Cart 0
Cart 0

Many San Carlos Restaurants are open for take-out or delivery orders. Several are also supporting hospital staff and frontline workers. Support our local businesses, hospitals and frontline workers.

Support San Carlos Small Businesses

(Image and Business name to go GoFundMe fundraising page)

 

Boondocks Barbershop Relief

To our Boondocks family,
It is with a heavy heart I am having to do this. Times are uncertain and as of now there has been no relief from the government.

I have applied for all the loans and unemployment.

Every dollar counts. Whatever you can do is much appreciated. I want to thank everyone who has already donated. If anyone knows of big business’s that are truly donating with no strings attached and immediate help please contact me. We can not wait to see you all back in our chairs. 


Broadway Babies & Kids

Support Broadway Babies & Kids COVID-19 Relief


The Cut Barbershop

The recent Shelter in Place order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are closing The Cut Barbershop  until further notice. We’re a small business we can’t provide our services we don’t get paid. This global pandemic is something none of us saw coming, But here we are, trying our best to stay positive, to support our community by doing what is being asked staying home and keeping others safe. The barbershop is more than just a place to get your haircut It’s a community. We don’t want to lose this special place. In order to ensure we have a place to provide services when the shelter in place is lifted, we are asking for your help. All funds raised will go towards paying the shop bills and upkeep that will be hard to met due to our inability to work for our customers. The community’s health and safety is our highest priority. We thank you for even the smallest donation and we look forward to serving you hopefully sooner than later. take care and be safe


cuisinett

Keep Cuisinett Alive - Cuisinett is a local restaurant serving Regional French Comfort Food. We are located in San Carlos, California. The restaurant opened in 2011 and we had to closed on 03/18/2020 due to the Pandemic Covid-19. We are looking to be able to reopen mid-April or when it will be safe to reopen. Raising money will help us to get back on our feet to pay our employees, the rent and our vendors. Restaurants is a tough business and we do not have much cash flow to survive. This Pandemic has proven how the restaurant industry is so vulnerable. Any support will be gladly welcome and our team cannot wait to cook and serve you again.


DelizIe

Like so many of our friends, family & other restaurant owners DELIZIE has been forced to shut down indefinitely and lay off all staff until it is safe to return to work. We are heartbroken, but will not be defeated. 100% of the funds raised here will be distributed to our hourly staff, distributor, utilities, etc. If you can & wish to support the DELIZIE business as well, to ensure we all have a job to come back to you in your possibility. We can’t appreciate enough from the bottom of our hearts for your continued support, and we eagerly anticipate the chance to continue our service to the San Carlos Community for many more years to come stronger than ever. We love you & we love our community. #for all the donors every $50 donation receive one bottle of red wine. (Please email to us your info phone number & address). Once this nightmare is over we’ll distribute the wine to each one of you as sign of appreciation. Grazie mille Love ❤️ Francesco & Delizie team


Explore Culinary Arts

Local cooking school in need of support.


number5kitchen

number5kitchen Community Meal Fund - Will you help us feed more people in our community? The need is huge and growing. This batch fed 150 men, women and children in Redwood City on a rainy Monday night. We're partnering with Street Life Ministries to provide hot meals to those in need. 100% goes toward the meals at their weekly distributions in Redwood City and beyond. $100 will feed 15 adults. number5kitchen is our dream come true - opening a restaurant in our own neighborhood to bring people together through good food made with awesome local ingredients. My own family lives here, my kid goes to school here, we walk our dog in these very streets we put our lifesavings into to build a business from scratch. We just want to help in any way we can. Thank you for your support! If you get the chance, check out our to-go menu at the website (www.number5kitchen.com) Stay well! Henry Eng Chef/Owner number5kitchen 663 Laurel St, San Carlos CA 94070 #SmallBusinessRelief



One Life Counseling Center

ONE BOX FOR ONE LIFE - Since Covid-19 started, we have become a vital resource for our community, providing Food and Basic Essentials to the underserved and unemployed.

During Fridays’ distribution there were over 300 cars in line for food and essential items.  Sadly, we turned away 50 cars because we did not have enough to give out.  Some people cried, some were gracious and some were angry.  Our staff members and volunteers were devastated we could not do more today.  But together,  we can do more, please help us help others.

Our gracious ask is to donate whatever you can, but our goal is 1000 boxes of food and essentials at an average cost of $14. This includes a roll of toilet paper, fresh fruit, a small ziploc of rice, canned food, a dozen eggs and other essential items.

We respectfully ask you to donate whatever you can, knowing that one box is $14. Families all around us are hurting, and this donation WILL make a difference.  

Update: We are incredibly thankful for your generous donations thus far.  This is a wonderful example of our community taking care of each other. Please continue to share our link with friends & families.  

visit      www.onelifecounselingcenter.com. Help Spread the Word!


the Reading Bug Bookstore

We know that there are many important causes that need support right now. Please, donate what you can, wherever you can - as we all face uncertainty in our future. And, if you choose to donate to us, in any amount, we are truly grateful. The funds given to this campaign will go towards near-term rent, salaries, employee healthcare, vendor and utility payments and will help us continue to be a part of the community for many years to come. 
Thank you for your continued support, your kind words through this difficult time, and for keeping us in your community and in your lives.


tamari Georgian Restaurant

We put a lot of effort in opening our restaurant - Tamari Authentic Georgian Cuisine -  in the Bay Area.  After two weeks of successful operation we were forced to close due to the COVID-19.  Our customers, who became friends in such a short period of time, suggested that we open this donation site. All the money will go to support the operation and employee wages. 
Thanks for your support! Tamari Team


The Refuge

For the past 12 years, the REFUGE has tried to bring the most enigmatic, iconic food to the Bay Area. Whether it's our hand-carved  navel pastrami, the truly authentic Philly CheeseSteaks, or the finest craft beer on the planet, we have done our utmost to protect the origins of true "food of the heart". Now, the REFUGE finds itself on the ropes. We were forced to close both locations (San Carlos and Menlo Park) to protect the health and safety of our employees and the community. COVID-19 is wreaking havoc in the restaurant industry. We are all fighting for survival. We are trying to raise money for the heart and soul of the REFUGE, our employees.  We had no choice but to lay off all 70 people. 100% of funds raised will go directly to help employees who are now struggling to make ends meet. Our employees are some of the finest people that we know. They have given the best years of their life to the REFUGE. Many of you already know them by name. We know we will come back... stronger than ever! Our commitment is to retain the best team in the business. Please help, if you can. THE EAGLE WILL FLY AGAIN Thank you so much for your support, With much love, Matt Levin & Melanie Roth


town

The Avenir Family Meal Fund - We have received an overwhelming response from our patrons and guests asking how they can help the staff at Alpine Inn, Milagros, Nola, and Town - so here is your chance! With your help, we will be able to provide daily, nutritious, hot meals out of our Milagros kitchen to our employees and their families who are most affected by the current circumstances. Opening our kitchens back up also allows a number of our employees to get back to work and feed hundreds of people in need. We have assembled an incredible task force from our management team as well as members of the community that have been working around the clock to make this happen.


 
 

BalBi Golf

GoFundMe COVID-19 Small Business Relief is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Balbi Golf. Donate today to help this business apply for a matching grant from the Small Business Relief Fund.


 

The Bayside Broncos Youth Football and Cheer

Hello, we are raising money to benefit our youth football and cheer teams. The Bayside Broncos Youth Football and Cheer is a non-profit organization serving central San Mateo County for over 30 years.  We are dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of football and cheer to our youth, while focusing on the importance of academics.  Al Elzey is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Pop Warner Little Scholars Inc (Bayside Youth Football).  Donations are 100% tax deductible.


Level 10 Studio Hairdresser

It’s with an incredibly humbled heart that I’m reaching out to ask for support on behalf of the hairdressers @ Level 10 Studio, As you know we’ve been forced to close our doors and cancel all of our appointments, cutting off our ability to work to earn any income during this pandemic, unfortunately it hasn’t stopped the overhead costs. Not only each of our household expenses, but being that we’re all independent contractors we’ve still got our business expenses to continue to pay. Currently our landlord isn’t budging with any help on our rent and although we’ve applied for all the promised assistance, at this point there’s been no relief from the government. None of us know how long businesses will be shut down during the mandated lockdown and fear has us feeling the stress. We’re reaching out to you because you’re our family and friends. Any help is appreciated no matter the amount. Those of you that have helped, thank you so much! We can’t adequately express how much your love, concern and caring means to us! If you could share this to any and all we’d be forever grateful. We miss being at work and doing what we love and we are so anxious to come back and make you look amazing! All of us at Level 10 Studio, Erica, Alyssa, Diolinda & Astrid


PongPlanet

A couple of weeks ago, on March 16th, we made the decision to temporarily close our doors until safety from COVID-19 is assured.  The health and safety of our staff and clients are of utmost importance and we knew we had a responsibility to protect the surrounding community.
Like many other small businesses, we too have been deeply impacted by COVID-19. PongPlanet is already expecting over $50,000 in losses due to this closure.  It has also put a strain on our coaches.  If it is not too great of a financial burden, we humbly ask for a donation so we can keep the business afloat by helping our club and our coaches survive this tumultuous time. PongPlanet has been committed to providing a friendly learning and playing space for our members. We know with all our heart that it was your continuous love and support that allowed us to do just that for the last eight years. We hope to overcome this critical time and return to sharing our love for table tennis with all of you again. Thank you!


Salon Vivo

The impact of the coronavirus has extended far beyond those who have become infected. Entire communities now face a very unfamiliar shelter in place and quarantines as well. In the hair service industry, we rely on our wonderful clients like you to keep us up and running on a daily basis and the sad fact is we are unable to open our salon to you at this time.Your thoughtful donation will go towards the entire salon as a whole. We will get through this with the love and support of all of you!


San Carlos Aviation & Supply

The coronavirus pandemic has really impacted our business in such a way that it will make it very difficult for us to keep our doors open. We run the retail store ad the airport in San Carlos, CA and also run a limousine and rental car service. With the pandemic nobody is flying commercially nor are student pilots learning how to fly so our revenues are almost standing at zero $$. This stay at home order will end at a certain time but our fixed costs are there and have to be taken card as well as insurances. will appreciate all the help. Thanks, Hans P. Plesman.


Shine Hair Studio

Due to our government's shelter in place and since we aren't an essential business I had to temporarily close Shine Hair Studio for everyones safety.  It will be 2 years in May since I opened my own business along with Maritza and Nina.  Many clients like the comfort, intimacy and hospitality of the salon and our creativity with their hair.   We are independent contractors and we don't get paid if we aren't providing our services.  Meanwhile we have to support our families and support the community by staying at home to be safe from the pandemic of the COVID-19.   The funds will be used for the salons bills, rent and products in order for us to keep our business running when the shelter in place is lifted.  We will appreciate anything that can help us during this unexpected tough time. #smallbusinessrelief #coronavirus #COVID-19 .         www.Shinehairstudio-sc.com

Announcing:

Fall 2026 Community Grant Round

The Community Foundation of San Carlos envisions a community where everyone can thrive and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

To advance this vision, we invest in local nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life for people who live, work, learn, and play in San Carlos. Through community-funded grants, we support organizations addressing local needs, creating opportunities, and strengthening connections across our community.

Funding PRIORITIES

We support local nonprofit organizations whose work improves the quality of life for members of the San Carlos community.

Applications are evaluated on:

  • Demonstrated impact on the San Carlos community

  • Alignment with community needs

  • Organizational effectiveness and sustainability

  • The extent to which grant funding will help advance the organization's goals

We encourage applications from nonprofit organizations with annual operating expenses of less than $1.5 million in their most recently completed fiscal year. Financial and tax documentation is required as part of the application process.

Because community impact is central to our mission, applicants will be asked to describe how their programs and services benefit people in San Carlos.

What we Fund

We believe nonprofits are best positioned to determine how resources can be used most effectively to fulfill their missions. For this reason, our grants primarily support general operating expenses.

Applicants are asked to describe:

  • The community needs their organization addresses

  • The impact of their work in the San Carlos Community (those who live, work, learn, and play in San Carlos) 

  • How grant funding will help them achieve their goals

grant awards

Grant awards typically range from $2,000 to $15,000.

Funding decisions are based on available resources, application strength, community impact, and alignment with Foundation priorities. Because requests typically exceed available funding, applicants are encouraged to request the amount that is most critical to achieving their objectives.

who we fund

The Foundation funds applicants who:

  • Are a qualified nonprofit organization or have an eligible fiscal sponsor

  • Have annual operating expenses of less than $1.5 million

  • Demonstrate meaningful impact within the San Carlos community

The Foundation does not fund:

  • Organizations with annual operating expenses exceeding $1.5 million

  • Organizations whose primary purpose is fundraising

  • Private foundations

  • Fundraising events

  • Political activities or campaigns

  • Religious activities or programs intended primarily for religious purposes

  • Deficit reduction or reserve funding

  • Basic research

where grant funds come from

The Foundation's Grant Program is funded through:

  1. Returns generated by the Foundation's endowment

  2. Donations from individuals and families

  3. Support from government grants, business sponsors, and philanthropic partners

Together, these investments allow us to direct resources back into the community each year.

grant Cycle

The Foundation conducts one grant cycle annually.

2026–2027 Key Dates

August 12: Grant Application Opens

September 15: Grant Applications Due

September 17 – October 20: Community Review and Evaluation

December: Board Approval of Grant Recommendations

January: Grant Recipients Announced

Grant Reporting

Grant funds should be expended by June 30, 2027.

In May 2027, grantees will be asked to complete a brief impact report describing:

  • How grant funds were used

  • Progress toward stated objectives

  • Outcomes achieved for the community

Submission of a final report is required for consideration in future grant cycles.

 
 

Join Us In Supporting
Great Local Area Nonprofits

If you are interested in joining the team of grant readers, please fill out an Application Form. Team members are required to attend a training session in late summer, read and score 5-10 applications against a common set of criteria, and provide your input in early October. If you have approximately 12-15 hours in September/October 2027 and have a passion to support San Carlos through the power of our local nonprofits, consider joining us as a Grant Reader.

 

Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions about the Grants program or application process, please contact grants@sancarloscf.org.

 
unsplash-image-tk9RQCq5eQo.jpg