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The San Diego Foundation

Annual Giving
$114.5M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M

The San Diego Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $114.5 million (FY 2023-2024)
  • Total Assets: $1.5 billion (2024)
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $35,000+ (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: San Diego County, California
  • Total Grants in FY 2023-2024: 8,509 grants to 2,313 nonprofits
  • Application Method: Competitive grant cycles (by invitation/open cycles)

Contact Details

The San Diego Foundation

  • Website: https://www.sdfoundation.org
  • Phone: (619) 235-2300
  • Email: info@sdfoundation.org
  • Address: 2508 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • Online Grant Portal: grantinterface.com (requires SDF login credentials)

Overview

Founded in 1975, The San Diego Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, having granted more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations over five decades. The foundation has grown from a small group of local donors to become a regional philanthropic force with assets totaling $1.5 billion as of 2024. In fiscal year 2023-2024, SDF granted $114.5 million through 8,509 grants to 2,313 nonprofits, with 82% of giving ($94 million) directly benefiting San Diego County nonprofits. The foundation manages more than 2,400 charitable funds created in partnership with donors. Under the leadership of President and CEO Mark Stuart since 2019, SDF has established a strategic vision for creating "just, equitable and resilient communities" and has been recognized as a Top Workplace by The San Diego Union-Tribune for three consecutive years. In 2025, the State of California named SDF Nonprofit of the Year, and 15 cities plus San Diego County issued proclamations celebrating "San Diego Foundation Day."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

SDF opens competitive grant cycles aligned with community need and their strategic plan. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals; instead, they periodically announce open grant opportunities. Recent and current programs include:

  • AANHPI Fund Grants: $50,000 - $65,000 for trauma-informed, culturally relevant programs for Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander youth ages 15-24 (awarded $500,000 to nine nonprofits in recent cycle)

  • Mental & Behavioral Health Grants: Variable amounts for children, youth, and family mental health services (recently awarded $875,000 and $2.1 million in separate cycles)

  • Escondido Community Foundation Grant Cycle: $10,000 - $35,000 for projects fostering meaningful connections between people and animals (2026-2027 cycle)

  • Community Scholarship Program: Awarded record-breaking $4.9 million to 1,200 San Diego students in FY 2023-2024

  • Opening the Outdoors Program: Connects, protects, and increases access to nature across the county, especially for San Diegans in underserved and park-poor communities

  • Emergency Response Funding: $1.4 million in emergency response funding for survivors of historic floods (FY 2023-2024)

Priority Impact Areas

  • Children & Families: Programs supporting youth development, family services, and mental health
  • Education: Scholarships, K-6 elementary public school teacher project grants, 9-12 public high school art teacher grants
  • Environment: Environmental conservation, sustainability, and outdoor access
  • Housing: Affordable housing initiatives and homelessness prevention
  • Workforce Development: Economic opportunity and job training programs
  • Health and Human Services: Food assistance, mental health services, and basic needs
  • Racial and Social Justice: Equity-focused initiatives and systemic change
  • Crisis Philanthropy: Emergency response funding during disasters and crises
  • Affinity Funds: Supporting specific communities (e.g., AANHPI Fund, San Diego Women's Foundation)

Grant Types Offered

  1. Project-specific grants: Funding for specific programs or initiatives
  2. Capacity-building support: Organizational development and infrastructure
  3. Core operating funds: General operating support for mission-aligned nonprofits

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals: Grants only go to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • Unsolicited proposals: The foundation does not accept applications outside of announced competitive grant cycles
  • Donor-Advised Fund grants: Applications cannot be made for donor-advised funds, as donors independently direct these grants
  • Organizations with discriminatory practices: SDF uses an "anti-hate" filter to identify and exclude nonprofits or nonprofit officers convicted of discriminating against protected classes
  • Organizations outside San Diego County: For competitive grants, organizations must be located in or provide services to San Diego County (unless otherwise specified in grant guidelines)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Mark Stuart, CFRE - President & CEO (joined May 2019)

  • Nearly 30 years of fundraising and community-building experience
  • Previously managed staff of 64 and $14 million budget at San Diego Zoo Global, where he led a comprehensive fundraising campaign that raised $530 million
  • Under his leadership, SDF grew assets to $1.5 billion, raised and deployed $67 million for COVID-19 relief, and granted a record $150 million in one fiscal year
  • Recognized as Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, San Diego
  • Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

Key Executive Team:

  • Matt Fettig - Vice President, Chief Investment Officer
  • Pamela Gray Payton - Vice President, Chief Impact and Partnerships Officer
  • James Howell - Chief Financial Officer and Managing Partner, San Diego Housing Fund
  • Brian Zumbano - Vice President, Chief Development & Stewardship Officer and Chief of Staff
  • Theresa Nakata - Vice President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
  • Susan Guinn - Vice President, Chief Innovation Officer

Board of Governors

  • Mel Katz - Board Chair
  • Dr. Pamela Luster - Vice Chair
  • Additional volunteer board members representing diverse backgrounds across San Diego's business and nonprofit sectors

Supporting Organization

San Diego Women's Foundation (supporting organization of SDF)

  • Stephanie Cook - Executive Director
  • Focuses on collective philanthropy among women
  • Partners with SDF on grantmaking (e.g., $875,000 combined grantmaking for children and youth mental health)

The foundation employs approximately 100+ staff members across departments including development, community impact, investments, finance, and operations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

CRITICAL: The San Diego Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Organizations cannot submit applications outside of announced competitive grant cycles.

Application Process:

  1. Monitor for opportunities: Watch the SDF website (sdfoundation.org/nonprofits/apply-for-a-grant/) and sign up for the Nonprofit Newsletter for announcements of open grant cycles
  2. Review eligibility and guidelines: Each grant program has specific criteria, focus areas, and requirements
  3. Access the online portal: Applications are submitted through the SDF Grant Application Portal at grantinterface.com using SDF login credentials
  4. Prepare application materials: Draft long-text responses in word processing software first, then paste into the portal to avoid technical issues
  5. Submit before deadline: Specific deadlines vary by grant program (e.g., Escondido Community Foundation cycle deadline: 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 2, 2026)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (organizations using fiscal sponsors qualify if the sponsor meets these criteria)
  • Work must align with SDF's mission and priority impact areas
  • Must be located within and primarily serve San Diego County residents (unless otherwise specified)
  • Cannot submit more than one proposal per grant program area (but may submit to multiple SDF programs for different projects)
  • If partnering with other organizations on a project, only one organization may submit a proposal

Application Tips from SDF:

  • Start applications early to allow time for technical difficulties
  • Create or update your GuideStar profile—donors often use this database when researching organizations
  • Review each opportunity's grant guidelines and eligibility requirements thoroughly before applying
  • The Foundation measures all investments against their vision of "just, equitable and resilient communities"

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines vary by grant program and are not publicly standardized. The foundation opens competitive grant cycles aligned with community need, and timelines are announced with each specific grant opportunity.

Success Rates

In FY 2024-2025, SDF awarded 9,081 grants to 2,552 nonprofits, demonstrating substantial grantmaking volume. However, specific success rates (percentage of applications funded) are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly documented. Since applications can only be submitted during announced competitive grant cycles, unsuccessful applicants would need to wait for future relevant grant cycles to be announced and reapply at that time.

Application Success Factors

Based on SDF's documented priorities and recent grantmaking patterns, the following factors appear critical for success:

  1. Alignment with Strategic Vision: SDF measures "every funding investment" against their vision of "just, equitable and resilient communities." Applications should explicitly demonstrate how proposed work advances equity, justice, and community resilience.

  2. San Diego County Impact: With 82% of grants ($94 million) going to San Diego County nonprofits in FY 2023-2024, local impact is paramount. Demonstrate deep understanding of and service to San Diego County residents.

  3. Focus on Priority Populations: Recent grantmaking shows strong emphasis on:

    • Children, youth, and families (especially mental health and behavioral health services)
    • Underserved and marginalized communities (park-poor communities, AANHPI youth)
    • Vulnerable populations (flood survivors, food assistance recipients, housing-insecure individuals)

  4. Culturally Relevant, Trauma-Informed Approaches: The AANHPI Fund specifically sought "trauma-informed, culturally relevant programs," indicating SDF values culturally competent approaches that recognize historical trauma.

  5. Evidence of Impact: As a data-driven foundation that "measures all investments," applications should include clear metrics, outcomes, and demonstrated track record of effectiveness.

  6. Responsiveness to Community Need: SDF opens grant cycles "aligned with community need" and offers crisis philanthropy. Applications addressing documented community needs are more competitive.

  7. Collaborative Partnerships: SDF works in partnership with donors, affinity funds (like San Diego Women's Foundation), and community organizations. Demonstrate collaborative approach and partnerships where relevant.

  8. Organizational Capacity: With three grant types including capacity-building support, SDF recognizes organizational infrastructure matters. Show organizational stability and ability to execute proposed work.

  9. Recent Funding Examples: Study recent grant recipients to understand funding patterns:

    • Vietnamese American Youth Alliance ($65,000 for community health/mental health program)
    • Karen Organization of San Diego ($50,000 for peer-based, trauma-informed youth intervention)
    • Ahaaana ($60,000 for trauma-informed spaces)
    • Asian Pacific Islander Community Actions ($65,000 for Mental Health Meriendas)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No unsolicited applications: You cannot apply unless SDF announces an open competitive grant cycle. Monitor their website and nonprofit newsletter religiously for opportunities.

  • Strategic vision is the filter: Every application must demonstrate how it creates "just, equitable and resilient communities"—this is SDF's measuring stick for all funding decisions.

  • San Diego County focus is essential: Unless a grant program specifies otherwise, your organization must serve San Diego County residents. Local impact is weighted heavily (82% of grants stay local).

  • Multiple funding pathways exist: Beyond competitive grants, SDF manages 2,400+ charitable funds with various purposes. Building relationships with SDF staff may reveal other funding pathways aligned with donor interests.

  • Prepare your GuideStar profile: SDF explicitly recommends updating GuideStar profiles, indicating donors and staff use this for due diligence.

  • Current priorities favor mental health, youth, and equity: Recent grantmaking shows strong emphasis on mental/behavioral health for children and youth, culturally relevant programming, and environmental justice (outdoor access for underserved communities).

  • Grants range widely: While some programs specify $10,000-$35,000, SDF also makes six-figure grants. Don't self-limit based on one program's range.

References

  1. San Diego Foundation. (2024). "Apply for a Grant." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/nonprofits/apply-for-a-grant/

  2. San Diego Foundation. (2024). "San Diego Foundation Grants $114.5 Million to Create Just, Equitable and Resilient Communities." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/san-diego-foundation-grants-114-5-million-to-create-just-equitable-and-resilient-communities/

  3. San Diego Foundation. (2024). "San Diego Foundation Awards Record Number of Grants to Nonprofits." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/san-diego-foundation-awards-record-number-of-grants-to-nonprofits/

  4. San Diego Foundation. (2024). "2024 Annual Report Highlights." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/2024-annual-report-highlights/

  5. San Diego Foundation. (2024). "Nonprofit FAQs." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/nonprofits/nonprofit-faqs/

  6. San Diego Foundation. (2025). "San Diego Foundation Offers $500,000 in Grants to Expand Access to Mental Health Resources, Services for Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Youth." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/san-diego-foundation-offers-500k-in-grants-to-expand-access-to-mental-health-resources-for-aanhpi-youth/

  7. San Diego Foundation. (2019). "Mark Stuart Selected as President & CEO of The San Diego Foundation." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/mark-stuart-selected-president-ceo-san-diego-foundation/

  8. San Diego Foundation. "Mark Stuart, CFRE." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/team/mark-stuart/

  9. San Diego Foundation. "Our Team." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/about-us/team/

  10. San Diego Foundation. (2025). "San Diego Foundation Celebrates 50 Years of Regional Impact Powered by Donors, Partnerships & $1.8 Billion in Grants to Nonprofits." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/sdf-news/san-diego-foundation-celebrates-50-years-of-regional-impact-powered-by-donors-partnerships-1-8-billion-in-grants-to-nonprofits/

  11. San Diego Foundation. "50 Years of Impact: San Diego Foundation Milestones." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/timeline/

  12. San Diego Foundation. "Fifty & Forward." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/fifty-forward/

  13. San Diego Foundation. "Fast Facts." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/news-events/media/fast-facts/

  14. San Diego Foundation. "Financials." Retrieved from https://www.sdfoundation.org/about-us/financials/

  15. Candid. "San Diego Foundation | Foundation Directory." Retrieved from https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=SAND001

  16. GuideStar. "San Diego Foundation - GuideStar Profile." Retrieved from https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-2942582

  17. Cause IQ. "The San Diego Foundation | San Diego, CA." Retrieved from https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-san-diego-foundation,952942582/

All sources accessed December 2025.

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