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 2023, many of 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.

TO APPLY

For any questions, please contact kristen@coastalfoundation.org

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.

Grants for the 2023 grant cycle have already been awarded.

Applications for the next grant cycle will be available January 2024.

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 annual budgets less than $2 million.
  • Grants will be awarded in November 2023. Grant requests for program activities that begin prior to November 2023 will not be considered.
  • Grant range is $3,000 – $10,000. 

Grants have been awarded for 2023.

Application for 2024 will be available spring 2024.

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.

The grant focus for 2023 is to support our most vulnerable neighbors who are currently experiencing added financial challenges. Through a partnership with the Community Resource Center (CRC) emergency funds will be available to meet residents’ basic needs. Emergency Fund applications are available through the Community Resource Center.

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.
  • Please email a copy of your IRS tax letter to grants@coastalfoundation.org if you have not applied for a grant to the Foundation in the past.

Grant applications rolling through September 2023.

Applications for the next grant cycle will be available January 2024.

To apply, create an account and complete application form at the link listed above.

Barbara Schneiderman Memorial Scholarship for Piano Enrichment: Suzuki Music Scholarship

Scholarships are available for San Diego County students to attend the San Diego Suzuki Institute camp for piano. Awards are open to students studying Suzuki music (piano only). Scholarships are not available for private music lessons.

For questions contact the Foundation at scholarships@coastalfoundation.org or call (760) 942-9245.

Education Grants

EdVentures—EdVentures is a grant program of the Coastal Community Foundation that supports hands-on, creative educational experiences for students in North San Diego County schools with an emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Music and Math) curriculum.

  • Projects must serve 4th-8th grade students in North San Diego County Public Schools in one or more of the following districts: Carlsbad, Cardiff, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, or Vista.
  • Projects must align with school district curricular goals and standards.
  • Established 501c3 organizations that provide educational programs in San Diego County may apply.
  • Grant range is $3,000 to $10,000
  • Grant funding will not support bus transportation for field trips, general operations, or capital items.

CTE/Education Pathways Grant Program–Coastal Community Foundation makes grants to support Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in North County Coastal middle and high schools. Grant programs vary from year to year.

For inquiries contact Laura Fleming at laura@coastalfoundation.org or call 760-942-9245.

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.