61% of grants are designated from our Donor Advised Funds. Another 17% are endowment fund distributions from organizations that have funds with us.
We also award grants through our strategic grantmaking initiatives. We pride ourselves on following best practices in the philanthropic sector.
RSF Foundation’s Strategic Initiatives
Through grants and programs, we use strategic investments for addressing unmet or emerging community needs. As we grow and look to the future of San Diego County, we continue to envision and implement ways to build community in our region. The Community Impact Fund, The Patriots Connection and the RSF Women’s Fund are significant ways that the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation connects people and nonprofits to strengthen our communities.
Grants from The Patriots Connection (TPC): Rancho Santa Fe Foundation is committed to honoring and supporting members of the San Diego military community for their service to our nation. Organizations of distinction are eligible to participate in the annual TPC grant cycle. The 2020 grant cycle details can be found here.
Grants from the Community Impact Fund: These grants are recommended by RSFF’s Grants and Projects committee and approved by the Board of Directors. In 2018, grants are focused on workforce development programs for transition age youth and human trafficking. Applications are by invitation only. Learn more about the Community Impact Fund.
Grants from the RSF Women’s Fund: The RSF Women’s Fund raises charitable funds from its members and awards grants annually to nonprofits meeting needs in specific focus areas. The 2018 focus areas are at-risk youth and women’s services. The grant deadline to submit a Letter of Intent has passed and grant awards will be announced in May 2018. Learn more about the RSF Women’s Fund.
Grants from Philanthropists
RSF Foundation has more than 125 funds advised by individual philanthropists. These funds do not accept unsolicited requests. Grants are made at the suggestion of the fund advisor, with final approval given by the Foundation’s board of directors.
Targeted San Diego Grantmaking
In order to be the most effective, RSF Foundation’s grantmaking is highly targeted. With limited discretionary resources available to us, we choose a few projects each year that vary in strategy, size, and scope.
Don’t see an opportunity that fits?
If your organization works in San Diego County but is not eligible at this time, we still want to be part of your network. While we understand financial support is extremely important, RSF Foundation strengthens nonprofits in a variety of ways. We can help you manage an endowment, share your mission with our supporters and facilitate meaningful discussions in our Community Room, which is available to rent for an affordable nonprofit rate.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, sexual preference or national origin. Applicants must hold similar standards. Competitive grant applications from organizations known to have discriminatory policies will not be considered.
