The San Diego Foundation Announces Availability of Grants to Provide Equitable Access to Parks and Green Space

For Immediate Release

March 08, 2021 – San Diego, CA – The San Diego Foundation today announced the availability of grant funding through the Opening the Outdoors Program to remove barriers and increase equitable access to the outdoors throughout the region.

According to The San Diego Foundation Parks for Everyone 2020 report, significant barriers still exist when it comes to access to parks and green space. Despite living in a region known for its vibrant environment, numerous San Diegans still lack equitable access to nature and the many mental and physical health benefits it offers. This access is critically needed now more than ever with current restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, The San Diego Foundation Opening the Outdoors grant cycle will invest in programs that address barriers to equitable outdoor access. These equity barriers are obstacles that hinder a person’s ability to access green space and parks in San Diego County, such as safety, walkability, transportation, cultural inclusion, as well as permits and fees.

Upwards of $300,000 in total funding is available to award, with $50,000 of that amount 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.

To be considered, eligible organizations must submit a proposal by April 19. Proposals will be reviewed by Foundation staff and a review committee comprised of a diverse group of community volunteers with expertise in philanthropy and the environment.

While participation is not required in order to apply, interested nonprofits are encouraged to sign up for the Informational Webinar hosted by The San Diego Foundation on March 24 at 1:00pm. Register for the webinar here.

For more information about The San Diego Foundation Opening the Outdoors Program, or to apply for a grant, visit www.sdfoundation.org/OTO.

About The San Diego Foundation

The San Diego Foundation inspires enduring philanthropy and enables community solutions to improve quality of life in our region. For more than 45 years, The Foundation and our donors have granted more than $1.3 billion to support nonprofit organizations and strengthen our San Diego community. Learn more at SDFoundation.org. and consider a donation to the Opening the Outdoors Program, which connects, protects and increases equitable access to the outdoors across the county, especially for San Diegans in underserved and park-deficient communities.