Growing Green Spaces Grant Program

The Growing Green Spaces Grant Program is administered by the San Diego Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization focused on advancing community well-being, climate resilience, and equitable access to resources across San Diego County. The program builds on the foundation’s broader environmental and community initiatives by investing in projects that expand access to green spaces and strengthen climate adaptation efforts. Through this program, the foundation supports community-driven solutions that improve environmental conditions, public health, and neighborhood resilience, particularly in areas disproportionately impacted by climate and environmental challenges. The primary purpose of the grant program is to fund implementation-ready projects that increase access to green infrastructure and promote climate resilience through nature-based solutions. These projects are expected to deliver measurable environmental and community benefits, such as reducing urban heat, improving air quality, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing access to safe and healthy outdoor spaces. Eligible project types include tree planting and long-term stewardship, development of community gardens and urban farms using climate-smart practices, installation of rain gardens and bioswales, and restoration of native plant habitats and pollinator ecosystems. Projects may also include the creation of shaded public areas or cooling corridors. Funding is intended to support organizations that are prepared to execute well-defined, shovel-ready initiatives. Grant funds can be used for a wide range of project-related expenses, including personnel, equipment, supplies, capital costs, and administrative or indirect costs, provided they are directly tied to project implementation. All funded projects must be completed within a 12-month period following the award date. The program emphasizes long-term stewardship and sustainability, encouraging applicants to demonstrate how projects will be maintained and continue delivering benefits beyond the grant period. Eligibility is primarily limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent tax-exempt designation that are located in and serve communities within San Diego County. Equivalent entities may include governmental units such as state, county, tribal, or municipal agencies, as well as public educational institutions. Organizations without tax-exempt status may apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor. Applicants must demonstrate experience working within the target community and provide evidence that the proposed project addresses the needs of communities facing environmental justice challenges. Applications must be submitted through the San Diego Foundation’s online grants management system, Foundant. Applicants are required to create an account if they have not previously used the system. The application includes submission of a detailed project proposal, budget, and supporting documentation that outlines community need, project design, partnerships, and implementation readiness. Technical assistance is available from foundation staff during the application period to support applicants in preparing competitive submissions. The application period opened on April 1, 2026, and will close on April 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Following submission, applications will be reviewed by foundation representatives using a structured evaluation framework that assesses alignment with funding priorities, feasibility, community impact, and environmental outcomes. Grant notifications are expected in the summer of 2026. Selected grantees will be required to submit a mid-project progress report and a final narrative and financial report at the conclusion of the project period. The program is part of an ongoing commitment by the San Diego Foundation to support climate resilience and community-led environmental solutions. While the current funding cycle has a defined deadline, the structure and goals of the program suggest that it may be offered again in future years, continuing to support scalable and replicable green space initiatives throughout the region.

Emphasize clear climate benefits strong community partnerships implementation readiness and alignment with environmental justice priorities