The work and impact of San Diego nonprofits is important to advance just, equitable and resilient communities in our region. To support your efforts, San Diego Foundation (SDF) is sharing valuable information every month about upcoming workshops, events, fundraising opportunities and resources with your organization. 

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SDF Funding Opportunities 

  • SDF is accepting applications for the Science & Technology FY23 Grant Program. The goal of this program is to increase the number of historically underrepresented, high-potential students in the STEM career pipeline by providing opportunities for stipend-supported internships in advanced technical and scientific fields.  Deadline: December 16, 2022 by 5:00 PM. Grantseekers Forum – November 17, 2022.
  • Chula Vista Community Foundation (CVCF) is accepting proposals for programs that support the needs of children and families.  For the 2023-2024 CVCF grant cycle, grant requests from a minimum of $10,000 up to $50,000 in funding may be awarded. Deadline: November 23, 2022 by 5:00 PM 
  • Oceanside Community Foundation (OCF) is accepting proposals for programs that support, strengthen and enrich quality of life. For the 2023-2024 OCF grant cycle, grant requests in the amounts of $5,000, $10,000, $15,000, $20,000 and $25,000 are encouraged. Deadline: November 30, 2022 by 5:00 PM 
  • Carlsbad Charitable Foundation (CCF) is accepting proposals for projects that invest in and celebrate the City of Carlsbad, bring us together to build community and enhance Carlsbad’s quality of life. The Letter of Intent (LOI) is the first step in a two-step application process, which will facilitate the allocation of funding for Carlsbad-centered projects. The funding range is $5,000 to $25,000. Deadline: December 1, 2022 by 5:00 PM 
  • 4S Ranch-Del Sur Community Foundation (4SCF) is accepting proposals for programs that support youth development in the 4S Ranch and Del Sur communities. For the 2023-2024 4SCF grant cycle, grant requests from a minimum of $1,500 up to $7,500 in funding may be awarded. Deadline: December 21, 2022 by 5:00 PM
  • The San Diego Women’s Foundation (SDWF) is accepting letters of inquiry (LOIs) from nonprofit organizations working to address the widening educational inequities in pre-kindergarten education for children from under-resourced communities addressing both immediate impact as well as long-term structural and systemic change. Deadline: December 30, 2022 at 5:00PM. Grantseekers Forum – November 16, 2022.

Upcoming Events & Development Opportunities 

  • BlueTech Week is The Maritime Alliance’s (TMA)  BlueTech’s annual event bringing together world-class academia, government (local, state, federal, and international), and cutting-edge BlueTech industry to promote sustainable, science-based ocean and water industries. Attendees work towards creating a cleaner planet and global economic prosperity by providing forward-thinking solutions to current critical challenges.  Event dates are November 14-18, 2022. Register here to attend the event. 
  • Hosted by SCORE San Diego, the How to Start a Nonprofit Corporation in-person workshop will teach how to start and organize a nonprofit corporation and the responsibilities for operating one.  Event Date is November 15, 2022 at 9:00 AM and has a $25.00 fee. Register here. 
  • At the “Become a Networking Superstar: Perfect Your Personal Pitch and Make Networking Work for Your Busy Life” interactive workshop, attendees will hear networking best practices and tried and true tips for growing your professional network. This is a virtual workshop and will be held online on November 16, 2022 from 10:00 AM -11:30AM PST. Register here.
  • Fundraising Fridays. Join local colleagues in philanthropy for this informal, virtual time to check in with one another, ask questions, and get advice on fundraising matters. This is a free virtual event and will be held on November 18, 2022, from 9:00 AM-10:00AM.  Register here.
  • The “When the Spark Fades: How to Work with Volunteers” in-person workshop will begin to examine why volunteers start their journey of service with passion and how to maintain and enhance their commitment to their volunteerism. This workshop is held at The Hive at Leichtag Commons on November 30, 2022, from 10:00AM-11:30AM. Register here.
  • Nonprofit Solutions provides effective, impactful, & relevant professional development. In-person and virtual (live and interactive) workshops are both available.
  • Nonprofit Ready offers hundreds of free professional development resources including courses and certificates on fundraising, grant writing, starting a nonprofit, finance, engagement, marketing, and human resources.

Other Funding Opportunities 

  • The Equity Target Population Fund Grant Program is accepting applications from public and private nonprofits that design and implement projects that accelerate equity in employment and develop innovative employment strategies for populations that face significant barriers to employment by combining demand-driven training and education with tailored wrap-around services. Applicants to the ETPF PY 22-23 program may propose to serve one or more of the following special populations: disconnected young adults, justice-involved individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans. Deadline: December 13, 2022  
  • The Ethel Frends Foundation is accepting applications from organizations that support and promote canine care and/or canine education. Grants from the Frends Foundation are 1 year in duration. Grant requests for general operating support are strongly encouraged. Program support will also be considered. Deadline: December 1, 2022 
  • The Michelson 20MM Foundation will be opening its Smart Justice Spark Grant on November 21 and will be accepting applications. Spark Grants is an innovative, just-in-time grantmaking process. The Foundation’s vision is to introduce a process that can fill urgent needs for education organizations that are well-aligned with the focus areas. They seek to fund highly impactful initiatives that would not be possible if they needed to wait through a traditional grant decision timeline.  Deadline: December 7, 2022
  • The Sundt Foundation is accepting applications and considers a broad range of social issues but gives special focus to underserved children and teens, domestic violence victims, and military veterans and their families. Deadline: December 15, 2022
  • ALDI is accepting applications to their Smart Kids initiative. They partner with organizations that make a positive impact on kids’ health and wellness. Nonprofits with a mission to support kids through education, arts, athletics or any other program that inspires them to be active and healthy are encouraged to apply. Deadline: December 15, 2022 
  • The W.K. Kellogg Foundation accepts applications at any time from organizations whose projects or proposals align with their three areas of focused work: Thriving Children, Working Families and Equitable Communities. Deadline: Rolling
  • The Pollock-Krasner Foundation is accepting applications from artists for their Pollock-Krasner Foundation grant for individual artists. Pollock-Krasner grants have enabled artists to create new work, purchase needed materials and pay for studio rent, as well as their personal expenses. Deadline: Rolling
  • Based on the belief that it is important to be responsive to time-sensitive community needs and opportunities affecting the most vulnerable populations, Alliance Healthcare Foundation provides responsive funding up to $25,000. Responsive funding applications may be submitted at any time. Deadline: Ongoing
  • The Parker Foundation is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations that provide services that improve the lives of people throughout the San Diego region. Deadline: Rolling
  • American Humane’s Second Chance grant offers public and private animal sheltering agencies and rescue groups financial assistance to help offset the costs of rescuing animals who are homeless or victims of human cruelty. Nonprofits who focus on animal rights and rescue are encouraged to submit proposals. Deadline: Ongoing 

Resources 

  • CalNonprofits offers a wide array of resources for California-based nonprofits. 
  • Nonprofit Hub produces free guides on several helpful topics for nonprofits. 
  • The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) may provide letters of support for organizations in California applying for federal grants. If you are applying for a federal grant and would like to receive a letter of support from DHCS, you can submit a request to calsorh@dhcs.ca.gov. 
  • BoardSource provides resources and tools on a wide range of board leadership topics that help educate nonprofits and their boards, including downloadable resources, articles and publications. 
  • Learn how to claim and update your organization’s Candid profile. Nonprofit profiles serve as a fundraising tool in telling an organization’s story and are viewed by numerous funders and foundations. 
  • The Nonprofit Institute’s Digital Library houses our public reports and evaluations, including our State of California and State of Nonprofits & Philanthropy Annual Reports.
  • Wallace Foundation offers general nonprofit resources, including articles and studies by leading thinkers in the field of nonprofit finances.
  • The National Council on Nonprofits helps nonprofits achieve greater collective impact by identifying emerging trends, sharing proven practices and promoting solutions that benefit charitable nonprofits and the communities they serve.
  • NonprofitReady provides free online course library supporting the most common nonprofit job families, including fundraising, leadership, accounting and finance, operations, marketing and communications, volunteer engagement, and program management.
  • Volunteer Management Guide provides tools and best practices for effectively managing volunteers.
  • Tech Soup offers free and discounted software and hardware for nonprofits. 

SDF Career Opportunities 

The SDF team is committed to advancing racial and social justice, fostering equity of opportunity, and building resilient communities. By delivering world-class philanthropy and offering best-in-class services, we help our donors transform lives across our region. SDF is rated a Top Workplace by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

San Diego Foundation is currently seeking applicants for the following:  

  • Administrative Assistant, Community Impact 
  • Grant Writer 
  • Director of Government Grants 

San Diego Regional Policy & Innovation Center:

  • Accountant 
  • Program Engineer, Infrastructure Delivery