Nonprofit Update March 2021: Events & Funding Opportunities

The work and impact of San Diego nonprofits is important to advance a vibrant quality of life in the San Diego region. To support your efforts, we’re sharing valuable information every month about upcoming workshops, events, fundraising opportunities and resources with your organization.

CALIFORNIA SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM: NEW FUNDING ROUNDS

Four new funding rounds for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will provide $2.075 billion for grants up to $25,000 for small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the pandemic. The new package also includes a $50 million allocation for nonprofit cultural institutions.

Four competitive funding rounds will be conducted by California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate selected intermediary, Lendistry. Additional information can be found at CAReliefGrant.com and below:

Round 3 (waitlisted applicants from Rounds 1 and 2): Friday, March 5th through Thursday, March 11th, 2021

• Eligible applicants: This is a closed round and only available to eligible applicants who were waitlisted in Rounds 1 and 2 – only existing applicants will be selected. If you were waitlisted, you do not need to reapply. New applications will not be accepted in this round.
• Eligible grant award: $5,000 to $25,000
• Details: This is a closed funding round; no new applications will be accepted

Round 4 (non-profit cultural institutions only): Tuesday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021

• Eligible applicants: Only non-profit cultural institutions with any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com
• Eligible grant award: $5,000 – $25,000
• Details: Eligible non-profit cultural institutions must complete a new application even if they already applied in Rounds 1 and 2; grants will only be available to non-profits cultural institutions that did not receive funding in Rounds 1, 2 or 3; grants will be prioritized based on the documented percentage revenue declines based on a reporting period comparing Q2 and Q3 of 2020 versus Q2 and Q3 of 2019

Round 5: Thursday, March 25th through Wednesday, March 31st

• Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and non-profits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, or 3 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com
• Eligible grant award: $5,000 – $25,000
• Details: Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, & 3 do not need to reapply as they will be automatically moved into Round 5. New applicants will need to apply at CAReliefGrant.com

Round 6: Date to be announced soon

• Eligible applicants: current waitlisted small businesses and/or non-profits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.com
• Eligible grant award: $5,000 – $25,000
• Details: Applicants not selected to receive a grant in Rounds 1, 2, 3 & 5 do not need to re-apply and will be automatically moved into Round 6. New applicants will need to apply at CAReliefGrant.com

Application Support

The San Diego & Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC), San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and The San Diego Foundation have partnered to help business owners and nonprofit leaders access state and federal funding.

SBDC is committed to assisting applicants with this grant opportunity. It will help nonprofits and businesses prepare for the application and ensure you have all the needed documentation to be successful in the process.

COVID 19 Resources

• For more resources, strategies and support, the California Association of Nonprofits, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Bloomerang have put together COVID-19 Resource Guides to help nonprofits during these difficult times.
• The State of California put together offers, resources and tools that provide support to small businesses.

Upcoming Events & Development Opportunities

• Nonprofit Management Solutions has several workshops in the month of March. You can read more about their upcoming workshops and learn how to register on their Eventbrite page.

Funding Opportunities at the Foundation

• The San Diego Foundation 2021 Early Childhood Initiative Responsive Grant cycle is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations addressing emerging needs in the San Diego region. To be considered for the 2021 ECI grant cycle, nonprofits proposing projects must work to support children ages 0-5 and their families with increased access to services focused on abuse prevention, mental and behavioral health support, and health equity in San Diego County. All applicants are encouraged to address service and support for low-to-moderate-income communities and populations experiencing health inequities or negative social determinants of health. Upwards of $250,000 in total funding is available to award. Applicants may request a maximum of $25,000 in funding support. Deadline: April 23, 2021
• The San Diego Foundation 2021 Opening the Outdoors Grant Cycle is accepting applications from nonprofits that support efforts to address barriers to equitable outdoor access. Upwards of $300,000 in total funding is available to award, with $50,000 specifically reserved for capital expenses. Applicants may request a minimum of $25,000 and maximum of $50,000 in funding support. Project partnerships and collaborations between nonprofits are strongly encouraged. Deadline: April 19, 2021
• The San Diego County COVID-19 Small Business & Nonprofit Loan Program (SBNLP) is a collaborative initiative to provide low-interest and no-interest loans to San Diego County small businesses and nonprofit organizations and aid in the region’s economic recovery from the coronavirus.

Other Funding Opportunities

• Through an employee-led Community Impact Grant program, BAE Systems provides grants to neighbors with essential support services during times of critical need, including those that provide food, clothing, housing, health care, education, childcare and other pressing resources reaching diverse and underserved groups within the community. Grants will provide critical COVID-19 related support.
• City of San Diego COVID-19 Housing Stability Assistance Program will help qualifying households pay past-due, unpaid rent and utilities, as well as part of their upcoming rent, based on available funds. Application opens March 15, 2021
• The City of San Marcos and the San Marcos Community Foundation is accepting applications for their regular grants program for projects of benefit to the San Marcos community. Mini grants are available for agencies interested in applying for $1,500 or less. Learn more> Deadline: First Wednesday of April, July, and October
• The California State Coastal Conservancy is accepting grant applications from public agencies, tribes and nonprofit organizations for grants that facilitate and enhance the public’s opportunities to “Explore the Coast.” Deadline: March 22, 2021
• The Alaska Airlines Foundation is accepting grant applications that focus on programs, partnerships and initiatives that inspire, empower, mentor, engage and equip young people to connect to career opportunities and to imagine what’s possible. Deadline: March 31, 2021
• The Ramona Garden Club is accepting grant applications from nonprofit and educational organizations located in and near Ramona. Funding focus areas are community beautification, landscape design, conservation of natural resources, horticulture and agriculture. Deadline: Rolling
• The Imperial Valley Wellness Foundation will open a third round of COVID-19 Response funding on Monday, March 15 for nonprofit organizations that primarily serve the farm worker community of Imperial County. Application period closes April 2
• The James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation supports a variety of charitable causes to organizations located in Southern California and Tucson, Arizona. Program areas include arts, culture, and humanities, education, environment, animals, health, human services, public/society benefit, and religion. Deadline: May 1, 2021

Resources

• Through a partnership with The San Diego Foundation, Nonprofit Management Solutions offers access to a free resource library for management and fundraising information.
• American Nonprofit Academy is a great resource to learn about the key words in nonprofit management. Understanding the framework of communication is critical to achieving your nonprofit’s mission, vision and values.
• Fundraising Toolkit:
  • Use these helpful tips on how to fundraise during a recession.
  • Find out from experts on how to continue fundraising for non-pandemic causes.
  • Learn how to master your digital strategy and communicate effectively during COVID-19.
  • Here are 10 tips on how to host an online auction while everyone is at home.
  • If your fundraising event is cancelled, read about these seven steps to move any fundraiser to a virtual event.
  • If you’re emailing donors during COVID-19, here are tips on how to best communicate with your network.

Career opportunities at The San Diego Foundation

• Staff at The San Diego Foundation address the region’s most pressing challenges and identify opportunities by working with donors and partners to improve the quality of life for all San Diegans. The San Diego Foundation was awarded a 2020 Top Places to Work award by The San Diego Union-Tribune. We are currently seeking applicants for a Communications Director, Environmental Initiatives Director and Professional Advisor Relations Director. Learn more and apply today.