Coastal Community Foundation has several grant programs. Please see individual program type and deadlines below. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals for programs in other focus areas.
Grants will not be awarded for: endowments or endowment campaigns, debt retirement or to cover past operating deficits, fundraising or special events, religious purposes (faith-based organizations may apply for program support to benefit the community), political advocacy or lobbying, or capital campaigns. Grants are not made to individuals, private foundations or other re-granting organizations.
PLEASE read the grant guidelines and instructions carefully.
As of 2024, CCF’s grant programs will be managed through a new, streamlined grantmaking platform. In order to apply for a grant, applicants must create an account.
For any questions, please contact kristen@coastalfoundation.org
Hand to Hand
The mission of Hand to Hand is to make an impact on the lives of women and girls in San Diego County by directing resources to programs that empower change and self-sufficiency. Focus areas include:
- Education and job training for women
- Mentoring programs for women and/or girls
- Programs for women re-entering the workforce
- Health and wellness programs for women and girls
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nonprofit organizations in San Diego County that have been in existence for at least two years are eligible to apply.
- Programs or services must align with Hand to Hand’s mission and address one or more of the focus areas stated above.
- Preference will be given to organizations with budgets UNDER $2 million. Hand to Hand will NOT consider any grants from organizations with branch/local chapter budgets over $10 million.
- Grants will be awarded in November 2024. Grant requests for program activities that begin prior to November 2024 will not be considered.
- Grant range is $3,000 – $10,000.
Applications will be available on May 6, 2024 and are due on July 1, 2024.
Safe & Stable Housing Fund
Coastal Community Foundation is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations supporting youth struggling to maintain housing due to financial challenges. The purpose of this funding is to provide nonprofit organizations with flexible funds to aid staff working with a population of young adults in North County San Diego, often coming from the foster care system, used to prevent a major crisis in the individual’s life, and ultimately provide bridge to the gap to finding permanent solutions stabilize lives.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations for homelessness prevention services to transitional, unsheltered, and at-risk youth (up to age 26) who are unhoused and/or those struggling to make ends meet and maintain their housing.
- Programs or services must serve youth who reside in in North County San Diego.
- Grant range is $5,000- $20,000
Applications will be available on May 13, 2024 and are due on June 14, 2024.
Music Grants
Betty Scalice Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nonprofit and school-based programs serving San Diego County are eligible to apply. Preference is given to programs serving North County San Diego.
- Eligible programs include: community concerts; youth musical performances; low cost classroom musical instruments; classroom programs that offer music and performances at schools; low cost equipment that supports the teaching of choral music; and related programs that promote music appreciation.
- Grants will not be made for chamber music, training musicians, instrumental lessons, school band or choral equipment, capital equipment, uniforms, travel, or online performances.
- Grant range $1,000 – $5,000.
Grant applications rolling through September 2024.
To apply, create an account and complete application form at the link listed above.
Solana Beach Fund
The mission of the Solana Beach Fund is to address and fund community needs and to build local philanthropy through ongoing and legacy gifts. Solana Beach Fund founders hold a vision for a Thriving Community that supports strong nonprofits, enhances the quality of life, encourages philanthropy, and champions the well-being of residents, businesses and friends of Solana Beach.
Donor Advised Funds
Individuals and families that have established a Donor Advised Fund at the Foundation determine the focus of grants from their funds. Grant distributions are made to a wide variety of charitable programs from donor advised funds.
All new grant programs will be announced on the website and through the media.
Mental Health Fund
Eligibility Requirements:
- Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations that provide prevention or early intervention mental health services OR mental health counseling for youth (ages 21 and under). Funding may be for new or established programs.
- Programs or services must serve youth who reside in San Diego North County.
- Grant range is $2,500 – $6,000.
- Preference will be given to organizations with annual budgets less than $5 million.
Grant applications will open again in 2025.