Premier Members Making a Difference: Coastal Community Foundation

What do you benefit most from being a member of NCPC?

The Foundation staff benefits through connecting with nonprofits in the community and learning about their work and services in North County. We have had the opportunity to meet many new people, build relationships and share information. We appreciate the opportunity to share our grantmaking programs through NCPC in order to reach more nonprofits. NCPC is a great resource and connector for North County.

What is your Mission?

The mission of Coastal Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in San Diego North County by directing philanthropic efforts toward community needs. We fulfill our Mission by…

Helping individuals and families meet their charitable goals today and in the future
Making grants to support nonprofit programs, education, and community needs
Helping to strengthen the nonprofit sector by providing support services
Promoting philanthropy in the community

What do you offer to the community?

The Foundation’s grantmaking provides resources for a wide variety of nonprofit programs in North County. The Foundation also serves as a philanthropic connector between local residents and nonprofits in the community. We often refer residents to organizations that match their charitable interests.

In addition to our grants, the Foundation assists residents in establishing their personal donor advised fund, becoming involved with one of the Foundation’s four giving circles or contributing to an area of their interest.

What was your organization/company’s biggest accomplishment in the past six months – one year?

In 2021, the Foundation granted over $1 million to a wide variety of nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants were made through competitive grant programs and donor advised funds. Seventy-seven percent of those awards were made to San Diego County nonprofits. In addition, CCF continued our collaboration with the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation and Impact Cubed to manage the COVID-19 grant program for the City of San Marcos.

What event/program or campaign do you have coming up that you would like to share with our readers?

Grantmaking for the 2022 grant cycle is underway. Upcoming competitive grant opportunities include: Hand to Hand fund for women and girls, Encinitas Fund, Solana Beach Fund, and Scalice Foundation for Music. Grant guidelines, program deadlines, and applications are available on the CCF website.

The Foundation’s giving circles also are an opportunity for North County residents to become involved with philanthropy without having a private foundation or their own charitable fund. By making one donation and having their gift pooled with others in the community, individuals can make a larger impact on programs and services that benefit the community. The giving circles also allow people to learn more about the nonprofit programs and services that are provided in their community. Learn more.

What changes/opportunities have occurred due to COVID-19?

Since the pandemic, many of CCF’s grant programs have shifted focus towards meeting the community’s basic needs such as food, housing, and emergency support services. These grants have helped nonprofits fill gaps in funding that federal or state dollars do not cover.