Our mission is to inspire enduring philanthropy and enable community solutions to improve the quality of life in our region.
The San Diego Foundation’s recent giving is anchored by a $13.4 million grant to UC San Diego Foundation for the Halicioglu Data Science Institute, a signal that the funder backs large-scale university and research investments alongside community relief and local infrastructure. Across its recent grants, the foundation supports education, children and families, environment, housing, workforce development, crisis philanthropy, affinity funds, and scholarships, with awards that range from operating support to capital and program funding. It also shows a clear pattern of multi-part partnerships with San Diego institutions and regional intermediaries. Several of the largest awards go to organizations in La Jolla and San Diego, including Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Sharp Healthcare Foundation, University of San Diego, and UC San Diego. The grant descriptions point to both place-based priorities and thematic interests: data science, artificial intelligence, healthcare, expanded learning, entrepreneurship, and native biodiversity. The foundation also uses community foundation and charitable fund partners, which suggests a mix of direct institutional support and donor-advised or affiliated fund activity within a regional grantmaking model.
Education equity appears through a $2.7 million grant to California Community Foundation for “Expanded Learning Advancing Educational Equity,” paired with similar grants to Inland Empire Community Foundation and Community Foundation Sonoma County for the same eight-county strategy. In youth development, the foundation gave $1.66 million to YMCA of San Diego County for YMCA Day Camp and $1.38 million for Kids to Camp. Workforce and entrepreneurship show up in a $1.68 million award to Local Initiatives Support Corporation for the Seed Entrepreneurship Program and technical assistance. In natural resources, the Zoological Society of San Diego received $1.30 million for SDZWA Native Biodiversity Corps, linking the environment portfolio to conservation and native biodiversity. Healthcare also appears in a $1.91 million grant to Scripps Health Foundation to support the build of six hospital rooms in Scripps Health La Jolla Tower 2.
Typical grant size is $10,500 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $77,935 at the 75th percentile, while the recent awards list includes several multimillion-dollar commitments. The pattern includes both one-time project grants and repeated support to the same institutions across years, such as UC San Diego Foundation, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Southwestern Community College District, and YMCA of San Diego County. The foundation is a mixed community foundation, and its recent awards include direct grants, general support, capital/infrastructure funding, and technical assistance. No application process is shown in the provided data.
$117.7M
$1.4B
$268.7M
$159.7M
Most grants fall between $11K and $78K, with a median of $25K.
25th Percentile
$11K
Median
$25K
75th Percentile
$78K
About 74% of grants go to recipients in CA.
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Grantmaking is highly concentrated in California, which accounts for 74% of grants, and the top recipient city cluster is San Diego and La Jolla. Other California recipients include Chula Vista, Riverside, Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, Pasadena, Rancho Santa Fe, and Escondido. Outside California, recent grants also reached Orlando, Boston, New York, and Washington, DC. The country distribution is entirely U.S.-based in the provided data.
The recent grants show support for education and expanded learning, children’s programs, environment and biodiversity, housing and workforce development, crisis philanthropy, and healthcare. Examples include an eight-county expanded-learning strategy, youth camp funding, native biodiversity work, entrepreneurship technical assistance, and hospital room construction.
The typical grant size is $10,500 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $77,935 at the 75th percentile. The recent list also includes a small number of very large awards in the multi-million-dollar range.
No. While many grants go to San Diego and La Jolla organizations, the recent list also includes recipients in Chula Vista, Riverside, Los Angeles, Santa Rosa, Pasadena, Rancho Santa Fe, Escondido, Orlando, Boston, New York, and Washington, DC. California receives most grants overall, at 74%.
Yes. Several organizations appear more than once in the recent grants list, including UC San Diego Foundation, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, Southwestern Community College District, YMCA of San Diego County, and University of San Diego. That pattern points to repeated support rather than isolated one-off awards.
Yes, but the recent grants list is overwhelmingly California-centered. The recipient country distribution is entirely U.S.-based, and the non-California awards in the recent list include organizations in Orlando, Boston, New York, and Washington, DC.
MARK A STUART
2024
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2024.
Current and upcoming funding from San Diego Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Organizations conducting environmental research relevant to San Diego region; check specific annual solicitation for eligibility details.
Deadline: Annual (check program page for current deadline)
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES | LA JOLLA, CA | $6,118,833 | 2024 | CAMPAIGN FOR THE FUTURE CHALLENGE MATCH |
| SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT | CHULA VISTA, CA | $5,231,970 | 2024 | CITY OF ESCONDIDO NONPROFIT RELIEF FUND |
| UC SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION | LA JOLLA, CA | $3,588,336 | 2024 | GLOBAL POLICY & STRATEGY EXCELLENCE FUND |
| UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO | SAN DIEGO, CA | $2,370,961 | 2024 | NONPROFIT INSTITUTE |
| LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,675,000 | 2024 | SEED ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE |
| UNITED WOMEN OF EAST AFRICA SUPPORT TEAM | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,584,405 | 2024 | UWEAST PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUB |
| INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES | ESCONDIDO, CA | $1,437,383 | 2024 | CHANGE YOUR MIND FESTIVAL |
| YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,379,215 | 2024 | KIDS TO CAMP |
| LA JOLLA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | LA JOLLA, CA | $1,341,136 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| UC SAN DIEGO | LA JOLLA, CA | $1,269,706 | 2024 | HEALTH SENIOR MEDICINE |
| SAN DIEGO REGIONAL POLICY AND INNOVATION CENTER | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,212,500 | 2024 | RESEARCH PROJECT FOR SDRPIC AND SDF |
| CASA FAMILIAR INC | SAN YSIDRO, CA | $1,208,249 | 2024 | YOUTH STEM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM |
| ENDANGERED HABITATS CONSERVANCY | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,140,839 | 2024 | MONTECITO RANCH FRAMEWORK RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN |
| SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,102,291 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| CAMPANILE FOUNDATION | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,087,037 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,083,271 | 2024 | SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE |
| INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,056,794 | 2024 | FUND EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR AFGHANIS HARMED BY THE EARTHQUAKE |
| SAN DIEGO HABITAT CONSERVANCY | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,030,363 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | NATIONAL CITY, CA | $966,353 | 2024 | COMMUNITY IMPACT AND HOUSE BUILDING |
| SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE AUXILIARY ORGANIZATION | SAN DIEGO, CA | $950,000 | 2024 | SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE AUXILIARY ORGANIZATION |
| THE PLANETARY SOCIETY | PASADENA, CA | $900,000 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| VAPA FOUNDATION | SAN DIEGO, CA | $860,292 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| JACOBS & CUSHMAN SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK | SAN DIEGO, CA | $847,670 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| HAMMOND CLIMATE SOLUTIONS FOUNDATION | LA JOLLA, CA | $825,000 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY | SAN DIEGO, CA | $783,475 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES | SAN CLEMENTE, CA | $750,000 | 2024 | HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND HUNGER PROGRAM |
| FEEDING SAN DIEGO | SAN DIEGO, CA | $730,655 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SBCS | CHULA VISTA, CA | $710,695 | 2024 | MURAL PROJECT |
| UNION OF PAN ASIAN COMMUNITIES | SAN DIEGO, CA | $668,211 | 2024 | WORK IN SUPPORT OF CALVIP |
| FLEET SCIENCE CENTER | SAN DIEGO, CA | $662,822 | 2024 | MYSTERY AT THE MUSEUM |
| LAZARIAN WORLD HOMES | EAGLE, ID | $647,932 | 2024 | TO BUILD BUEN SAMARAVITINO SANCTUARY - TIJUANA |
| CHICANO FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY | SAN DIEGO, CA | $642,082 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER SAN DIEGO | SAN DIEGO, CA | $627,543 | 2024 | BAKER FAMILY BRANCH ESCONDIDO SCHOLARSHIPS, SPECIAL EVENTS, EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE, SUPPLIES, AND 15 COMPUTERS |
| SAN DIEGO LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER | SAN DIEGO, CA | $606,350 | 2024 | HILLCREST YOUTH CENTER PRIDE FUNDRAISER |
| SERVING SENIORS | SAN DIEGO, CA | $597,025 | 2024 | NEW HOUSING FACILITIES AND THE GALA |
| MEALS ON WHEELS GREATER SAN DIEGO INC | SAN DIEGO, CA | $566,043 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| LOGAN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION | SAN DIEGO, CA | $560,974 | 2024 | READING ACHIEVERS FUTURE ACHIEVERS PRESCHOOL LITERACY PROGRAM |
| JUST IN TIME FOR FOSTER YOUTH | SAN DIEGO, CA | $560,393 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| GUITARS IN THE CLASSROOM | SAN DIEGO, CA | $544,454 | 2024 | GENERAL SUPPORT |
| SCRIPPS HEALTH FOUNDATION | LA JOLLA, CA | $520,326 | 2024 | 53RD ANNUAL SCRIPPS CLINIC INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT |
| SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION | SAN DIEGO, CA | $519,339 | 2024 | SDSU'S SOCIAL POLICY INSTITUTE'S AFC PROGRAM |
| UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY | SAN DIEGO, CA | $501,659 | 2024 | EVERY STUDENT, EVERY FAMILY PROGRAM |
| ATHLETES IN ACTION | XENIA, OH | $500,000 | 2024 | JOHN WOODEN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CENTER |
| FAMILIES FORWARD | IRVINE, CA | $500,000 | 2024 | FAMILIES FORWARD HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAM |
| RANCHO SANTA FE FOUNDATION | RANCHO SANTA FE, CA | $500,000 | 2024 | MT SOLEDAD NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND |
| SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIBAL CHAIRMENS ASSOCIATION | VALLEY CENTER, CA | $500,000 | 2024 | SCTCA COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUND |
| LEAH'S PANTRY | SAN DIEGO, CA | $461,243 | 2024 | BARRIO BOTANY URBAN SCHOOL GARDENS |
| TREOBYTES | SAN DIEGO, CA | $454,992 | 2024 | DJI ROBOMASTER PROGRAM |
| REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO | LA JOLLA, CA | $452,903 | 2024 | UCSD EDLAB COLLABORATIVE WITH VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT |
| THE SALVATION ARMY | SAN DIEGO, CA | $439,634 | 2024 | DOOR OF HOPE AND MEN'S EQUIVALENT |
SALK INSTITUTE FOR BIOLOGICAL STUDIES
$6,118,833CAMPAIGN FOR THE FUTURE CHALLENGE MATCH
SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
$5,231,970CITY OF ESCONDIDO NONPROFIT RELIEF FUND
UC SAN DIEGO FOUNDATION
$3,588,336GLOBAL POLICY & STRATEGY EXCELLENCE FUND
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
$2,370,961NONPROFIT INSTITUTE
LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION
$1,675,000SEED ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
UNITED WOMEN OF EAST AFRICA SUPPORT TEAM
$1,584,405UWEAST PURCHASE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE HUB
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES
$1,437,383CHANGE YOUR MIND FESTIVAL
YMCA OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
$1,379,215KIDS TO CAMP
LA JOLLA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$1,341,136GENERAL SUPPORT
UC SAN DIEGO
$1,269,706HEALTH SENIOR MEDICINE
SAN DIEGO REGIONAL POLICY AND INNOVATION CENTER
$1,212,500RESEARCH PROJECT FOR SDRPIC AND SDF
CASA FAMILIAR INC
$1,208,249YOUTH STEM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
ENDANGERED HABITATS CONSERVANCY
$1,140,839MONTECITO RANCH FRAMEWORK RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
$1,102,291GENERAL SUPPORT
CAMPANILE FOUNDATION
$1,087,037GENERAL SUPPORT
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO
$1,083,271SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE
INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE
$1,056,794FUND EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR AFGHANIS HARMED BY THE EARTHQUAKE
SAN DIEGO HABITAT CONSERVANCY
$1,030,363GENERAL SUPPORT
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$966,353COMMUNITY IMPACT AND HOUSE BUILDING
SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE AUXILIARY ORGANIZATION
$950,000SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE AUXILIARY ORGANIZATION
THE PLANETARY SOCIETY
$900,000GENERAL SUPPORT
VAPA FOUNDATION
$860,292GENERAL SUPPORT
JACOBS & CUSHMAN SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK
$847,670GENERAL SUPPORT
HAMMOND CLIMATE SOLUTIONS FOUNDATION
$825,000GENERAL SUPPORT
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
$783,475GENERAL SUPPORT
FAMILY ASSISTANCE MINISTRIES
$750,000HOUSING ASSISTANCE AND HUNGER PROGRAM
FEEDING SAN DIEGO
$730,655GENERAL SUPPORT
SBCS
$710,695MURAL PROJECT
UNION OF PAN ASIAN COMMUNITIES
$668,211WORK IN SUPPORT OF CALVIP
FLEET SCIENCE CENTER
$662,822MYSTERY AT THE MUSEUM
LAZARIAN WORLD HOMES
$647,932TO BUILD BUEN SAMARAVITINO SANCTUARY - TIJUANA
CHICANO FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
$642,082GENERAL SUPPORT
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF GREATER SAN DIEGO
$627,543BAKER FAMILY BRANCH ESCONDIDO SCHOLARSHIPS, SPECIAL EVENTS, EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE, SUPPLIES, AND 15 COMPUTERS
SAN DIEGO LGBT COMMUNITY CENTER
$606,350HILLCREST YOUTH CENTER PRIDE FUNDRAISER
SERVING SENIORS
$597,025NEW HOUSING FACILITIES AND THE GALA
MEALS ON WHEELS GREATER SAN DIEGO INC
$566,043GENERAL SUPPORT
LOGAN HEIGHTS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
$560,974READING ACHIEVERS FUTURE ACHIEVERS PRESCHOOL LITERACY PROGRAM
JUST IN TIME FOR FOSTER YOUTH
$560,393GENERAL SUPPORT
GUITARS IN THE CLASSROOM
$544,454GENERAL SUPPORT
SCRIPPS HEALTH FOUNDATION
$520,32653RD ANNUAL SCRIPPS CLINIC INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
$519,339SDSU'S SOCIAL POLICY INSTITUTE'S AFC PROGRAM
UNITED WAY OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY
$501,659EVERY STUDENT, EVERY FAMILY PROGRAM
ATHLETES IN ACTION
$500,000JOHN WOODEN ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CENTER
FAMILIES FORWARD
$500,000FAMILIES FORWARD HOMELESS PREVENTION PROGRAM
RANCHO SANTA FE FOUNDATION
$500,000MT SOLEDAD NATIONAL VETERANS MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FUND
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIBAL CHAIRMENS ASSOCIATION
$500,000SCTCA COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE FUND
LEAH'S PANTRY
$461,243BARRIO BOTANY URBAN SCHOOL GARDENS
TREOBYTES
$454,992DJI ROBOMASTER PROGRAM
REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO
$452,903UCSD EDLAB COLLABORATIVE WITH VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
THE SALVATION ARMY
$439,634DOOR OF HOPE AND MEN'S EQUIVALENT
