REGION — The San Diego Foundation kicked off the 2015 “Opening the Outdoors” grant cycle with $450,000 available to nonprofit organizations proposing community-driven projects that develop an interconnected network of natural areas, gathering places and trails across the county so that the outdoors is easily accessible to all San Diegans.
Spanning from the beaches to the mountains, an impressive 45 percent of San Diego County is defined as “green space,” yet not all San Diegans have convenient access. Of the $450,000 in grants available, up to $50,000 is available per grant (or up to $75,000 for proposals in which three or more organizations are collaborating). Access grant guidelines and the application at sdfoundation.org/Grants. An informational webinar for grant seekers will be held Jan. 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. The application deadline is 12 p.m. (PST) Feb. 12. For more information and webinar login, contact Emily Guevara at [email protected] or (619) 814-1345.
Proposed projects may include efforts to:
— Increase trails, signage, and natural amenities in neighborhoods where resources are deficient (examples include hiking/biking/horse trails, picnic areas, gathering places, etc.)
— Encourage kids from park-poor communities to engage with the natural environment through physical or educational activities
— Connect and protect nature through conservation/restoration/acquisition of key lands or building community support for relevant public policies or funding
“Opening the Outdoors” is a San Diego Foundation program that advances The Foundation’s WELL (Work-Enjoy-Learn-Live) initiative.
