San Diego Resilient Response Fund

Nonprofit organizations, tribal governments, tribal organizations, fiscally sponsored projects, and/or mutual aid groups located within and serving San Diego County that are experiencing impacts related to changes in federal funding or policy are eligible to apply. Collaboratives and coalitions may also apply for funding under the Collaborative Response category.

Eligibility Questions

• Has your organization been impacted by federal funding or policy changes in the past six months?
• Is your primary work in San Diego County? 
• Does your mission and demonstrated work align with inclusive and equitable values and contribute to an effective social change ecosystem?
• Are you able to clearly identify the need for capacity-building support and request funding within the eligible purpose of this grant?
• Will funds be spent in six months or less?

Eligible impacts may include—but are not limited to—loss of federal funding, increased demand due to policy changes, or organizational challenges created by shifting federal regulations. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, we encourage you to reach out before applying by doing one of the following:

• Email your questions to Michele Silverthorn, Director of Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives 
• Attend Zoom office hours on Tuesday, June 10 at 11:30 a.m.
• Schedule a 15-minute conversation with Michele to get your questions answered

Yes. There is no limit to how many categories you can apply for, and if you are involved in more than one collaborative effort, you may consider applying separately for each distinct effort. 

The application is designed to be brief and straightforward. You’ll provide basic organizational details, a description of the federal impact, and a short explanation of how the funding will be used.

Applications will be reviewed and scored per the evaluation criteria by grant category by a 4-person peer review panel. Reviewers include:

• Elly Brown | Co-Executive Director, San Diego Food System Alliance
• Max Disposti | Executive Director, North County LGBTQ Resource Center
• Lisa Garcia | Interim Executive Director, Kumeyaay Community College
• Alex C. Villafuerte | Executive Director, Pacific Arts Movement

An initial review will be conducted by Catalyst staff to ensure the eligibility criteria is met and that there are no conflicts of interest.

Applications scoring the maximum points for the grant category will be awarded a grant.

We will be evaluating:

• Grant amount
• Description of issue
• Description of project and anticipated outcomes/goals
• Anticipated expenses
• Timeline

Applications will be scored as:

• Inadequate: Information not provided
• Developing: Lacks sufficient information
• Good: Complete but lacks a thorough description
• Excellent: Well-conceived and throughly developed
  

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions typically made within 2–3 weeks of submission. We aim to move quickly so organizations can respond effectively to urgent needs. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, elevating priority review for 501c3’s with organizational budgets under $500K budget, tribal groups, fiscally sponsored projects under a $500K budget, and mutual aid/community groups.

Submit your application at any time – grant review and awards will continue on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

Grant review and awards will continue until funds are exhausted. As of 6/4/25, the total available is $275,000.

Yes. Fiscally sponsored organizations are welcome to apply, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

Applications are currently closed. If additional funds become available, we will announce it through the Catalyst newsletter.