San Diego CA— The San Diego Foundation today announced the availability of grant funding through the Opening the Outdoors Program. The 2019 grant cycle will prioritize nonprofit projects that protect and connect outdoor spaces and improve access to nature, especially for the San Diego region’s most park-poor and underserved communities.
As indicated by the regional park finder tool, Get Outside San Diego, there are more than 1,100 parks within our region, highlighting the many opportunities to access the spectacular natural amenities in San Diego County. However, according to The San Diego Foundation Parks for Everyone report, many low-income, ethnically diverse communities have limited access to parks and open spaces. The Opening the Outdoors program serves to close this gap and invest in long-term solutions that ensure all San Diego youth grow up with equitable access to nature and the outdoors.
To be considered for the 2019 grant cycle, eligible organizations must send a Letter of Interest by March 6 for projects ranging from $25,000 to $65,000 that address at least one of the following goals:

• Create and sustain new natural amenities in low-income communities where access to green space is most limited, as defined in resources such as the Parks for Everyone report and Parks for All Californians.
• Build community support for timely public policies or funding measures that will significantly expand more equitable access to green space in communities with greatest needs.
• Implement programs that create recurring opportunities for youth from communities with low park access to positively engage in nature.

For more information about The San Diego Foundation Opening the Outdoors Program, or to apply for one of the available grants, visit www.sdfoundation.org/OTO. Interested nonprofit organizations that want to learn more about the grant cycle may also sign up for an informational webinar hosted by The San Diego Foundation on February 21 at 10:00am. Register for the webinar here.