Basic Needs & College Success Grant Program

Geographic Scope: San Diego region

Focus Areas:
The program supports college-access nonprofit organizations that help students meet basic needs and achieve college success. Eligible support areas include:

• Food access: nutritious and sufficient food
• Housing: safe, secure and adequate housing (to sleep, study, cook and shower)
• Mental and physical well-being: sustained mental and physical well-being and social-emotional support
• Transportation: connections to affordable transportation assistance
• Personal hygiene: resources for personal hygiene care
• Emergency funds: emergency financial assistance
• Internet and technology: access to affordable and reliable internet access and technology devices

Eligibility:

• College-access nonprofit organizations
• Focus on supporting college students experiencing basic needs insecurity

Background:
Research shows that college students cannot adequately focus on learning if they're struggling with meeting their basic needs, which results in lower GPAs, continuation rates and graduation rates. California's high cost of living, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent inflation have left college students increasingly experiencing food and housing insecurity, and depression and anxiety.

Funding Details:

• Total funding pool: $300,000
• Expected to fund: 7-10 nonprofit organizations
• Award range: $30,000 to $50,000 per grant

Contact:

• Email: info@sdfoundation.org
• Phone: (619) 235-2300
• Address: 2508 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. 200, San Diego, CA 92106
• Hours: M-F 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted by the deadline.

Deadline: April 8, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. PST

Note: This deadline has passed (current date is April 3, 2026). The next cycle deadline is not specified in the provided materials. Contact the San Diego Foundation directly for current application information and deadlines.