This page provides San Diego nonprofit organizations with information about the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund, as well as helpful resources to support your organization while navigating this public health and economic crisis. To view this content in Spanish or other languages, please use the translation tool located at the bottom of this page.
A Fund for Nonprofits & Our Community
The San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund was created to rapidly deploy resources to nonprofit organizations that are supporting low-income workers, families and vulnerable communities impacted by the coronavirus crisis.
The San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund will receive donations and make emergency grants to nonprofit organizations supporting San Diegans, particularly communities in our region that are disproportionately affected by this global pandemic and its economic consequences.
Grant funding will focus on these critical areas: food security, other essential living expenses, emergent needs, and rent and utility payment support, as well as low-to-no interest loans for nonprofit organizations. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the coronavirus outbreak and its recovery phases.
Grants
In order to move resources quickly without further burdening organizations providing critical services and support, we have established a streamlined grant application process.
Nonprofit Loans
Low-to-no interest loans are offered to San Diego nonprofit organizations through the San Diego County COVID-19 Small Business and Nonprofit Loan Program (SBNLP).
For questions about the forms, please contact us at communityresponse@sdfoundation.org. To view a list of the latest grant recipients and learn more about the fund, visit SDFoundation.org/COVID19.
Ongoing Grant Agreements
Community foundations are established to take care of our community in times of crisis, and we recognize the importance of nonprofit partnerships in helping to fulfill that purpose. In addition to the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund, The San Diego Foundation has signed the Council on Foundations Pledge to give nonprofits more flexibility to use funding where it’s needed most. If you have questions about what this means for your organization, (particularly if you are a current grant recipient of The San Diego Foundation or have a fund at The San Diego Foundation) please contact communityimpact@sdfoundation.org.
Useful Resources
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 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.
General 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.
Public Health Guidelines
- San Diego County lists all the local requirements and restrictions related to COVID-19. Here you will find daily updates about the coronavirus in the region, as well as nonprofit-specific information for organizations in San Diego.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the latest news, coronavirus updates and public health requirements. It also has a page dedicated to businesses and employers to keep your staff safe.
Federal Relief & Stimulus Information for Nonprofits
- National Council of Nonprofits updates its site daily with legal analysis and important information related to federal relief packages and how federal support will impact nonprofits and employers. The site includes a helpful chart about the types of loans available to nonprofits.
- Southern California Grantmakers outlines the nonprofit assistance available in the CARES Act, including what you need to know about loan programs, paycheck protection, the employee retention payroll tax credit and a new charitable giving incentive.
- Nonprofits are eligible for the California Small Business Disaster Relief Loan Program.
San Diego County Relief and Funding Support
- The San Diego County COVID-19 Small Business and Nonprofit Loan Program (SBNLP) is offering interest-free loans to San Diego nonprofit organizations. Inquire at www.sandiegosbnlp.org.
- The City of San Diego has established a COVID-19 small business relief fund to provide organizations with either grants of $10,000 or low-interest loans of $10,000 to $20,000. The application for the fund has closed and nonprofits will be notified of their status in the coming weeks.
- San Diego County has established a COVID-19 small business stimulus grant program that is open for nonprofits and small businesses.
- Verizon has setup a recovery fund that will provide grants of up to $10,000 to businesses and nonprofits facing immediate financial pressure as a result of COVID-19.
Staffing and Human Resources
- If you are considering work stoppages, layoffs or furloughs, San Diego Workforce Partnership has resources and staff available to assist you before making any final decisions.
- California has layoff alternatives available for employers interested in exploring more staffing options.
- To learn more about employment or to help former staff apply for unemployment, visit the California Employment Development Department.
- To view more resources for employers and workers regarding paid sick leave, unemployment insurance, and workplace health and safety guidance, visit the California Workforce Development Agency.
