Applications are open for Dr. Seuss Foundation and San Diego Foundation Joint Grantmaking Effort
January 20, 2026
< BACKSince 2022, the Dr. Seuss Foundation (DSF) and San Diego Foundation (SDF) have collaborated to award nearly $5 million to local organizations offering high-quality early educational opportunities and programs for children and families in San Diego County. To date, this collaborative grantmaking effort has supported 40+ nonprofit partners in providing critical services to more than 70,000 individuals, including 37,000 children aged 0-5.
Launched in Spring 2025 through the support of a $15 million endowment established by the Dr. Seuss Foundation at SDF, the joint Ready to Learn initiative aims to provide sustainable, long-term funding to support early literacy efforts for children up to age 5 in the San Diego region for years to come.
This month, the Dr. Seuss Foundation launched the Bright Futures initiative to support organizations that strengthen the foundations of early literacy and promote healthy social emotional development through experiential learning opportunities for children up to age 8.
One Application. Two Grant Opportunities.
DSF and SDF are pleased to announce the creation of a “common app” that will provide access to two aligned funding opportunities through a single application. Applicants will be eligible for funding from the Ready to Learn initiative, the Dr. Seuss Foundation’s Bright Futures initiative, or both, based on their alignment with the grant guidelines that follow below.
1. Bright Futures Grant
Bright Futures, a Dr. Seuss Foundation initiative, supports organizations serving children up to age 8 and emphasizes early literacy, school readiness, playful and experiential learning, and social-emotional development. Bright Futures is also committing $1 million in total funding, with grants of up to $60,000 per organization.
2. Ready to Learn Grant
Ready to Learn, administered by San Diego Foundation in partnership with the Dr. Seuss Foundation, supports programs serving children from birth to age 5 and focuses on early literacy, language development, family-centered learning and strengthening provider expertise. The initiative is committing $1 million in total funding, with grants of up to $60,000 per organization.
Common Application Details
A single application allows organizations to be considered for either or both of the grant opportunities.
This common application approach is designed to decrease administrative burden for local nonprofits while expanding access to funding opportunities for organizations serving children and families across San Diego County.
Detailed information about this opportunity, including grant goals, objectives and FAQ’s, can be found in the links below.
Eligible applicants: 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving San Diego County
Funding available: Up to $2 million total
Max grant amount: $60,000
Deadline: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PDT