Nonprofit Update March 2020: COVID-19 Resources and Funding Opportunities

During these uncertain times, we hope you and your staff are all taking care of yourselves. There is much that remains up in the air, but this remains constant: The San Diego Foundation is dedicated to uplifting our region and promoting community solutions. We are collaborating with local government, health agencies, nonprofits, businesses and other community partners to identify regional needs for community and nonprofit support. Please visit our website, and follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter, for the latest.

This month we’ve put together a list of COVID-19-related resources for nonprofits. We also have the usual list of funding opportunities.

COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits

• Judy Monroe, MD, the President and CEO of the CDC Foundation wrote a letter to nonprofit leaders about what nonprofits can do.
• The Council of Nonprofits has a resource page for nonprofits that includes tips and resources for managing your staff during the crisis, as well as links to Coronavirus-specific resources.
• TechSoup published a thorough guide, Nonprofit Resources for Remote Work During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Funding Opportunities at The Foundation

• The San Diego Foundation is accepting applications for the Early Childhood Initiative: Community Responsive grant pilot program. The goal of the responsive grant is to increase access to quality, affordable early childhood education and developmental care in San Diego County by supporting nonprofit organizations addressing relevant, timely challenges and opportunities. Deadline: March 16, 2020 (5:00 p.m.)
• The San Diego Foundation is accepting applications for the Spring 2020 Opening the Outdoors Program, which will support efforts to provide opportunities for youth and families in the San Diego region to grow, connect and thrive through positive interactions with the outdoors. Deadline: April 6, 2020

Other Funding Opportunities

• The Manhattan Institute’s Tocqueville Project recognizes inspiring and effective nonprofit leaders who are addressing and preventing social challenges in their communities through their Civil Society Awards. Four $25,000 awards are available. Submit a nomination online.
• The Home Depot Foundation is now accepting applications for their Veteran Housing Grants program. Grants between $100,000 and $500,000 will be awarded to support the hard costs of construction and rehabilitation of permanent supportive multifamily housing for veterans. San Diego is a specific focus area for the grant program. Deadline: March 27, 2020
• The California State Coastal Conservancy is now accepting applications for grants of up to $50,000 for programs that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to explore California’s coast. Deadline: March 30, 2020
• The AARP Community Challenge is now accepting applications. The challenge provides small grants to fund “quick-action” projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages. Applications are being accepted for projects to improve housing, transportation, public space, technology (“smart cities”), civic engagement and more. Deadline: April 1, 2020
• The California Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program. The program’s focus this year is on building resilience to climate change and other pollution-related impacts through community-led solutions. Deadline: April 17, 2020
• California Arts Council is now accepting proposals from organizations interested in providing arts services promoting healing and well-being as part of the Arts in Corrections program. Eligible projects will focus on broadening the art and cultural disciplines of institution workshops, and may apply for up to $100,000. Deadline: April 20, 2020