San Diego City Wire

Ten small non-profit organizations in San Diego County have been awarded $100,000 each as part of the Equity Impact Grant Program. Announced by the County’s Office of Equity and Racial Justice (OERJ), these grants aim to advance equity and belonging in the region. Alongside the financial support, recipients will receive a year of custom coaching.

The grant program was developed through a partnership between the County and the Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego (NPI). The initiative was created after feedback highlighted challenges faced by small organizations led by people of color in securing government contracts and funding.

“These grants will significantly benefit small organizations and the people they serve,” said Interim OERJ Director Taryell Simmons. “By awarding these grants, we acknowledge the challenges small nonprofits face. We are proud to support them in building capacity, enabling them to serve even more people who need their services.”

This is the second round of funding for this program, with previous recipients having received grants in May. Eligible organizations needed fewer than five employees or operate on budgets under $500,000 while addressing local inequities.

The ten recipients include Better Cuts Mental Health Alliance, Club FBS (Fitteds, Books & Sneakers), Dreams+Ducats, Greater than Tech, Lived Experience Advisors (LEA), Mano a Mano Foundation, Our Genetic Legacy, RISE San Diego, San Diego International Birthing Project, and The Foundation for Care Integration.

For more information about OERJ's initiatives or details about this grant program, interested parties can visit their website.