The San Diego Women’s Foundation (SDWF), a supporting organization of San Diego Foundation (SDF) that connects, educates, and inspires women to come together in collective philanthropy, has opened applications for its latest grant cycle,which will focus on addressing the affordable child care crisis, according to a news release.
Quality, affordable child care is essential for healthy child development, family stability, and workforce participation among families. However, access remains in short supply, and San Diego families face a critical crisis that threatens both economic mobilityand child development. The numbers tell a stark story: infant care costs exceed $16,000 annually, while toddler care averages $12,500 – far above national averages. Nearly 60% of this county’s residents live in childcare deserts, where available slots are insufficientto meet local demand, the news release stated.
SDWF is accepting letters of inquiry and will grant unrestricted funding to nonprofits working to expand affordable, accessible, and quality child care for infants and toddlers (ages 0-4 years).
The foundation will prioritize organizations that provide services to families and communities with the least access today, and whose efforts contribute to long-term, systemic improvements to the child care landscape.
Areas of work that align with SDWF’s funding priorities include, but are not limited to:
•Increasing the long-term capacity of licensed child care in San Diego, especially in communities where availability is scarce.
•Enhancing business acumen and resilience among child care providers.
•Helping aspiring providers establish child care businesses (in-home, workplace- or community-based), including those providing culturally and linguistically responsive care.
•Enhancing professional training, continuing education, and collaboration opportunities for child care workers
Organizations seeking a grant from SDWF must first submit a letter of inquiry by November 20, 2025, at 5 p.m.
For more information on SDWF and grant application guidelines, visitwww.sdwomensfoundation.org