
Funding Opportunity
San Diego Foundation (SDF) is proud to announce $2 million in total funding for the Expanded Learning County Program.
We are seeking proposals from community-based organizations delivering high-quality summer learning programs to San Diego County students over the course of summer 2023 and summer 2024, with a focus on students who are furthest from opportunity in North, East and South County. We anticipate awarding 12 to 15 grants of approximately $100,000 to $175,000 for the two-year period.
This funding opportunity will also entertain proposals from organizations that may not be delivering direct summer learning or expanded learning programming, but organize around and advocate for these investments.
The application deadline has passed.

Improving Learning Outcomes for Students Furthest from Opportunity
High-quality expanded learning programs have strong connections to core day instruction and provide enriching opportunities for students furthest from opportunity. Post-COVID, summer learning programs are more critical than ever to help students accelerate learning, and address the isolation and trauma experienced during the height of the pandemic.
New data reveals greater learning loss for students compared to pre-pandemic levels than originally estimated. Decreases were the greatest amongst students traditionally furthest from opportunity, exasperating already existing learning gaps between White students and students of color.
Students hit hardest by COVID-19 were already the student groups facing the greatest barriers and the worst outcomes, including students who qualify for free and reduced-price meal plans, students with disabilities, and English learners.
Presently, with extraordinary available public funding, districts, schools and community-based partners face a unique opportunity to reimagine collaboration toward unique and impactful summer learning programming.
School districts and expanded learning providers can move collectively toward coherence by establishing a shared vision and set of priorities that will:
- Benefit the students they share
- Advance each partner organization’s mission
- Recognize the value of the knowledge, resources and perspectives each member brings to partnerships
This funding opportunity is structured to, where possible, encourage and support collaboration and coherence between the classroom and community-based educators that produce exceptional expanded learning opportunities for students furthest from opportunity.

Resources for Applicants
The following resources may help your organization plan the most compelling summer learning program and proposal submission.
- Expanded Learning County Grant Program 2023 Frequently Asked Questions
- Grantseekers Forum – Video Recording and Presentation Slides
- Guidance on research and evidence-based design for compelling and effective summer learning programs:
See Grant Guidelines for eligibility requirements, award criteria, an application preview and more.

How to Apply
The application deadline has passed.
If you have any questions, please contact us at expandedlearning@sdfoundation.org.