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.

In self-reported data collection, between January 2025 through January 2026, this collaborative has directed more than $30 million in responsive 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.

Together, many CRRC funders have supported the Sustained Support Fund and the San Diego Resilient Response Fund, contributing more than $1 million in responsive funding to strengthen community resilience and recovery efforts.

Learn more about these initiatives and their impact:

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 Sustained Support Fund, a joint effort by local funders to ensure organizations can continue their work uninterrupted while they wait for committed funds to arrive.
The San Diego Resilient Response Fund, a technical assistance and capacity-building grant program. Applications are currently closed as of June 27. Visit the webpage to learn more about all funded grantees.

Nonprofits seeking recoverable grant funding are encouraged to apply for a Sustained Support Fund grant. Funders interested in advancing this work are welcome to contribute to the recoverable fund and help expand its reach and impact.