Reimagining San Francisco Launches Pilot Rapid Response Fund

We’re excited to announce the launch of the Reimagining San Francisco Rapid Response Fund, a new pilot grant opportunity to support on-the-ground projects that improve biodiversity and equitable access to nature for all San Franciscans. This fund is made possible thanks to a generous gift from the Schmidt Family Foundation. 

This pilot funding program is designed to respond quickly to urgent funding needs, take advantage of unexpected opportunities, and foster collaboration among members of the Reimagining San Francisco (RSF) alliance. This $90,000 discretionary fund will enable the Alliance to pilot a program that supports projects led collaboratively by RSF member organizations. The Selection Committee will prioritize proposals that align with RSF values and outcomes, particularly those based in high-priority environmental justice areas or serving historically underserved, low-income, or communities of color.

Who is eligible?

• Awards will be granted to 501(c)(3) organizations or projects fiscally sponsored by 501(c)(3) organizations. 

• Current RSF Members - Want to join RSF, click here

  • Please note that, unfortunately, the RSF Steering Committee will not be able to process new member requests before the application deadline. We appreciate your understanding.

  • We strongly encourage our members and outside organizations to collaborate on a grant application.

• Eligible projects will occur in the City and County of San Francisco.

• Organizations or fiscally sponsored projects with operating budgets under $2 million dollars.

Projects eligible for funding: 

Proposals eligible for Rapid Response Awards might be components of a larger project or, in some cases, pilots or proof-of-concept projects that help build partnerships and strengthen the RSF member network, increase biodiversity, access to nature-filled spaces, and climate resilience.

Projects considered for funding may include, but are not limited to:

• Increasing Biodiversity

Installation of planters, native plants, or landscaping materials to enhance public or shared spaces, such as parks, schoolyards, community centers, street medians, as a way to increase biodiversity and distribute nature more equitably throughout San Francisco.

• Increasing or Improving Access to Nature

Projects that increase or improve access to nature-filled spaces, especially in communities and people that have historically had limited access. This may include, creating or enhancing walking paths, entrances to parks, signage, seating, or other features that make nature spaces more welcoming, accessible, and safe for all community members. 

• Protecting Nature and Public Education 

Projects that need fencing, interpretive signage, and other materials needed to protect sensitive habitats and educate the public. This includes existing education programming that organizations have already established that educates the community about local biodiversity.

• Community Science and Monitoring 

Community-based projects that are seeking training, tools, and materials that enable biodiversity monitoring in San Francisco and contribute to RSF’s data gathering efforts and 30x30 goals.

• Project Implementation

Costs related to necessary permits, design plans, or technical analysis (e.g. geotechnical assessments, soil testing) that are critical to advancing or completing an existing project that meets RSF outcomes and values. 

Application Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Project Overview and Urgency (40%)

Clarity of the project’s goals and objectives, its responsiveness to an immediate or time-sensitive need, and its alignment with RSF’s values and outcomes related to biodiversity and equitable access to nature.

• Partnerships (15%)

Demonstrates strong, collaborative leadership through active partnership among three or more RSF member organizations, highlighting the depth and quality of their collaboration.

• Community Impact & Equity (35%)

Demonstrates clear, measurable benefits for Environmental Justice Communities and communities of people with limited access to nature. Projects meaningfully and intentionally involve communities in the project’s design and implementation. 

• Budget and Use of Funds (5%)

Shows clarity and feasibility of the budget, including a detailed breakdown of costs, and transparent distribution of funds among project partners. Requested funds must be used appropriately to achieve project goals. Applicants should also identify any additional funding sources, whether secured or pending. 

• Implementation Plan & Timeline (5%)

Demonstrates project readiness and the feasibility of completing all activities within the required timeframe (12-18 months). A strong application will include clear start and end dates, a realistic implementation plan, and a timeline that aligns with project goals.

Grant Selection Committee

The Selection Committee will be made up of RSF members who aren’t eligible for a grant (such as government agencies), maintain relationships and partnerships with RSF members, and understand the organizational and partner landscape of San Francisco. They include representatives of the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco Environment Department, San Francisco Children & Nature, and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

If selected for a grant: 

Due to high demand and limited funds, Rapid Response Awards will support a limited percentage of overhead, administrative, or indirect costs (maximum of 10% per org; member organizations that operate with a fiscal sponsor may be an exception). In some cases, funds may be used to purchase materials or pay fees and thus may not be transferred to another member organization. In addition, city and other public agencies may not be funded directly through these awards, though they could still be a partner on a funded project. The Selection Committee will make funding decisions in early December after the submission of a request. Once funds are awarded, the work needs to be completed within 12-18 months. 

How to submit a proposal

Proposals will be accepted via an online form. Awards are anticipated to be between $2,000 and $15,000. Review and selection of awards will be done by a small committee of RSF members.

• You can preview the application questions here.

Funding Details

• Grant amounts: $2,000 – $15,000

• Application deadline: Applications must be submitted by November 3, 2025 by 11:59pm.

• Decisions will be made in early December.

Questions?

Please direct any questions or issues with the application to RSF Program Manager, Álvaro Casanova at acasanova@calacademy.org.