Parker Grant

The Parker Foundation offers funding to nonprofit organizations that aim to improve quality of life for residents of San Diego County. With over 50 years of philanthropic service, the Foundation typically holds six board meetings annually to review and consider proposals that demonstrate measurable, local community impact. Proposals must show clear benefit to San Diego County and detail how many individuals will be directly affected. Applicants are expected to describe the use of funds, the project’s effectiveness, and the strategy for measuring outcomes, with a reporting requirement due within six months of grant payment. To apply, organizations must submit a completed cover page and a narrative of no more than three pages. This narrative must include the amount requested, project description, and specifics regarding the project's local impact. Additional required documents include the organization’s detailed budget, a comprehensive project budget showing all sources of funding, a recent financial report (audit preferred), balance sheet, income statement, list of board members, IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, and Franchise Tax Board 23701(d) exemption letter. The Executive Director must sign the application, and all documents must be uploaded as a single PDF under 10MB. The Foundation does not accept hand-delivered proposals and strictly adheres to posted deadlines, with submissions due by noon on the deadline date. Applications are first reviewed at a board meeting. If interest is expressed, applicants receive a defer letter and undergo a site visit. A final decision is then rendered at the subsequent board meeting. Applicants are notified within one week of the decision—approvals by email and denials by mail. Reapplication policies depend on prior outcomes: successful applicants must wait two years from the grant agreement date before reapplying, while those denied must wait one year from the denial letter date. Questions regarding reapplication timing can be directed to mail@theparkerfoundation.org. Based on the most recent deadline of October 17, 2025, and a board meeting on December 5, 2025, the Foundation’s recurring grant cycle is considered annual. The next expected cycle would therefore likely open in Summer 2026, with submission deadlines in early fall. Applicants should check the Proposal Deadlines page regularly, as new deadlines are posted throughout the year. Applications are judged on community benefit, measurable outcomes, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission. The site visit is a critical part of the evaluation process. There is no stated requirement for matching funds, and grants can support project-specific or general operating expenses.

Submit by NOON; site visit is required; no hand delivery.