Dr. Seuss Foundation Bright Futures Grant

Dr. Seuss Foundation Bright Futures Grant is sponsored by The Dr. Seuss Foundation and The San Diego Foundation. This grant, in partnership with The San Diego Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations for early literacy and social-emotional development programs for children up to age 8. The goal is to strengthen literacy skills and provide positive experiential activities.

Dr. Seuss Foundation and San Diego Foundation Offer $2 Million in Early Literacy Grants Through New Common Application | San Diego Foundation Read in English Leer en Español Dr. Seuss Foundation and San Diego Foundation Offer $2 Million in Early Literacy Grants Through New Common Application January 20, 2026 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Foundation and the Dr. Seuss Foundation today released a new common application that gives local nonprofits access to two early childhood grant opportunities totaling $2 million.

The coordinated approach makes it easier for organizations serving young children and families to apply, while providing more stable support for early literacy and healthy development as demand grows and funding uncertainty continues.

The shared application provides access to two initiatives — Ready to Learn and Bright Futures — supporting early literacy, school readiness and social-emotional development for children from birth through age 8.

“The continued partnership between the Dr. Seuss Foundation and San Diego Foundation reflects our shared commitment to strengthening early childhood education in our community,” said Katie Rast, Chief Executive Officer of the Dr. Seuss Foundation . “We are pleased to align in support of efforts that help to ensure that children develop a lifelong love of learning.

” “This collaborative investment in our region supports programs that prepare children to transition from learning to read to reading to learn,” said Brian Schottlaender, Board Chair and President of the Dr. Seuss Foundation .

“Early childhood organizations are doing essential work at a time when funding stability is far from guaranteed,” said Pamela Gray Payton, Vice President, Chief Impact and Partnerships Officer, San Diego Foundation .

“This common application was intentionally designed to make the process easier, more accessible and more responsive to the realities nonprofits are facing while continuing to invest in long-term solutions that help children build strong foundations for learning and well-being.

” 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.

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. Applications will be reviewed jointly by San Diego Foundation and the Dr. Seuss Foundation.

Nonprofits are encouraged to share how funding would help address operational pressures, strengthen collaboration and sustain high-quality programs for children and families. The joint grantmaking effort builds on a multi-year partnership between San Diego Foundation and the Dr. Seuss Foundation that has already awarded almost $5 million to local organizations serving young children and families.

In 2025, the Dr. Seuss Foundation established a $15 million endowment at San Diego Foundation to provide long-term, sustainable support for early literacy efforts across the region.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving San Diego County can access the FY26 Dr. Seuss Foundation & San Diego Foundation Common Application through San Diego Foundation’s online grant portal: Click “Apply” for the FY26 DSF & SDF Common Application Applications are open now and must be submitted by 5 p. m. PDT on Friday, Feb.

20, 2026 . Dr. Seuss Foundation believes in the critical importance of early childhood education. The Foundation creates partnerships and funds programs that inspire learning, spark imagination, and expand opportunities for all children.

Because children’s brains are 90 percent developed by the age of five and research shows strong outcomes for students who read at grade level by the end of third grade, the Dr. Seuss Foundation takes a special interest in supporting programs that enhance literacy development from birth through third grade. Learn more at drseussfoundation. org .

San Diego Foundation believes in just, equitable and resilient communities where every San Diegan can prosper, thrive and feel like they belong. We partner with donors, nonprofits and regional leaders to co-create solutions that respond to community needs and strengthen San Diego. Since our founding in 1975, our community foundation has granted $1.

8 billion to nonprofits to improve quality of life in San Diego County and beyond. Nancy Ives Schroeder | 619-540-3751 | [email protected] Dr. Seuss Foundation Ready to Learn What a Strong Start Can Mean for a Growing Family $250,000 REI Grant Expands Outdoor Learning & Recreation Opportunities for San Diego County Youth More Than $1.

5 Million in New Unity Fund Grants Will Help Keep Essential Services Within Reach for San Diegans More Than $800,000 in Grants Will Bring More Trees, Gardens and Restored Natural Spaces to San Diego County Neighborhoods