Coordinated Regional Response Collaborative

The Coordinated Regional Response Collaborative brings together funders that invest across San Diego and Imperial Counties to collectively respond to a rapidly changing federal funding and policy environment, as well as its impacts on our sector.

In January 2025, foundation leaders from San Diego and Imperial Counties began meeting to share knowledge in anticipation of looming federal funding changes. By March, Catalyst was convening this growing group of funders to foster collaboration for a coordinated regional response.

The collaborative now meets biweekly to learn about evolving needs, share knowledge, and develop coordinated action plans to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem. These organizations recognize the importance of both individual and collective responses and the need for long-term strategies alongside quick actions.

As of June 2025, this collaborative has directed more than $14 million in funding to enhance nonprofit resiliency across the region. Although philanthropy cannot fully compensate for the significant loss of federal funding, it can act as a partner to enhance our region’s capacity, flexibility, and resilience during these challenging times.

Numerous programs provide free or low-cost resources to support community organizations, and many have adapted their work to help nonprofits meet the moment, including:

Crisis Response Flex Teams, led by Amplified Impact Partners, provides pro-bono consulting for nonprofits to survive, transform, and grow despite funding challenges.
San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Project provides equal access to the justice system. The Assistance to Nonprofit Organizations program provides cost-free consultation with an attorney about formation, governance, contracts, employment law, insurance, and other topics.
The San Diego Resilient Response Fund, a technical assistance and capacity-building grant program. As of June 27, applications are currently closed.