FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Danziger

619-200-2145
derek@danzigerpr.com

CHILDREN’S HEALTH FOUNDATION UNVEILS NEW IDENTITY AND LAUNCHES $1 MILLION SIGNATURE GRANTS PROGRAM

Four grants of up to $250,000 will support major initiatives addressing children’s mental and behavioral health, food insecurity and dental care

SAN DIEGO — A San Diego philanthropic organization that has supported children’s health for more than a century is beginning a bold new chapter with a new name, logo and website – and an ambitious new grant program designed to address some of the region’s most pressing children’s health challenges.

Formerly known as Rest Haven Children’s Health Fund, the newly rebranded Children’s Health Foundation today announced the launch of its inaugural “Signature Grants” program, through which, in 2026, it will award four grants of up to $250,000 each to nonprofit organizations serving children in San Diego and Imperial counties.

CHFSD.org is accepting letters of intent for the competitive grants. The submission deadline is Sept. 14.

The $1 million Signature Grants program represents a significant expansion of the Foundation’s community investment. Earlier this year, the Foundation awarded more than $300,000 to local nonprofit organizations through its Children’s Impact Grants, bringing its potential total grantmaking in 2026 to more than $1.3 million.

“For more than 100 years, our organization has responded to the changing health needs of children throughout our region,” said Christine Bryant Nelissen, chair of the Children’s Health Foundation Board of Directors. “Our new name and identity honor that extraordinary legacy while more clearly expressing who we are today and where we are headed. The Signature Grants program represents an important new chapter in our commitment to creating meaningful and lasting improvements in children’s health in our region.”

The Foundation’s new name, contemporary logo, and redesigned website reflect the organization’s evolving role as a major San Diego and Imperial County philanthropic partner supporting innovative programs, essential care, and community-based solutions for children and families. The new website, www.chfsd.org, provides information about the Foundation’s history, mission, grantmaking and emergency assistance programs, and application materials for the Signature Grants.

The Foundation was established in San Diego in 1909 as the Society for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis. It later became Rest Haven Preventorium for Children, operating a convalescent facility for children with or exposed to tuberculosis. After the facility closed in 1953, its assets established an endowment dedicated to addressing unmet health needs among children in San Diego County. The organization later expanded its reach to Imperial County.

Although the Foundation’s name and visual identity have changed, its longstanding purpose remains: filling critical funding gaps so children can receive essential health services and have the opportunity to live healthier lives.

“Our history has always been one of adaptation and recognizing the most urgent health challenges facing children and directing resources where they can make the greatest difference,” said Cass Kaminetz, executive director of Children’s Health Foundation. “These Signature Grants will allow nonprofit organizations to think bigger, expand proven programs and develop impactful solutions capable of improving the lives of thousands of children across our region.”

The inaugural Signature Grants will support programs that provide a direct and measurable impact in one or more of three priority areas:

• Mental and behavioral health, including prevention, early intervention, treatment, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care and improved access to culturally responsive services;
• Food insecurity, including innovative approaches that measurably improve children’s access to nutritious food; and
• Dental health care, including screenings, services, equipment, appliances and sedation for underserved children when care is not otherwise covered by public or private insurance or assistance.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities located in or maintaining an active office in San Diego or Imperial County. Proposed programs must serve children ages 0–17 living in those counties.

The Foundation is particularly interested in proposals that address a significant community need supported by credible data; provide a clearly defined health intervention; establish meaningful, measurable outcomes; reach underserved or high-needs children; and demonstrate the organizational capacity needed to implement the proposed program successfully.

Organizations must submit a Letter of Intent through the Foundation’s online grant portal by Sept. 14. Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full application beginning Oct. 12, with applications due Nov. 6. Grant recipients are expected to be notified by mid-December, with funds distributed before the end of 2026.

Additional eligibility requirements, application instructions and complete Signature Grants guidelines are available at www.chfsd.org. Questions may be directed to grants@chfsd.org. The Signature Grant program will be reevaluated annually for both capacity and focus.

About Children’s Health Foundation

Established in San Diego in 1909, Children’s Health Foundation (formerly Rest Haven Children’s Health Fund) advances the health and well-being of children in San Diego and Imperial counties by filling gaps in funding to ensure no child goes without essential care, supporting innovative programs and empowering communities to build a healthier, brighter future for every child. In addition to its competitive grant programs, the Foundation provides emergency assistance for health-related needs that are not covered by any other public or private funding source. Learn more at www.chfsd.org.

Derek Danziger, APR President 619.200.2145 derek@danzigerpr.com