Making a Difference for San Diego Grant Program

Funder: Cushman Foundation (facilitated by Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego)

Background: The Making a Difference for San Diego Grant Program was established in 2018 to provide grants to local organizations in San Diego County. The program is a partnership between the Cushman Foundation and the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, sharing goals of respectful and responsive grantmaking, quality technical assistance, and support to strengthen the capacity and sustainability of nonprofit organizations.

Cushman Foundation Background: The Cushman Foundation has been quietly supporting the San Diego community for 30 years. Their philosophy is to have a sense of social responsibility and honor the communities in which they have conducted business. The Making a Difference for San Diego initiative represents a commitment by the Cushman Foundation to give back to the city that has supported their family for 7 generations.

Geographic Scope: San Diego County

Minimum Number of Awards: At least 10 local organizations annually

Recent Grant History

2019 Awards: $1.2 million deployed to 19 organizations

• More than 150 non-profits submitted applications
• Recipients included: Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation, Hannah's House, Home Start, Interfaith Shelter Network, Just in Time for Foster Youth, Leap to Success, Musicians for Education, San Diego Dental Health Foundation, San Diego Police Officers Association, Sharp Healthcare Foundation, Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs, Urban Street Angels, VIP NeuroRehabilitation Center, and Workshops for Warriors

2018 Awards: $1.2 million granted to 15 organizations (second year reported as $1.55 million total)

Grant Focus Areas

• Much needed services to diverse communities
• Elevating or creating new programs that truly make a difference
• Programs serving vulnerable populations
• Education, health services, emergency assistance, and capacity building

Application Process

Submission: Applications are accepted annually

Requirements:

• Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Must serve San Diego County
• Applications compete for funding

Selection Criteria:

• Quality of proposed programs
• Organizational capacity and sustainability
• Impact on diverse communities
• Ability to create or elevate programs that make a difference

For detailed application information and submission guidelines, contact the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego or visit jcfsandiego.org