Mission and Purpose
The San Marcos Community Foundation serves to enrich the quality of life for the community of San Marcos and has been doing so since 1988. The Foundation continually strives to seek opportunities to strengthen our community, and the non-profit organizations serving it.
The SMCF is a nonprofit public benefit corporation providing financial assistance for the purpose of benefiting the City or its residents. The Foundation was established by the San Marcos City Council on October 27, 1987, creating an Endowment Fund originating from a one million dollar contribution by the builders of the North County Energy and Resource Recovery Center. The Foundation provides grants to a wide variety of nonprofit groups serving San Marcos residents. Grants have been awarded to a diverse group of nonprofit organizations serving different purposes:
- Arts & Culture
- Children & Youth
- Health & Well-being
- Education
- Seniors
- Civic Life
- Wildlife
The Jewish Community Foundation manages the SMCF grant application. All applications will be reviewed by the SMCF Board for grant eligibility and funding. Grant Funding Committee membership rotates between SMCF Board Members.
About
Meetings
Board meetings
Third Tuesday of February, May, August and November at 6:00 pm
Grant Funding Committee (GFC)
Second Wednesday of January, February, April, May, July, August, October and November at 6:00 pm
San Marcos Civic Center
City Hall – San Marcos Room
1 Civic Center Drive
Contact us
City Clerk's Office
(760) 744-1050
cityclerk@sanmarcosca.gov
About the foundation
- Seven regular members and two alternate members appointed by the City Council for two-year terms
- Applicant must reside in or have a business in the City of San Marcos to serve on the SMCF Board
- Members are not compensated
- Members must submit Conflict of Interest statements (FPPC Form 700)
- City staff provides an initial orientation and ethics training in accordance with state law
Quick links
2025 Grant Due Dates(PDF, 150KB)
2026 Grant Due Dates(PDF, 147KB)
Like the foundation on Facebook
Agendas
Jan. 14, 2026(PDF, 16MB)
Nov. 18, 2025(PDF, 6MB)
Nov. 12, 2025(PDF, 4MB)
Oct. 8, 2025(PDF, 5MB)
Aug. 19, 2025(PDF, 22MB)
Aug. 13, 2025(PDF, 27MB)
Jul. 9, 2025(PDF, 27MB)
May 20, 2025(PDF, 25MB)
May 14, 2025(PDF, 21MB)
Apr. 9, 2025(PDF, 27MB)
Feb. 18, 2025(PDF, 11MB)
Feb. 12, 2025(PDF, 6MB)
Jan. 8, 2025(PDF, 6MB)
Nov. 19, 2024(PDF, 28MB)
Nov. 13, 2024(PDF, 28MB)
Members
| Name |
Term start |
Term end |
| Erika Skaar |
01/14/2025 |
12/31/2026 |
| Bob Crain |
01/09/2024 |
12/31/2025 |
| Janice Miller |
01/14/2025 |
12/31/2026 |
| Gary Greving |
01/14/2025 |
12/31/2026 |
| Jennifer Ho |
01/14/2025 |
12/31/2026 |
| Mike Hardesty |
01/14/2025 |
12/31/2026 |
| Carol Gendel |
01/09/2024 |
12/31/2025 |
| Stephanie Bussen (Alternate) |
06/24/2025 |
12/31/2027 |
The San Marcos Community Foundation welcomes donations to help further its mission to enrich the quality of life in San Marcos. Your contribution --- whether large or small --- is greatly appreciated and significantly helps with the Foundation’s endeavors.
Donate here
(Under "Designation of Funds" select San Marcos Community Foundation Restricted Fund)
Thanks to forward-thinking City leaders and committed volunteers, precious resources have been provided to benefit residents of San Marcos through the Foundation’s work. Serving as stewards of the initial $1M endowment contribution, we have used these funds to make 800+ grants to 300+ non-profit organizations. Because endowment funds are never consumed – and only a portion of its investment earnings are spent, an endowment is an ongoing source of revenue.
The San Marcos Community Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Please consult your tax advisor as to tax deductibility.
To make a donation or for more information, please call the City Clerk's Office at (760) 744-1050. Contributions may be mailed directly to:
San Marcos Community Foundation
City of San Marcos
1 Civic Center Drive
San Marcos, CA 92069
Federal Tax ID Number: 33-0259068
We welcome grant applications from all organizations who meet our criteria. To qualify for funding, grant requests must meet ALL of the following requirements:
- The representing organization must be exempt from income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 23701(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.
- The request must be for a non-profit project or use directly benefiting the residents of San Marcos.
- At the time of the funding, the Board will establish the timing of the reporting period and all records/receipts must be submitted to the SMCF no later than the timeframe established by the Board. Failure to comply with the deadline will result in the grant monies (partial or full) being returned to the SMCF immediately and may impact future awards.
- No matching funds are required for mini grants. Whether or not matching funds are required for a regular grant is at the discretion of the Board depending upon the specifics of the request. The decision to give applications with matching funds a higher priority is solely at the Board's discretion.
Funds may not be awarded to:
- Assist a religious, fraternal, or political purpose;
- Aid organizations whose primary function is to assist other charitable or public groups of activities through grants and donations;
- Underwrite the cost of advertising or fund-raisers.
How to submit an application:
The San Marcos Community Foundation (SMCF) will accept applications for all grants using an application system. On behalf of SMCF, the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego (JCF) will provide a Competitive Application Platform (CAP) allowing nonprofits to manage their applications online for greater efficiency.
JCF will manage the application process, and the San Marcos Community Foundation will make all final grant recommendations and awards. The eligibility requirements for the grant opportunities remain the same.
The CAP portal, including the application form and submission instructions, can be found at San Marcos Community Foundation Grant Application. Each organization will be required to create login credentials the first time they wish to apply.
Questions regarding this new application process can be directed to cap@jcfsandiego.org or cityclerk@sanmarcosca.gov.
Applying for grants
What are the deadlines for grant applications?
We have an annual calendar that shows all the deadlines for the year. Please note deadline time for submittal has changed. It is now 5:00 p.m. on the grant due date deadline.
What size grants does the Foundation generally make?
Most of our grants awarded are less than $5,000. A growing segment is our mini-grant program which is a simple application, decided monthly, for a maximum $1,500.
What is the difference between a mini-grant and a regular grant from the General Fund?
Mini-grants are for requests of up to $1,500. Applications are received each grantmaking month of the year, are simpler, and can be decided by the Grant Funding Committee, but may also go to the quarterly Board meeting for approval. They are intended to be a quicker, easier method of getting a donation into the hands of a non-profit serving San Marcos while still maintaining proper oversight. Regular grants are for requests greater than $1,500 (our largest is $10,000). These requests are reviewed by the Grant Funding Committee, assigned to a member for follow-up, and sent to the full Board with a recommendation.
Do you fund program requests?
Yes.
Is there a better chance of getting a grant if I apply at a specific time of year?
No.
How often can we apply to the Foundation?
Applicants may only apply two times per year - only one grant will be made in a year's time for the same project.
If a big change occurs within our organization after we submit the proposal, should we contact you?
Yes. We would expect you to keep us apprised.
Do you need multiple copies of the application? Should they be bound?
One copy is fine. Please do not bind.
What happens after an application is received?
It is reviewed for completeness, then distributed to the Grant Funding Committee for review, and then to the entire Board.
How long does it take to get a grant?
Consult the calendar.
When will I know if our proposal has been funded?
Following our decision, a letter will be sent notifying you of the grant and reporting requirements.
Does the Foundation award multi-year grants?
No.
Eligibility
Do we have to be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization to apply?
If you are not, you must have a fiscal sponsor.
What is a fiscal sponsor and how do I get one?
A fiscal sponsor is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that acts as a sponsor for a project or group that does not have its own tax-exempt status. Grants or contributions are made to the fiscal sponsor which manages the funds. In the case of a grant, the fiscal sponsor is responsible for reporting back to the foundation on the progress of the project.
To find a fiscal sponsor look for nonprofits whose missions are similar to yours. You might start with your current affiliations.
The President or an authorized officer representing the fiscal sponsor must sign the application cover page. Should funds be awarded, the check will be issued to the organization serving as the fiscal sponsor and the fiscal sponsor is ultimately responsible for completing the required reporting documentation.
What information do you require from a fiscal sponsor?
The fiscal sponsor is required to complete the application for a grant and provide all of the necessary documentation including the final report on the project.
Do you give grants to organizations outside of San Diego County?
Yes; however, all grants from our General Endowment Fund and Wildlife Fund must go to organizations who serve San Marcos residents.
NOTE: Arts and Culture grantees must be a San Marcos-based organization.
Does the Foundation fund faith-based organizations?
We have funded programs serving San Marcos residents which may be operated by faith-based organizations, but we do not fund faith activities.
What if an organization serves a distinct segment of the community’s population, such as seniors, youths, a specific ethnic group, etc.?
We welcome applications for programs addressing the needs of a variety of under-served populations in San Marcos.
Mini grants
Mini grants are for agencies interested in applying for $1,500 or less. Mini grants deadlines can be found on the schedule. Agencies will be notified within thirty (30) days of the quarterly Board meeting of the award status.
Please note: Beginning January 1, 2023, the San Marcos Community Foundation (SMCF) will accept applications for all grants using a new application system. On behalf of SMCF, the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego (JCF) will provide a Competitive Application Platform (CAP) allowing nonprofits to manage their applications online for greater efficiency.
JCF will manage the application process, and the San Marcos Community Foundation will make all final grant recommendations and awards. The eligibility requirements for the grant opportunities remain the same and details can be found at San Marcos Community Foundation.
The CAP portal, including the application form and submission instructions, can be found at San Marcos Community Foundation Grant Application. Each organization will be required to create login credentials the first time they wish to apply.
Questions regarding this new application process can be directed to cap@jcfsandiego.org or cityclerk@sanmarcosca.gov.
Faxes are not accepted. Agencies requesting mini grants are limited to two (2) grant awards per calendar year. An agency may not apply for a mini grant during the same quarter that it is applying for a regular grant. No matching funds are required for mini grants.
Records/receipts must be submitted to the SMCF no later than six (6) months from approval of the funding request unless otherwise approved by the Grant Funding Committee. Failure to comply with the deadline will result in grant monies (partial or full) being returned to the SMCF immediately and may impact future awards.
A short, one-page report should accompany the receipts providing feedback to the Grant Funding Committee regarding when and how the money was spent as well as a self-evaluation of the project or program effectiveness. The chief officer of the agency should sign this report.
Regular grants
Regular Grants are for those agencies interested in applying for a grant of $1,500 to $10,000. A quarterly deadline for the regular grants has been established, see calendar for dates. (applications must be received by 5:00 pm).
Upon review of the application, the Grant Funding Committee will determine if additional information is needed and whether or not an agency visit is warranted. The applicant may also be requested to present its proposal to the full Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting as determined by the Grant Funding Committee.
Agencies will be notified within thirty (30) days of the quarterly Board meeting of the award status.
The CAP portal, including the application form and submission instructions, can be found at San Marcos Community Foundation Grant Application. Each organization will be required to create login credentials the first time they wish to apply.
Questions regarding this new application process can be directed to cap@jcfsandiego.org or cityclerk@sanmarcosca.gov.
Faxes are not accepted. Agencies requesting regular grants are limited to two (2) grant awards per calendar year. An agency may not apply for a regular grant during the same quarter that it is applying for a mini grant. Whether or not matching funds are required for a regular grant is at the discretion of the Board depending upon the specifics of the request.
At the time of the funding, the Board will establish the timing of the reporting process. All records/receipts must be submitted to the SMCF no later than the timeframe established by the Board. Failure to comply with the deadline will result in the grant monies (partial or full) being returned to the SMCF immediately and may impact future awards.
A detailed one-page report should accompany the receipts providing feedback to the Board regarding when, how, etc. the money was spent as well as a self-evaluation of the project or program effectiveness. The Chief Officer of the agency should sign this report.
The San Marcos Community Foundation (SMCF) will accept applications for all grants using an online application system. On behalf of SMCF, the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego (JCF) will provide a Competitive Application Platform (CAP) allowing nonprofits to manage their applications online for greater efficiency.
JCF will manage the application process, and the San Marcos Community Foundation will make all final grant recommendations and awards. The eligibility requirements for the grant opportunities remain the same and details can be found at San Marcos Community Foundation.
The CAP portal, including the application form and submission instructions, can be found at San Marcos Community Foundation Grant Application. Each organization will be required to create login credentials the first time they wish to apply.
Questions regarding this new application process can be directed to cap@jcfsandiego.org or cityclerk@sanmarcosca.gov.
Advisory committee
Advisory Committee Info Sheet(PDF, 135KB)
Other contact information
City of San Marcos
1 Civic Center Drive
San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: 760-744-1050
Fax: 760-744-9520
www.sanmarcosca.gov
San Diego Grantmakers
4270 Executive Square, Suite 200
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone: 619-744-2180
Fax: 619-744-2182
http://www.sdgrantmakers.org
National Council on Foundations
1828 L Street, NW. Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-466-7512
Fax: 202-785-3926
http://www.cof.org
North County Philanthropy Council
P.O. Box 1641
Carlsbad, CA 92018
Phone: 760-729-6711
http://www.ncphilanthropy.org
The San Marcos Community Foundation is proud of the recipients who have benefited from Foundation grants. If you would like to learn more about the recipients, you may click the link below to see a historical account of grants from 2020 to Present.
Grant recipients list 2020-present(PDF, 136KB)
The San Marcos Community Foundation receives many expressions of thanks and appreciation from grant recipients for the work they accomplished with SMCF grant funds. Below are comments from recent reports and letters.
Interfaith Community Services
Interfaith is grateful to the San Marcos Community Foundation for its support of the North County Senior Connections (NCSC) Program. With support from the SMCF, together we are improving the lives of hundreds of North San Diego County seniors in need. By "helping people help themselves," Interfaith empowers people in need to stabilize and improve their lives, in partnership with many agencies, funders, volunteers working alongside them. We look forward to this partnership which benefits our shared community.
The Elizabeth Hospice
The Elizabeth Hospice is honored to merit the support of the San Marcos Community Foundation since 1990. Your investment in our mission has helped to ensure medical, emotional, and social resources are available to all in our community who are facing challenges related to grief and loss and living with serious advanced illness.
Classics 4 Kids
On behalf of Classic 4 Kids - Music in Tune with Education - staff and board of directors, we are beyond overjoyed to receive the San Marcos Community Foundation's donation of $1,300. This support will directly enable us to provide Classics 4 Kids' unique music education for the elementary students of San Marcos. We are thrilled to expand our reach into your area!" Thank you again for partnering with us to ensure that vital music education programs will continue for your community, we are very grateful!
The Brother Benno Foundation
The Brother Benno Foundation sincerely thanks the San Marcos Community Foundation for the generous grant of $1,500 to help us carry out our mission of "uplifting the dignity of those in need." The grant funds were used to provide 7,500 diapers to low-income families with infants and toddlers.
Feeding San Diego
Feeding San Diego appreciates the San Marcos Community Foundation's continued support of the food security and health of residents in their area struggling with hunger. We are proud to provide resources to San Marcos Community Members in need through our Mobile Pantry program, delivering access to the fresh, no-cost food they need to maintain and active and healthy lifestyle. The SMCF's generous $10,000 donation, awarded in May 2018, was spent to support our Mobile Pantry operations in the area. In the first six months of the grant period, the Mobile Pantry distributed 162,414 lbs. of food (135,345) meals to San Marcos residents and we are on track to meet our goals in the area for the year. Feedback fro our San Marcos clients shows the impact your grant has made in their health and food security: 100% reported eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains; 96% prepare more meals at home; and 77% eat less unhealthy food. We deeply appreciate the partnership of the San Marcos Community Foundation as we continue to work toward food security in our community.
Meals on Wheels San Diego County
With funding from the San Marcos Community Foundation, Meals on Wheels San Diego County (MOWSDC) provided 18,068 nutritious, personally delivered meals to 137 (unduplicated) San Marcos seniors. MOWSDC volunteers and staff also provide safety and wellness checks for these seniors, ensuring prompt alerts are sent to family and social service agencies when signs of illness or safety concerns are observed. Thank you again for your continued support to vulnerable seniors in the City of San Marcos.