Best San Diego Grants for Nonprofits in California

Booz Allen Foundation

Empowering the next generation through advanced technology

Our mission is to leverage the power of advanced technology to improve generational resilience and inspire the future workforce.

At the Booz Allen Foundation, we’re dedicated to empowering human potential and driving wider social impact in a spirit of passionate service. Driven by a purpose to be a force for positive change, we help imagine, invent, and deliver new ways to better serve the public and the world. The Foundation was established in 2017 as a separate legal entity. It holds tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code and is focused on empowering social change by uniting nonprofit, industry, and government partners.

Our Program Areas

Our philanthropic investments today focus on championing advanced technology readiness and literacy while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the safety and wellness of students. This commitment is ever-present in our drive for innovation

We focus on empowering military-connected youth with advanced technology skills to thrive in a digital future.

We’re focusing resources and efforts in specific neighborhoods in Washington, DC, and San Diego to amplify impact.

We’re proud to support amazing nonprofits that are committed to advancing technology readiness in their communities.

With a mission to enhance community life, San Diego County provides San Diego, California nonprofits with funding for cultural activities, tourism, and economic development. Eligible organizations include museums, visitor bureaus, and economic councils. Nonprofits focused on boosting tourism or job creation in the region may benefit from this opportunity.

McMillen Family Foundation provides San Diego, California nonprofits with funding to support treatment, prevention, education, and recovery services for individuals affected by alcohol and drug dependency. Eligible organizations must have a primary mission focused on substance use disorders and serve San Diego County. Grants may support program activities, staff development, equipment, or facility improvements.

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.

Implementation Grants support two or more organizations that have reached an agreement to pursue a formal collaboration following an exploratory process.

Examples of eligible costs include:

• Financial and accounting services
• Technology and systems integration
• Human resources integration
• Communications and branding
• Board development and governance transition
• Asset consolidation
• Lease termination costs
• Staff transition and severance expenses
• Legal fees (when pro bono resources are unavailable)

Implementation Grants typically range from $20,000–$50,000.

Grant funds are intended to support one-time implementation and transition costs. While implementation funding is primarily intended for external costs, organizations may request support for limited staff-related expenses if they can demonstrate a unique, time-bound role that is essential to successful implementation.

The Domanica Foundation Grant provides funding to IRS-qualified charitable 501(c)(3) organizations in San Diego and Denver. Established in 1994, the foundation focuses on social services addressing hunger, homelessness, healthcare for the uninsured, and scholarships for non-traditional students. While first-time recipients typically receive between $1,000 and $5,000, there is no set application schedule. Proposal summaries can be submitted at any time for consideration by the board.

With a mission to advance legal equity, The Impact Fund provides San Diego, California nonprofits with support for impact litigation addressing social, economic, environmental, and racial justice. Legal services organizations working on cases that benefit communities facing systemic oppression may be eligible for recoverable grants to cover litigation expenses.

San Diego, California nonprofits focused on music education can access funding through The San Diego Foundation’s Betty Scalice Foundation Grant. This opportunity supports community concerts, youth musical performances, and school-based music programs, with preference for North County San Diego. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and schools may apply for support.

With a mission to enhance quality of life, Foundation For Developmental Disabilities Inc provides San Diego, California disability service nonprofits with grants for programs supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funding typically focuses on employment, family support, housing, and self-advocacy, making it a strong opportunity for local organizations serving this community.

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.

The Creative Communities San Diego Grant Program supports nonprofit organizations in delivering impactful arts and culture projects that engage diverse communities. Projects can include art exhibitions, performances, and festivals, fostering a sustainable creative ecosystem in San Diego. Applicants can receive funding based on project budgets and organizational rankings, with awards ranging from $5,000 to 43% of project costs. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and promote creativity in local neighborhoods.

City of San Diego provides San Diego, California arts and culture nonprofits with general operating support to enhance local cultural programming and increase community access to the arts. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations may receive funding based on their operating income, proposal ranking, and available funds, supporting a vibrant arts ecosystem citywide.

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.

Focused on community development and enrichment, Teichert Foundation invites San Diego, California nonprofits to apply for support in areas such as civic improvement, education, health, environmental stewardship, and youth or senior services. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies serving local residents may benefit from one-year project-based grants.

Bessie Minor Swift Foundation supports literacy and educational enrichment in San Diego, California by funding programs that advance reading, writing, STEM, and art education. Local nonprofits serving children or youth with literacy and interdisciplinary learning initiatives may be eligible for grants ranging from $500 to $5,000.

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.

Focused on education, health, and human services, John Krakauer Charitable Trust invites San Diego, California nonprofits to apply for program and capacity building support. Grants prioritize organizations helping single mothers, non-English speaking immigrants, and underserved students or healthcare recipients. 501(c)(3) organizations serving these populations may be eligible for funding.

The Community Clean Energy Grant Program, launched by San Diego Community Power (SDCP) in March 2023, aims to fund local clean energy projects through grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Partnering with the San Diego Foundation, the program will distribute over $1 million to enhance community resilience and promote sustainable energy solutions. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits with proven community service experience. Grant funds must be utilized within 24 months to ensure timely project execution.

The City of Carlsbad offers Community Arts Grants aimed at fostering artistic and cultural activities in the region. These grants support diverse projects that promote inclusion and participation from various community groups. The funding initiative encourages collaboration among arts organizations, educational institutions, and professional artists to enhance the cultural landscape of Carlsbad. Grants are available to qualified nonprofits and educational entities, with a focus on projects that enrich the community's artistic experience.

The Comcast Nbcuniversal Foundation provides San Diego, California nonprofits with funding for youth education, empowerment, and community engagement initiatives. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations working in areas such as STEM education, youth leadership, and civic engagement may benefit. Programs must serve the local community and encourage inclusion and equitable access.

San Diego, California nonprofits focused on child welfare can access funding through In-N-Out Burgers Foundation for programs serving children and youth affected by abuse and neglect. Eligible organizations may receive support for foster care, adoption, prevention, domestic violence, homelessness services, and targeted therapeutic programs that align with the foundation’s mission.

The Pew Biomedical Scholars Program offers significant funding of $300,000 over four years to support early-career researchers in biomedical sciences. The program encourages innovative and impactful research that contributes to human health, requiring nomination from one of the 212 participating institutions. Candidates must hold a doctorate, run an independent lab as an assistant professor, and demonstrate exceptional promise. This program fosters collaboration and annual meetings for scholars to present their findings.

The San Diego Foundation provides San Diego, California nonprofits with funding to improve quality of life through community enhancement, music, and civic affairs initiatives. Eligible organizations must address local needs, foster collaboration, and demonstrate sustainable impact. Nonprofits working to inspire community pride and creativity in San Diego may benefit from this opportunity.

JMPG Fund

This giving circle of emerging philanthropists is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the lives of children and families across San Diego County. Through this grant cycle, the JMPG Fund expects to award one to three grants totaling approximately $80,000 to $100,000. These nonprofit grants in San Diego will be distributed in January 2027 and will support programs taking place during the 2027 calendar year. This opportunity is especially relevant for small and midsize nonprofits in San Diego, as well as programs within larger organizations, where funding can create visible and meaningful impact.

Mission

The group’s mission is to empower and uplift the San Diego community through acts of kindness, generosity, and collective action. As Jewish mothers, members are committed to fostering a legacy of compassion and responsibility by supporting those in need and creating lasting positive change. Guided by the values of collective giving and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), the group seeks to make a meaningful difference for future generations.

Funding Priorities: Programs Supporting Children

The JMPG Fund is focused on supporting organizations that demonstrate a direct impact on children in the following areas:

• Basic needs
  • including food, housing, clothing, diapers, and related support
• Healthcare
  • including services that support the physical or emotional well-being of children
• Education and Intervention Services
  • including prevention, early intervention, after-school programs, and mental health services

Stater Bros Charities supports hunger relief, children’s well-being, education, health, veterans, and pet welfare in San Diego, California by funding 501(c)(3) organizations active in these areas. Nonprofits serving San Diego County communities may be eligible for grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 to strengthen local impact.

Focused on community enrichment, City of San Diego invites San Diego, California nonprofits to apply for funding supporting social, environmental, cultural, and recreational initiatives. Grants are available for one-time projects, capital improvements, and equipment purchases that serve a public purpose. Nonprofit organizations must demonstrate financial solvency and meet eligibility requirements.

The City of San Diego offers several funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations each year through an annual process consisting of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) and a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP).

Arts, Culture & Community Festivals (ACCF)

Through discretionary Arts, Culture, and Community Festivals (ACCF) funds derived from Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) funds, City Council Offices can award nonprofit organizations funding to promote local arts and culture.

Funds awarded to organizations are awarded at the discretion of each Council Office. ACCF funding may be awarded as a supplemental allocation for nonprofits that have already received an OSP or CCSD award from the Cultural Affairs Department for FY27. Funding may also be awarded to nonprofits for a new project that has not previously received OSP or CCSD support. ACCF funding is solely reimbursement‑based.