Inspiring Hope in the College Journey

Too many students lack access to basic needs, including food, housing, mental health care, social-emotional support, technology and internet, and transportation.

When students cannot adequately focus on learning because they struggle to meet these needs, college success and degree attainment may be out of reach. Access to support is critical to ensure strong academic performance and inspire hope and confidence in the college journey.

For our Basic Needs & College Success Grant Program 2022, The San Diego Foundation is seeking to support college-access nonprofit partners who are bridging the gap between students’ basic needs and college success. Funding will support nonprofit programs that:

• Increase student access to nutritious and sufficient food
• Connect students to safe, secure and adequate housing (to sleep, study, cook and shower)
• Promote sustained mental and physical well-being and social-emotional support
• Provide connections to affordable transportation assistance
• Supply resources for personal hygiene care
• Offer emergency funds
• Deliver access to affordable and reliable internet access as well as technology devices

Grant Guidelines

Register or Continue Application

Investing in student basic needs is an investment in degree attainment, career success and prosperity for San Diego students. The total amount available for funding is $400,000. We anticipate funding 7–10 nonprofit organizations at a range of $30,000 to $50,000 per grant.

Questions?

Please contact Cecilia Morales at cmorales@sdfoundation.org or (619) 814-1367.