San Marcos Community Foundation: Endowment Fund - Mini Grants

San Marcos Community Foundation: Endowment Fund - Mini Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: San Marcos Community Foundation
Amount: Up to US $1,500
Last Updated: December 03, 2025

Summary

The San Marcos Community Foundation offers Mini Grants of up to $1,500 to support nonprofit organizations that benefit San Marcos residents. Eligible projects must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and directly serve the community. Grant requests should adhere to reporting deadlines set by the Board, while funds cannot support religious, fraternal, or political purposes. The Foundation prioritizes applications with matching funds at its discretion, fostering diverse projects in arts, health, education, and more.

Overview

Purpose The San Marcos Community Foundation (SMCF) serves to enrich the quality of life for the community of San Marcos by serving as a nonprofit public benefit corporation providing financial and other assistance programs benefiting the City or its residents. The Foundation was established by the San Marcos City Council on October 27, 1987, creating an Endowment Fund originating from a one million dollar contribution by the builders of the North County Energy and Resource Recovery Center. The Foundation provides grants to a wide variety of nonprofit groups serving San Marcos residents. Grants have been awarded to a diverse group of nonprofit organizations serving different purposes: Arts & Culture Health & Well-being Children & YouthSeniors Civic LifeWildlife Education Mini grants are for agencies interested in applying for $1,500 or less. No matching funds are required for mini grants.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To qualify for funding, grant requests must meet ALL of the following requirements:The representing organization must be exempt from income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 23701(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.The request must be for a non-profit project or use directly benefiting the residents of San Marcos.At the time of the funding, the Board will establish the timing of the reporting period and all records/receipts must be submitted to the SMCF no later than the timeframe established by the Board. Failure to comply with the deadline will result in the grant monies (partial or full) being returned to the SMCF immediately and may impact future awards.

Ineligibility

Funds may not be awarded toAssist a religious, fraternal, or political purpose;Aid organizations whose primary function is to assist other charitable or public groups of activities through grants and donations;Underwrite the cost of advertising or fund-raisers.