing their academic goals at SDSU.

The Bill and Barbara Berrier Scholarship Fund, managed by The San Diego Foundation, supports San Diego County students from the San Dieguito High School District pursuing careers in public service and education. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate community involvement, and plan to enroll in a four-year university. This scholarship aims to empower students dedicated to strengthening their communities through educational and care professions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving San Diego County, California can receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 to run community clean energy projects and programs. San Diego Community Power’s Community Clean Energy Grant Program supports efforts like energy education, electrification-related air quality improvements, workforce development, and energy resilience for SDCP customers, covering personnel, equipment, capital purchases, and other program costs.

Nonprofit arts organizations and educational institutions in San Diego County, California can receive up to US $7,500 to support specific arts projects involving professional artists or outside experts. Grants from the City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Division fund arts education, cultural programming, and community arts activities that take place within Carlsbad city limits.

Nonprofit schools and school-affiliated groups in San Diego County, California can receive up to US $3,500 per grant for arts-focused programs in Carlsbad, including performing, visual, digital, culinary, and STEAM projects. Grants from City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Division support arts in schools, career-focused arts initiatives, and partnerships with professional artists.

Nonprofit emerging arts organizations and schools creating public arts projects in Carlsbad, within San Diego County, can receive up to US $5,000 for community-focused programming. City of Carlsbad Cultural Arts Division supports projects in dance, music, visual, digital, and ethnic or indigenous art forms that expand arts access and education.

Nonprofit organizations in San Diego County, California and northern Baja California working on coastal and marine climate resilience can apply for the Binational Resilience Initiative, with awards up to US $100,000. Binational partnerships must include at least one U.S. and one Mexican nonprofit and may support research, education, collaboration, and organizational capacity.

Community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits conducting energy efficiency education and outreach in San Diego County, California can apply for the Flex Alert Grant Program to promote Flex Alerts and residential energy reduction. Focused on energy efficiency and conservation, Energy Upgrade California seeks CBOs with strong community networks to engage low-income, multicultural, senior, rural, and disabled residents in utility territories.

Focused on child abuse and neglect services, In-N-Out Burgers Foundation invites San Diego County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek support for programs, operations, or capital needs benefiting affected children and youth. Eligible organizations operate in counties with In-N-Out locations and may receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 in core grant funding, primarily by invitation.

San Diego County, California 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing hunger relief, education, children’s well-being, health, veterans, or pet well-being can access funding through Stater Bros Charities, with typical awards of US $500 - US $2,500. Eligible organizations must serve communities within Stater Bros. Markets’ footprint and have operated for at least one year.

Nonprofits, fiscally sponsored groups, schools, and government agencies in San Diego County, California can apply for The San Diego Foundation’s Betty Scalice Foundation Music Grant to support community concerts, youth musical performances, and school-based music programs. Programs serving North County San Diego and promoting music appreciation, including low-cost instruments and choral teaching equipment, may be prioritized.