On February 11, 2026, the San Diego Foundation announced $1.9 million in Unity Fund grants to support local nonprofits in addressing basic needs as shifts in federal funding continue to strain the region’s safety net. These grants aim to help organizations sustain essential services such as food, stable housing, and healthcare for vulnerable San Diego residents.
Since its launch in September, the San Diego Unity Fund has raised over $32 million, granting or committing more than $25 million to over 100 local nonprofits. This funding has played a critical role in enabling organizations to maintain services and respond to rising community needs amid reductions in federal support.
Mark Stuart, President and CEO of the San Diego Foundation, emphasized that the Unity Fund helps nonprofits keep communities stable and resilient. He acknowledged the generosity of local donors, whose contributions ensure essential services remain available for those who need them most, reinforcing regional well-being and social stability.
Among the funded organizations, Monarch School Project received $200,000 to continue providing year-round education, housing support, and trauma-informed mental health services for unhoused students and their families through January 2027. Debra Molyneux, Interim President & CEO of Monarch School Project, highlighted that this investment helps address immediate needs while supporting long-term stability and healing.
Interfaith Community Services was awarded $100,000 to deliver urgent housing and food support, providing over 200,000 meals and preventing homelessness for more than 3,000 community members in the coming year. Greg Angela, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, noted that the People for People Fund strengthens critical safety net services during uncertain times.
This round of grants also supports numerous other San Diego nonprofits, including California Hands & Voices, Casa Familiar, La Maestra Family Clinic, Meals on Wheels San Diego County, San Diego Habitat for Humanity, and the UC San Diego Foundation – Student-Run Free Clinic Project, among others.
The San Diego Unity Fund was created as a rapid response initiative to counteract federal funding reductions affecting essential programs in food, housing, and healthcare. Since its founding in 1975, the San Diego Foundation has granted $1.8 billion to nonprofits, partnering with donors, nonprofits, and regional leaders to build equitable, resilient communities where every resident can thrive.
