San Diego, January 22, 2026
The San Diego Foundation and the Dr. Seuss Foundation are partnering to provide $2 million in grants for early childhood education initiatives in San Diego County. This joint effort simplifies the application process for local nonprofits aiming to enhance early literacy and support children’s development up to age 8. Grants of up to $60,000 will be available under two programs: Ready to Learn and Bright Futures. The initiative highlights the importance of community collaboration in strengthening early education.
San Diego, CA
San Diego Foundation and Dr. Seuss Foundation Launch Joint Grant Application for Early Childhood Education
The San Diego Foundation and the Dr. Seuss Foundation have announced a joint grant application process totaling $2 million to support early childhood education initiatives in San Diego County. This collaboration aims to streamline the application process for local nonprofits and provide more stable support for early literacy and healthy development as demand grows and funding uncertainty continues.
Grant Details
The shared application offers access to two initiatives:
- Ready to Learn: Supports programs serving children from birth to age 5, focusing on early literacy, language development, family-centered learning, and strengthening provider expertise. Grants of up to $60,000 per organization are available.
- Bright Futures: Supports organizations serving children up to age 8, emphasizing early literacy, school readiness, playful and experiential learning, and social-emotional development. Grants of up to $60,000 per organization are available.
By applying through a single application, nonprofits can be considered for both initiatives, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing access to funding opportunities.
Application Process
Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving San Diego County are invited to apply. The application deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST. Applications can be submitted through San Diego Foundation’s online grant portal.
Background
This joint initiative builds upon the successful three-year collaboration between the Dr. Seuss Foundation and the San Diego Foundation, which has provided more than $3 million in grants to expand access to early educational opportunities and improve reading skills for children in the region. The continued partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening early childhood education in the community, ensuring that children develop a lifelong love of learning.
Key Takeaways
The collaboration between the San Diego Foundation and the Dr. Seuss Foundation underscores a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education in fostering long-term academic success for children. This initiative not only reduces barriers for local nonprofits seeking funding but also enhances community involvement in education, illustrating the potential for positive change when private foundations and local entities work together for a common cause.
This is a call to action for all involved parties—business leaders, educators, and community members—to support local initiatives that drive economic and educational growth. Engaging with and investing in our children’s education should be a priority for all San Diegans to ensure a prosperous future for our city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the joint grant application?
The joint grant application aims to streamline the application process for local nonprofits and provide more stable support for early literacy and healthy development as demand grows and funding uncertainty continues.
What are the two initiatives available through this grant application?
The two initiatives are: Ready to Learn, which supports programs serving children from birth to age 5, focusing on early literacy, language development, family-centered learning, and strengthening provider expertise; and Bright Futures, which supports organizations serving children up to age 8, emphasizing early literacy, school readiness, playful and experiential learning, and social-emotional development.
What is the maximum grant amount available for each organization?
Grants of up to $60,000 per organization are available for both initiatives.
Who is eligible to apply for these grants?
Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving San Diego County are invited to apply.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST.
How can organizations apply for these grants?
Applications can be submitted through San Diego Foundation’s online grant portal.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $2 million total funding |
| Initiatives | Ready to Learn and Bright Futures |
| Grant Amount per Organization | Up to $60,000 |
| Eligibility | 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving San Diego County |
| Application Deadline | Friday, February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. PST |
| Application Portal | San Diego Foundation’s online grant portal |
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