San Marcos Community Foundation Grant

The San Marcos Community Foundation (SMCF) offers grants throughout the year to support nonprofit organizations that enrich the quality of life for the residents of San Marcos, California. Established in 1987 by the San Marcos City Council through a $1 million endowment, the foundation has since become a key source of support for a wide variety of community initiatives, including arts and culture, youth, seniors, education, health, civic life, and environmental programs. The grant program includes both Mini Grants, which provide up to $1,500, and Regular Grants, which provide between $1,500 and $10,000. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations either located in or providing services to San Marcos residents. The foundation holds quarterly funding cycles with application deadlines falling at the end of December, March, June, and September. For 2025, the remaining application deadlines are June 30 and September 29. Grant funding is decided through a two-step process involving the Grant Funding Committee and the SMCF Board, both of which meet quarterly. Applications must be complete and received by 5:00 PM on the deadline date to be considered for that cycle. All committee and board meetings are open to the public and held at San Marcos City Hall. Grant application materials can be submitted electronically or in physical form. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. While no application question list is provided, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate community impact and financial need. For questions or more information, applicants can contact the San Marcos Community Foundation via email at cityclerk@san-marcos.net or by phone at 760-744-1050.

Incomplete applications will not be accepted; submit by 5:00 PM. All meetings are public and scheduled quarterly.