Encinitas, CA, November 26, 2025
The Hand to Hand women’s collective giving circle, linked with the Coastal Community Foundation, has awarded $78,000 in grants to support local nonprofits dedicated to empowering women and girls. This funding will aid various programs designed to promote wellbeing and self-sufficiency in the San Diego community. The grants will help organizations like Bithiah’s San Diego and the SoulPaws Recovery Project provide vital services and resources aimed at fostering personal growth and resilience for women and young girls.
Encinitas, CA – The Hand to Hand women’s collective giving circle, affiliated with the Coastal Community Foundation at San Diego Foundation, has awarded $78,000 in grants to local nonprofits supporting community wellbeing, with a focus on programs for women and girls. The grants aim to empower individuals through resources and programs that foster positive change and long-term self-sufficiency.
The recipients of these grants include Bithiah’s San Diego, Doors of Change, Future Construction Leaders Teen Girls Camp, Operation Hope, Pathways’ Women Who Work, SoulPaws Recovery Project, and The San Marcos Promise. These organizations provide a diverse range of services ranging from mentorship and wellness workshops to intensive case management and career exploration for young women. This initiative highlights the commitment of local nonprofits to create opportunities for personal growth, particularly for women and girls in the San Diego community.
Established in 2008, the Hand to Hand collective consists of San Diegans who collaborate to grant funds specifically aimed at promoting economic self-sufficiency and positive change in the lives of women and girls across San Diego County. Since its inception, Hand to Hand has granted more than $615,000 to 44 nonprofit organizations, showcasing the increasing importance of community-driven philanthropy.
The Coastal Community Foundation, which has been enhancing the quality of life in North San Diego County since 1987, aims to direct philanthropic efforts toward high-impact community needs. In August 2024, the foundation joined the San Diego Foundation to expand its philanthropic impact further in North County, signifying a broader commitment to regional economic growth and community enhancement.
The San Diego Foundation, established in 1975, has played a pivotal role in fostering community development by partnering with donors, nonprofits, and regional leaders. The foundation has granted $1.8 billion to nonprofits throughout its history, illustrating its long-standing dedication to improving the quality of life in San Diego County and beyond.
These recent grants reflect a continued commitment to supporting organizations that empower women and girls, boosting resilience and equity in the San Diego community. This collaboration among local organizations exemplifies how pooling resources can generate significant benefits for those in need, ideally fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community involvement.
Key Features of the Grants
| Organization | Grant Amount | Program Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Bithiah’s San Diego | $15,000 | Mentorship and wellness support for young people, including women and girls in foster care. |
| Doors of Change | $5,000 | Intensive case management for unhoused youth, connecting them with safe housing and support services. |
| Future Construction Leaders Teen Girls Camp | $15,000 | Empowerment through hands-on training, mentorship, and career exploration in skilled trades for young women ages 14-18. |
| Operation Hope | $10,000 | Safe, sober shelter and supportive services for families and single women experiencing homelessness. |
| Pathways’ Women Who Work | $15,000 | Free, confidential immigration legal services for immigrants in North County, including consultations and pro bono representation. |
| SoulPaws Recovery Project | $10,000 | Free, clinician-led mental health support groups, including in-person animal-assisted and virtual groups for high school students. |
| The San Marcos Promise | $8,000 | Coaching, skill-building, and career exploration for high school juniors and seniors in San Marcos and Escondido. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hand to Hand?
Hand to Hand is a women’s collective giving circle affiliated with the Coastal Community Foundation at San Diego Foundation. Established in 2008, it grants funds to local nonprofits promoting economic self-sufficiency and positive change in the lives of women and girls in San Diego County.
How much has Hand to Hand granted since its inception?
Since its inception, Hand to Hand has granted more than $615,000 to 44 nonprofit organizations across San Diego County.
What types of programs do the grant recipients offer?
The grant recipients offer a range of services, including mentorship and wellness workshops, intensive case management, career exploration for young women, and support for families and single women experiencing homelessness.
What is the mission of the Coastal Community Foundation?
The Coastal Community Foundation enhances the quality of life in North San Diego County by directing philanthropic efforts toward community needs. In August 2024, it joined the San Diego Foundation to expand philanthropic impact in North County San Diego.
What is the San Diego Foundation’s role?
The San Diego Foundation partners with donors, nonprofits, and regional leaders to co-create solutions that respond to community needs and strengthen San Diego. Since its founding in 1975, the foundation has granted $1.8 billion to nonprofits to improve the quality of life in San Diego County and beyond.
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