Oceanside Community Foundation Awards $80,000 in Grants to 6 Nonprofit Initiatives Fostering Inclusion for Students

For Immediate Release

April 28, 2021 – San Diego, CA – Oceanside Community Foundation (OCF), an affiliate of The San Diego Foundation, awarded $80,000 to six nonprofit organizations with programs that support and promote diversity and inclusion for Oceanside students.

“After a challenging year for so many students, our goal with this grant funding is for all Oceanside students to be able to reignite their excitement and passion for school while putting their social and emotional health first,” shared OCF Board Chair Vince Alessi. “By increasing access to high-quality after school enrichment programs and creating pathways for meaningful connections for students throughout the region, we can ensure that students have a fun and educational experience that fosters diversity and inclusion.”

Overall, $80,000 in funding was granted to six nonprofit organizations that offer afternoon enrichment programming responsive to the needs of Oceanside students. The opportunities will accelerate student learning and support their wellbeing, improve their grades, knowledge and skills throughout the 2021/2022 academic school year.

After school program experiences may include art education classes, performing and musical arts, community building and interactive curriculum that addresses diversity, equity, inclusion and racial justice. Programs are for the 2021/2022 academic school year.

List of 2021-2022 Grantees:

• $14,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside for its Youth for Unity program, which addresses racial injustice and creates an environment that embraces inclusion and diversity
• $10,000 to North County Lifeline for its Open HeART (Arts Reflecting Togetherness) program, which will commission local artists to work side-by-side the program youth to create culturally relevant installations, allowing them to create something beautiful that builds equity and brings value to their own neighborhood
• $10,000 to Tariq Khamisa Foundation for its Safe School’s Restorative program, which conducts comprehensive prevention programs through school partnerships that support the development and well-being of youth
• $5,000 to Oceanside Theatre Company for its OTC Embrace program, virtual arts programming that includes twice-monthly events such as concerts and readings
• $20,000 to Words Alive for its Words Alive Adolescent program, an impactful teen programming that connects students to books they read, to each other, and to their world
• $20,000 to Gold Youth Arts Organization for its Gold Youth “Beginner/Development” Drum & Bugle Corps program, a system-change initiative centered on direct and personalized music education, with support systems for at risk youth

The COVID-19 health and economic crisis has caused nationwide school closures and the advent of completely online distance learning. Many Oceanside students lost the support, attention and critical services they need to succeed. Additionally, school closures have considerable effects on how youth view themselves, their education and future.

In its 11 years of grantmaking, OCF has granted more than $700,000 to over 60 nonprofit programs that strengthen quality of life for all who live, work and enjoy Oceanside.

To become an OCF member, visit the website or contact Estela Mitrani at estelam@sdfoundation.org.