We encourage you to review this FAQ page for quick answers to your most common questions. From what we fund to how we select grantees and our grantmaking priorities, this section will give you a strong understanding of Prebys Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of the foundation?
Founded through the generous and lasting gift of Conrad Prebys, the foundation awarded its first grants in 2020 and launched public grantmaking in 2021.
How has your grantmaking and priorities evolved?
Since beginning grantmaking in 2020 with a focus on responding to the COVID-19 crisis, the Prebys Foundation has evolved toward more strategic, research-informed investments grounded in learning alongside San Diego community. Our 2023 Strategy Plan clarified four core priorities — arts and culture, youth success, health and well-being, and medical research — while maintaining flexibility to address urgent regional needs. Looking ahead, we are deepening our commitments through stronger partnerships to help build a more equitable and dynamic San Diego County.
What are the foundation’s learning priorities?
Our learning priorities align with our strategic goals, which directly inform our grantmaking. They focus on understanding and addressing barriers to a healthy, resilient San Diego — where accessible and well stewarded green and blue spaces, vibrant arts and culture, and equitable opportunities for healing, well-being, and economic growth are available to all.
We believe learning is strongest when it is shared. By learning alongside our grantees and community partners, we develop grantmaking and learning strategies that advance our mission and strengthen the broader San Diego community.
How do you measure impact?
We define “impact” as lasting, sustainable change in systems and in how communities experience, navigate, and shape those systems — not simply positive results from individual or short-term interventions. We recognize that we do not own impact or the stories that demonstrate it; rather, we see ourselves as one participant in a broader ecosystem that helps make impact possible.
Grounded in this understanding, our approach to measuring impact centers the lived experiences and knowledge of the people and organizations we support. Instead of placing the burden of proof solely on grantees, we partner with them and other community stakeholders to define meaningful short‑, mid‑, and long-term outcomes — the building blocks of impact — and to identify pathways for achieving them. We assess progress using a mix of qualitative and quantitative indicators, including observed shifts in policies and practices, resource flows, narratives, community feedback and lived experience, and other context-specific data.
We believe learning happens through collaboration. By co-creating solutions and maintaining ongoing dialogue, we aim to build long-term partnerships that strengthen grantees and advance shared impact goals.
What do you fund?
Guided by Conrad Prebys’ legacy, the Foundation strategically invests in four key areas:
Through our strategic plan and ongoing learning with community partners, we also make targeted investments in the broader ecosystem that supports these priorities — strengthening nonprofit capacity, catalytic leadership, and the civic infrastructure and dialogue essential to a thriving San Diego County.
What don't you fund?
Our funding is focused on initiatives that align with our core priority areas and pillars serving San Diego County. To stay focused and make the greatest impact, we generally do not fund:
- Capital campaigns or building projects
- Individual scholarships or tuition assistance
- One-time fundraising events and sponsorships
- Endowments
Who do you fund?
In general, the foundation awards grants to organizations with 501c3 status, organizations that are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3), and tribal entities. At present, the foundation does not award grants to individuals. Individuals are supported through partnerships (e.g. Far South Border North and specific initiatives that typically direct grant funds to the awardee’s nonprofit (Prebys Leadership Awards, Prebys Research Heroes).
Where do you fund?
We are a place-based funder focused on San Diego County.
How do you fund?
Prebys awards grants aligned with its organizational goals and funding pillars through defined initiatives, which may include open or invitation-only opportunities, as well as through strategic conversations focused on regionwide issues of critical importance. In addition to grantmaking, the Foundation is making impact- and mission-aligned investments to put more of its assets in service of San Diego’s long-term well-being.
How do you select grantees?
We assess grants based on alignment with each initiative’s goals and criteria, opportunities to invest in underfunded and underserved communities, and our learning priorities. To ensure alignment, applicants are encouraged to read initiative details closely.
We may also consider populations served, geographic location, project design, strength of partnerships, and other factors, depending on the initiative. While there are no requirements around budget and history, organizational health is considered.
Do you do sponsorships?
In general, the foundation does not sponsor events.
What does reporting look like?
Reporting varies based on program initiatives, timelines, learning questions, and other initiative-specific factors. In some cases, reporting may involve submitting a narrative detailing successes, challenges, and lessons learned, while in others, it may include site visits where foundation and community partners engage in dialogue to deepen their understanding of a shared project or initiative.
A key component of our approach is recognizing assessment and evaluation as tools for learning. These tools help us draw meaningful conclusions about our work to inform future decisions about continuing or adjusting strategies.
How do I learn about funding opportunities?
How do I provide feedback to the foundation?
We invite feedback through designated channels like surveys as well as direct communication. You can also submit feedback through our Contact page.
Do you provide feedback to applicants?
Yes.
Foundation staff contact every applicant during the application process by phone and email. Whether your request is funded or not, we are happy to provide feedback during our initial phone call or by scheduling a later time to speak.
I received a grant from the foundation and the term is ending. How do I get renewed funding for my project/organization?
Thank you for the important work you are doing! Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee funding beyond the term of an organization’s contract. Please reach out to your program officer with specific questions around renewal.
Unless otherwise communicated, current grantees are eligible to apply for open opportunities on our grants page.
How do I get face time with someone?
The easiest way to connect with foundation staff is to visit our contact page. This will help us gather your information and identify who the right person might be for you to connect with is.
I have a great program outside of San Diego County. Will you consider it?
The foundation prioritizes San Diego County but evaluates exceptional cases. Reach out via our contact page for further review.
I need help with my Grant Portal account, or have another question about Fluxx.
If you are a current grantee partner, please contact your program officer for assistance.
How can I learn more about Impact Investing and Prebys Ventures?
You can learn more about our impact investing and Prebys Ventures through the following resources:
Where can I find the Prebys logo and branding information?
The Prebys logo and brand guidelines toolkit are available on our resource page.
Do I need to acknowledge the Prebys Foundation on communications and materials related to my grant?
Prebys does not require partners and grantees to credit us or mention us in your communications. However, if you choose to mention Prebys in your communications, we encourage you to uplift your stories and program and mention Prebys at the end of your caption, newsletter, etc.
Here are sample credit lines you may use:
This {program/project title} has been made possible in part by Prebys Foundation.
The {program/project title} is sponsored by Prebys Foundation.
How do I sign up for the Prebys newsletter and what can I expect?
Our bi-weekly newsletter helps you stay connected to grant opportunities, community events, and inspiring stories from nonprofit partners and changemakers across San Diego County.
What should we call you—Prebys Foundation or The Conrad Prebys Foundation?
We are legally both The Conrad Prebys Foundation and Prebys Foundation. In our everyday work and outreach, we go by Prebys Foundation, or simply Prebys, to be more approachable and forward-facing.
How is Prebys pronounced?
Prebys is pronounced preh-biss.
You can also check out this short video about common mispronunciations and the correct way to pronounce Prebys.