City of San Diego Capacity Building Grant Program

The City of San Diego's Economic Development Department (EDD) offers a Capacity Building Grant program designed to support nonprofit organizations. This program aims to empower these nonprofits to, in turn, assist small businesses operating in under-resourced communities within the city. The overarching mission alignment for this grant is the economic upliftment and stabilization of these communities, a strategic priority that resonates with the EDD's broader economic development strategy, which includes placemaking, digital equity, sustainability practices, and supporting the creative economy. The target beneficiaries of this grant are small businesses located in the San Diego Promise Zone, Opportunity Zones, and other under-resourced communities. The program focuses on providing funding to nonprofit organizations that serve these businesses, with a clear impact goal of enhancing the capacity of these small businesses through various support mechanisms. This includes providing technical assistance, aiding in website creation, programming special events, and developing or updating business directories, all of which contribute to the long-term viability and growth of these small enterprises. Priority for this grant is given to independent nonprofit organizations with modest budgets, ensuring that the funding reaches entities that may have fewer alternative resources. Additionally, proposals that directly align with the Economic Development Strategy are highly considered, reinforcing the city's strategic priorities. The grant specifically funds non-personnel expenses, emphasizing a focus on tangible capacity-building projects rather than operational staffing. The expected outcomes and measurable results of the Capacity Building Grant program include enhanced technical capabilities for small businesses, improved digital presence, increased community engagement through special events, and better access to business resources via updated directories. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned for the overall program, awarded funds must be fully expended by June 30, 2025, with corresponding project reports submitted within a designated period, allowing for accountability and tracking of progress towards these outcomes. The funding range for individual projects is between $10,000 and $30,000, providing a significant resource for targeted interventions.