We're passionate about driving excellence and creating shared opportunities by investing in groundbreaking institutions, innovative ideas, and inspiring people—all with a view to ensuring that more people enjoy financial security, good health, and a sense of empowerment.
Our Impact
Creating an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all San Diegans.
Supporting Inspiring Leaders
We're passionate about driving excellence and creating shared opportunities by investing in groundbreaking institutions, innovative ideas, and inspiring people—all with a view to ensuring that more people enjoy financial security, good health, and a sense of empowerment.
Building our Community’s Future
We aim to foster uplifting and connected communities, where institutions and systems provide fair access to opportunities for all. Our investments will shine in the visual and performing arts, medical research, healthcare, and youth success. We'll also be mindful of our work's impact on climate, our unique identity as a border region, and nurturing a shared vision for our community's future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the foundation?
Founded through the generous and lasting gift of Conrad Prebys, the foundation awarded its first grants in 2020 and launched public grantmaking in 2021.
How has your grantmaking and priorities evolved?
Our grantmaking focus has evolved since the foundation’s first grantmaking in 2020, which focused on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our 2022 Strategy Plan outlines strategies for building an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for San Diego by investing in the arts, youth success, healthcare, and medical research. As we continue to learn from and with the community, we also identify regionwide issues and opportunities for strategic investment.
What are the foundation’s learning priorities?
Our learning priorities are developed in alignment with, and in service of, our strategic goals, which are revisited and renewed every three years. These priorities mirror our grantmaking efforts — such as understanding and addressing barriers to arts and culture accessibility in San Diego. We believe it is important to learn alongside our grantees and other community partners in order to develop grantmaking strategies that achieve positive results for the common good of San Diegans. Our ultimate goal is to establish a shared approach to learning that not only advances the foundation’s mission but also strengthens the broader San Diego community.
How do you measure impact?
We strive for an evaluation approach that incorporates the experiences and knowledge of the people and organizations we support. Rather than placing the burden of proof solely on grantees, we partner with them to define and achieve meaningful outcomes, recognizing the value of both quantitative and qualitative insights. By co-creating solutions and fostering ongoing dialogue, we aim to build lasting partnerships that empower grantees and advance our shared impact goals.
What do you fund?
Guided by Conrad Prebys’s legacy, the foundation supports the arts and culture, youth success, health and well-being, and medical research. Our Strategy Plan and community research and conversation has identified additional areas of strategic investment (e.g. border & Indigenous communities, climate, civic dialogue, leadership/capacity building).
Who do you fund?
In general, the foundation awards grants to organizations with 501c3 status, organizations that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3), and tribal entities. At present, the foundation does not award grants to individuals. Individuals are supported through partnerships (e.g. Far South Border North and specific initiatives that typically direct grant funds to the awardee’s nonprofit (Prebys Leadership Awards, Prebys Research Heroes).
Where do you fund?
We are a place-based funder focused on San Diego County.
How do you fund?
The foundation awards grants that align with our organizational goals and funding pillars through initiatives (which may be open to all eligible applicants or by invitation) and conversations about regionwide issues of critical importance where there may be opportunities for strategic investment. Outside of grantmaking, we are exploring impact and mission-driven investing so that more of our assets are used for the good of San Diego.
How do you select grantees?
We assess grants based on alignment with each initiative’s goals and criteria, opportunities to invest in underfunded and underserved communities, and our learning priorities. We may also consider populations served, geographic location, project design, strength of partnerships, and other factors, depending on the initiative.
What else are you open to?
The majority of grants are made through initiatives and areas of strategic opportunity. In general, we award general operating and programmatic grants. Capital campaigns, endowments, and sponsorships are not strategic priorities.
Do you do sponsorships?
In general, the foundation does not sponsor events.
What does reporting look like?
Reporting varies based on program initiatives, timelines, learning questions, and other initiative-specific factors. In some cases, reporting may involve submitting a narrative detailing successes, challenges, and lessons learned, while in others, it may include site visits where foundation and community partners engage in dialogue to deepen their understanding of a shared project or initiative.
A key component of our approach is recognizing assessment and evaluation as tools for learning. These tools help us draw meaningful conclusions about our work to inform future decisions about continuing or adjusting strategies.
How do I learn about funding opportunities?
How do I provide feedback to the foundation?
We invite feedback through designated channels like surveys as well as direct communication. You can also submit feedback through our Contact page.
Do you provide feedback to applicants?
Yes.
Foundation staff contact every applicant during the application process by phone and email. Whether your request is funded or not, we are happy to provide feedback during our initial phone call or by scheduling a later time to speak.
I received a grant from the foundation and the term is ending. How do I get renewed funding for my project/organization?
Thank you for the important work you are doing! Unfortunately, our assets are limited and we can’t guarantee funding beyond the term of an organization’s contract. Unless otherwise communicated, current grantees are eligible to apply for open opportunities on our grants page.
How do I get face time with someone?
The easiest way to connect with foundation staff is to visit our contact page. This will help us gather your information and identify who the right person might be for you to connect with is.
I have a great program outside of San Diego County. Will you consider it?
The foundation prioritizes San Diego County but evaluates exceptional cases.
I need help with my Grant Portal account, or have another question about Blackbaud Grantmaking.
If you are a current grantee partner, please contact your program officer for assistance. If you are applying for an open initiative, refer to the initiative landing page or information on who to contact.