On January 22, 2026, the San Diego Foundation (SDF) announced a $350,000 investment to help 1,000 San Diego County students complete their college financial aid applications. Many students in the region miss out on aid each year due to incomplete FAFSA submissions, particularly first-generation students and those from underserved communities. One-on-one guidance provided through this initiative aims to ensure students can fully access critical financial support that can transform their educational opportunities.
The investment focuses on 48 high schools across the county with the lowest FAFSA completion rates and supports 10 community organizations that provide hands-on assistance to students and families. These organizations guide applicants through every step, from initial submission to final processing, helping to eliminate errors and ensure applications are fully processed. Previous pilot efforts by SDF demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, showing an 11% increase in completed applications and an 8% rise in overall submissions when students receive dedicated support.
The funding also includes support for the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP)’s Financial Aid Blitz, a countywide initiative where students can receive free, in-person assistance with FAFSA and California Dream Act applications. The event, scheduled for January 24, offers 14 participating sites for students to access guidance, reflecting SDF’s commitment to making financial aid accessible to all.
San Diego Foundation emphasizes that the initiative is not simply a paperwork effort but a critical intervention to help thousands of young people access life-changing financial support. By targeting schools and communities with the greatest need, SDF aims to create equitable pathways to higher education and improve long-term outcomes for students across the region.
Since its founding in 1975, San Diego Foundation has partnered with donors, nonprofits, and regional leaders to strengthen communities, granting $1.8 billion to nonprofits to improve quality of life in San Diego County and beyond.
