SD CECO Grants

The San Diego County Employees Charitable Organization (CECO) offers grants to local non-profit organizations, supporting community initiatives since 1956. With over $7 million distributed, CECO primarily funds tangible goods to enhance services and programs that benefit diverse communities. Eligible organizations must be registered non-profits or educational institutions in good standing, and grants are capped at $10,000 per application, with limits on the number of applications per organization. Applications for 2024 open from October 2 to November 3.

CECO has distributed over $7M to the local community by way of grants to local non-profit organizations, and assistance to eligible employees and retirees facing a crisis.
Grant Program Overview
CECO has distributed $7M to local non-profit agencies since inception, providing funds to improve services and/or develop new programs to benefit the diverse communities of San Diego County. CECO typically funds tangible goods, such as equipment, furnishings, and other durable goods that directly benefit the population being served by the program.

Eligibility

CECO typically funds tangible goods, such as equipment, furnishings, and other durable goods that directly benefit the population being served by the program.To be eligible to receive a CECO grant, an organization must meet all of the followingrequirements:Be a qualified and registered non-profit organization or a bona fide educational institution in good standing. Proof of non-profit status and standing is required by submission of an Entity Status Letter.Serve a lawful public purpose(s) and support a region that is healthy, safe, and sustainable/thriving.For organizations that received a CECO grant award(s) in 2023, CECO must have received proof of purchase for grant item(s) specified in Grant Award Letter no later than September 30 of the year that the grant was awarded. Please note the following:Organizations that submitted proof of purchase after the deadline are ineligible to receive a CECO grant award for the three (3) calendar years following the year the grant was awarded.Organizations that failed to submit documentation altogether are ineligible to receive a CECO grant award for the five (5) calendar years following the year the grant was awarded.CECO must have been refunded any unspent funds greater than $20, no later than September 30 in the year grant was awarded. Organizations that fail to refund CECO unspent funds greater than $20 are ineligible to receive a CECO grant for the three (3) calendar years following the year grant was awarded.No more than two (2) grant applications will be considered per organization. Additionally, CECO requests that organizations limit their request to no more than $10,000 per application.

Ineligibility

Examples of non-eligible requestsStaff positions, training expensesCampershipsGift cards, vouchersBus passes or similar public transportation expensesRentUnderwritingShippingLaborInsurance