Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to improve the health of at-risk and underserved children ages 0-17 in San Diego or Imperial Counties may apply. Applicants must also be in good standing with the California Attorney General’s Charitable Organization Registry and the California Secretary of State.

Yes. We will fund salaries if you can demonstrate how the program will be sustained beyond the one-year grant period. We do not fund fringe benefits, bonuses, taxes, finder's fees, or recruiting fees. Applications requesting these expenses will be rejected.

Sustainability is a program’s ability to continue operating after the grant period ends. If you’re requesting salary support or funding for a new program that will continue beyond the grant period, your application should include a clear plan explaining how the program will be sustained.

No. Special Grants do not provide general operating support or overhead. They are also not intended to replace funding that has been or will be eliminated from other sources.

No. We do not fund brick-and-mortar projects or capital improvement campaigns.

Yes. Organizations that received a Special Grant last year may apply again for new or ongoing programs.

Yes. Two price quotes are required for any item or piece of equipment costing more than $1,000 with a useful life exceeding 24 months. This helps verify that grant funds are being used as efficiently as possible.

Yes. Even when requesting equipment, your application should explain your program goals, how many children will benefit, the expected impact, and how you will measure your program’s outcomes.

The required program budget template is available through the online application and must be submitted with your application. Include all projected program costs, anticipated matching grants, other funding sources, and any unfunded program expenses. A sample budget is also available for reference.

Avoid general terms such as "supplies" or "expenses." Budget items should be specific and clearly described or your application may be rejected.

No. Request the amount needed for your program. Keep in mind that Children’s Health Foundation will award a total of $350,000 during the 2026 grant cycle and historically funds 18 to 22 grants each year.

A matching grant is funding requested from another donor to support the same program or project included in your Children’s Impact Grant application. General fundraising for other organizational needs is not considered a matching grant.

No. However, funds will not be released until we receive written confirmation of the matching grant commitment. This commitment must be received no later than September 30, 2026.

January 29, 2027
Interim Report due

August 31, 2027
Final Grant Report and Final Budget Expenditure Report due

All reports are submitted through the online grants portal. Reminder emails will be sent to the individual who submitted the application.

Our Grants Review Committee reviews all applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, which makes the final funding decisions.

Grant funds are expected to be disbursed on July 1 after we receive your signed Grant Agreement. Funds may be used only during the approved grant period, from July 1 through June 30.

Yes. If you’re applying for a Children’s Impact Grant to support a project that extends beyond one year, you may request a multi-year grant. However, these requests are approved only in limited circumstances.