Building San Diego's Future
A statewide scorecard found that 94% of youth ages 14–25 report mental health concerns in an average month, often without access to the care they need close to home.
The Healthy Children & Families Initiative (HCFI) helps San Diego children and families access essential services and improve their quality of life, with mental health at the center of that work. HCFI expands access to counseling and therapy, while training the next generation of behavioral health professionals to meet tomorrow’s need.
In 2026, through this initiative, San Diego Foundation granted more than $2 million to 38 nonprofits to expand mental health access for more than 7,500 children, youth and family members – and prepared 160 students for careers in the field.
HCFI also supports families at other critical moments, including maternal and infant health through Born Well, and free tax preparation and Child Tax Credit outreach that has returned more than $3 million directly to San Diego households.
“San Diego Foundation is to Union of Pan Asian Communities what we are to the community. They help us fill in the gaps when times are tough, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.”
535,000Family members engaged through partner outreach |
54,702+San Diegans received access to critical services |
$3MTax refunds and credits returned to families |
Give Close to Home
San Diego is the home we all share. And when our neighbors need us, we show up. A gift to San Diego Foundation is how we take care of each other – one family, one neighborhood, one gift at a time.
The Healthy Children & Families Initiative:
Expands Access to Mental Health Care: Funds counseling, therapy and mental health programs that help children, youth and families across the region get the care they need, close to home.
Builds the Behavioral Health Workforce: Invests in students and professionals training for careers in mental and behavioral health, helping close a regional shortage of providers for years to come.
Supports Families at Every Stage: Complements this work with maternal and infant health support through Born Well and free tax preparation and Child Tax Credit outreach, helping families access essential needs and improve their quality of life.
More Family Well-Being Initiatives
Early Childhood Initiative
Born Well
