Healing Through the Arts and Nature Initiative Prebys Foundation Funding Opportunity
The Prebys Foundation is a San Diego-based philanthropic organization that invests in arts and culture, health and well-being, medical research, and youth success. Through grants, partnerships, and community initiatives, the Foundation seeks to create a more equitable, healthy, and connected San Diego County.
Healing Through the Arts and Nature Initiative (Most Relevant to NeuroArts)
The Healing Through the Arts and Nature Initiative is the Prebys Foundation's most directly NeuroArts-relevant funding opportunity. The initiative supports nonprofit organizations that use arts, culture, and nature-based programming to improve mental, emotional, and community well-being. Unlike traditional arts grants, this program explicitly recognizes creativity, cultural participation, and nature engagement as pathways to health, healing, resilience, and social connection.
Why It Is Relevant to NeuroArts
This initiative aligns exceptionally well with NeuroArts principles because it funds programs that leverage artistic and cultural experiences to improve health outcomes, mental well-being, belonging, emotional resilience, and quality of life. Projects involving music, dance, visual arts, storytelling, creative aging, community arts, arts-based mental health interventions, and culturally grounded healing practices would be strong conceptual fits.
Who Can Apply?
- Nonprofit organizations
- Fiscally sponsored projects
- Community-based organizations serving San Diego County
- Organizations using arts, culture, or nature as tools for healing and well-being
Geographic Scope
- San Diego County, California
Funding Amount
The most recent initiative distributed $5.2 million to 50 organizations supporting healing, wellness, and community connection through arts, culture, and nature. Individual award amounts have ranged from approximately $10,000 to $150,000 depending on project scope.
Previously Funded Projects
Funded organizations have supported activities such as:
- Visual arts and community arts programs
- Dance and movement initiatives
- Storytelling and cultural programming
- Youth mental health programs
- Nature-based healing experiences
- Community wellness and belonging initiatives
- Creative expression and resilience-building activities
Recent Awards & Investments
Notable Prebys investments relevant to NeuroArts include:
- $5.2 million to 50 organizations through the Healing Through the Arts and Nature Initiative (2026).
- $10.4 million to advance visual and performing arts across San Diego County (2024).
- $16 million invested to strengthen San Diego's arts ecosystem and cultural infrastructure.
- $6 million supporting youth mental and emotional well-being programs (2024).
Additional NeuroArts-Relevant Opportunities
Arts Ecosystem: Venues & Spaces
A current arts funding initiative supporting arts and cultural organizations that increase access to arts experiences through community venues and creative spaces. Funding can support programming, infrastructure, collaborations, accessibility improvements, and community-centered arts engagement. Grants are available up to $250,000, with approximately 30–35 awards anticipated.
Eligibility:
- 501(c)(3), fiscally sponsored, or Tribal organizations
- Located in and serving San Diego County
- Arts and culture must be central to the organization's mission.
Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana
A newer initiative launched in partnership with regional organizations that provides $1.3 million in direct artist funding, professional development, entrepreneurship training, and research focused on strengthening the creative workforce across the San Diego–Tijuana region.
Application Process
Prebys no longer relies solely on traditional annual grant cycles. Depending on the initiative, funding opportunities may be offered through:
- Open applications
- Requests for proposals (RFPs)
- Invitation-only opportunities
- Community-led grantmaking processes
Applicants are encouraged to monitor the Foundation's grants page and subscribe to updates for new opportunities.
Upcoming Opportunities
Current and upcoming opportunities are posted on the Foundation's grants portal. As of 2026, opportunities include:
- Arts Ecosystem: Venues & Spaces
- Artists Count: San Diego + Tijuana
- Future Health & Well-Being initiatives
- Future Arts & Culture funding rounds
NeuroArts Funding Fit
Relevance: Very High
Best For:
- Arts and health programs
- Creative aging initiatives
- Arts-based mental health interventions
- Community wellness projects
- Social prescribing and belonging initiatives
- Music, storytelling, dance, visual arts, and culturally grounded healing programs
Among regional foundations, Prebys is notable because it funds both arts and culture and health and well-being, and has explicitly invested millions of dollars in initiatives that use creative experiences to support healing, resilience, and community connection.