January 9, 2015 – San Diego, CA – The San Diego Foundation today kicked off the 2015 “Opening the Outdoors” grant cycle with $450,000 available to nonprofit organizations proposing community-driven projects that develop an interconnected network of natural areas, gathering places and trails across the county so that the outdoors is easily accessible to all San Diegans.

Spanning from the beaches to the mountains, an impressive 45 percent of San Diego County is defined as “green space,” yet not all San Diegans have convenient access. Of the $450,000 in grants available, up to $50,000 is available per grant (or up to $75,000 for proposals in which three or more organizations are collaborating). Proposed projects may include efforts to:

  • Increase trails, signage, and natural amenities in neighborhoods where resources are deficient (examples include hiking/biking/horse trails, picnic areas, gathering places, etc.)
  • Encourage kids from park-poor communities to engage with the natural environment through physical or educational activities
  • Connect and protect nature through conservation/restoration/acquisition of key lands or building community support for relevant public policies or funding

“Opening the Outdoors” is a San Diego Foundation program that advances The Foundation’s WELL (Work- Enjoy-Learn-Live) initiative. Past projects have resulted in the acquisition of more than 34,000 acres of critical natural habitats and green space, and more than 20,000 volunteers engaged in community outreach, advocacy and environment-based education programs.

Access grant guidelines and the application at sdfoundation.org/Grants. An informational webinar for grant seekers will be held on Tuesday, January 20 from 3-5 p.m. The application deadline is 12 p.m. (PST) Thursday, February 12. For more information and webinar login, contact Emily Guevara at emilyg@sdfoundation.org or 619-814-1345.


About The San Diego Foundation
Founded in 1975, The San Diego Foundation’s purpose is to promote and increase effective and responsible charitable giving. The Foundation manages more than $668 million in assets, more than half of which reside in permanent endowment funds that extend the impact of today’s gifts to future generations. Since its inception, The Foundation has granted more than $900 million to the San Diego region’s nonprofit community. For additional information, please visit The San Diego Foundation at sdfoundation.org.

Contact
Vince Heald, Beck Ellman Heald, 858-453-9600, vheald@behmedia.com
Theresa Nakata, The San Diego Foundation, 619-890-1378, theresan@sdfoundation.org