The Escondido Community Foundation (ECF) is accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) for its 2025-2026 grant cycle, focused on improving the well-being of senior citizens in Escondido. Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship from such organizations are eligible to apply. This grant cycle addresses issues such as elder fraud prevention, combating social isolation, and improving access to basic needs for seniors. Applications must demonstrate a measurable, positive impact on the community and align with the ECF’s mission of enhancing the quality of life in Escondido.
Eligible projects must be achievable within a 12-month time frame and can request funding ranging from $15,000 to $40,000. Priority will be given to programs that promote verifiable and scalable outcomes, maximize the impact of grant dollars, and foster collaboration among community entities. The project start date for funded proposals is October 1, 2025, with the grant period concluding on September 30, 2026.
The LOI process requires applicants to submit basic organizational details, including tax identification, mission statements, geographic service areas, and a description of how the proposed project aligns with ECF’s focus areas. Applicants must also detail measurable outcomes, methods for evaluation, and plans for sustainability, scalability, or replication of the project. Collaboration with other successful community entities is encouraged.
Key deadlines include the submission of LOIs by 5:00 p.m. on February 3, 2025. Invitations for full applications will be sent by February 24, 2025, with full proposals due by March 24, 2025. Site visits will take place in May, and grant recipients will be announced in August 2025, followed by a grant award celebration in September 2025.
An optional online Grant Seekers Forum will be held on November 20, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom for applicants seeking more information about the application process. RSVP to Eve Childs at echilds@sdfoundation.org by November 19, 2024. For technical assistance with the online application portal, a tutorial is available.
ECF does not fund scholarships, capital or annual campaigns, existing debts, or projects promoting religious or political doctrines. Prospective applicants can contact Eve Childs at echilds@sdfoundation.org for further questions or technical support regarding the submission process.
