August 6, 2026 – San Diego, CA – Communities across San Diego County will soon get more trees, greener public spaces, restored native landscapes and bigger community gardens through $806,495 in grants from San Diego Foundation’s Growing Green Spaces program. The funding will go to 23 organizations that will work with their communities to bring these projects to life in our region.

The grants support projects in neighborhoods and Tribal communities experiencing some of San Diego County’s greatest climate and environmental challenges, including extreme heat, flooding and poor air quality.

Projects include planting trees to expand shade, expanding community gardens with fruits, flowers and vegetables, restoring native landscapes, and creating outdoor spaces where neighbors can gather.

This year’s awards also build on the continued partnership between San Diego Foundation and the San Diego Women’s Foundation Collaboration Committee. The committee contributed $30,000 to co-fund four Growing Green Spaces projects.

“Healthy, connected communities are shaped by the people who know them best,” said Pamela Gray Payton, vice president, chief impact and partnerships officer at San Diego Foundation. “These organizations are bringing neighbors together to restore natural spaces, expand access to green spaces and create places where people can connect and thrive.”

Among this year’s 23 recipients are:

  • San Diego Canyonlands, $40,000: To support the Chollas Creek Community Watershed Connection Program: Swan Canyon & Creek, a restoration effort advancing ecological health, climate resilience and equitable access to green space.
  • Tree San Diego, $39,000: To plant 150 shade and fruit trees at schools in San Diego, National City and San Ysidro through its Roots of Resilience Program.
  • Karen Organization of San Diego, $40,000: To expand community gardens and shaded outdoor green spaces at two locations in City Heights using climate-smart practices.

A full list of grantees is available here.

“San Diego canyons offer every neighborhood a nearby space to connect with nature, gather with community and enjoy the outdoors,” said Clayton Tschudy, executive director of San Diego Canyonlands. “With Growing Green Spaces funding, we’re partnering with the City Heights community to restore Swan Canyon into a healthier, more welcoming place for people and wildlife. By combining habitat restoration with traditional ecological education, we’re helping cultivate local stewardship and ensuring this community resource can thrive for generations to come.”

Growing Green Spaces advances San Diego Foundation’s commitment to healthy environments and connected communities where every San Diegan can thrive. Since 2024, the program has provided nearly $1.4 million in grants to more than 40 nonprofits. Through investments in community-led environmental projects, San Diego Foundation is helping create healthier neighborhoods and a more resilient future for the region.

About San Diego Foundation

San Diego Foundation believes in just, equitable, and resilient communities where every San Diegan can prosper, thrive and feel like they belong. We partner with donors, nonprofits and regional leaders to advance solutions that respond to community needs and strengthen San Diego. Since 1975, SDF has granted more than $2 billion to nonprofits to improve quality of life in San Diego County and beyond. Learn more at SDFoundation.org.

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