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Senior Scholarship

We Did It!

Goal Reached.

Thank you!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we have officially met our $10,000 goal for the Senior Scholarship Challenge! Your support turned a vision of supporting our Encinitas seniors into a reality.

These funds will help support the new City of Encinitas Senior Scholarship Program. Your donations will ensure that Encinitas residents age 60+ with an economic need can access all the adult art classes, fitness courses, and social programs that are so vital for health, connection, and lifelong learning.

Challenge Goal

50%

$5,000 raised from the Encinitas Community

The Match

50%

+$5,000 from The Encinitas Project Founders Circle Donors

Total Impact

100%

$10,000 for Senior Scholarships

Campaign Status: Fully Funded

Campaign Update: This specific campaign is now fully funded and we are no longer accepting restricted donations for this project. Any additional gifts received will be directed to our General Fund to support our ongoing mission.

What’s Next:

We are thrilled to be presenting a $10,000 check to the City of Encinitas. Stay tuned for photos and updates as we see your generosity put into action for our Encinitas seniors!

Keep the Momentum Going

While this challenge has reached its finish line, the work of The Encinitas Project is ongoing.

To help us remain responsive to the needs of our community, please consider a gift to our General Fund. These unrestricted gifts are the “fuel” of our organization—allowing us to seed our next fundraising initiative, share our mission, and serve Encinitas every day.

Support the General Fund

Apply for a Senior Scholarship

We believe every senior in Encinitas should have the opportunity to stay active and connected. The Senior Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for adult classes and activities offered by the City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department.

How to Apply

  1. Download: Click the button below to get the application form and guidelines.
  2. Fill Out: Complete the form. (Assistance is available if needed!)
  3. Submit: Return your completed application directly to the City of Encinitas.
Download Senior Scholarship Application

Program Details at a Glance:

  • Eligibility: Open to Encinitas residents age 60+ with economic need (as determined by the City).
  • Funding: Scholarships are capped at $300 per person, per calendar year.
  • Administration: This program is managed entirely by the City of Encinitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department. The Encinitas Project serves solely as a community fundraiser and does not exercise any discretion, review, or decision-making authority regarding scholarship applications, eligibility requirements, or the selection of recipients.

The Parks and Rec team is ready to help you with your application or to answer questions about eligible classes:

📞 Call: (760) 633-2740                  📧 Email: prca@encinitasca.gov

Ready to see what classes and programs are available?

Browse the City Activity Guide
Founders Circle

Join the Founders Circle

We invite you to join the Founders Circle, a special recognition level for our most dedicated individual and corporate supporters. As a member, you will play a crucial role in our mission’s success and connect directly with our leadership.

Individual Membership

  • Criteria:  Any individual donor who contributes a total of $1,000 or more between now and December 31, 2026.
  • Pledges Accepted:  We welcome pledges! Once your received contributions total $1,000, your name will be added to the recognition wall.

Business & Corporate Membership

We recognize that businesses have different capacities for giving. Corporate membership in the Founders Circle is determined by employee size:

Company Employee Size Minimum Contribution
1 – 19 Employees $1,000
20 – 50 Employees $2,500
51+ Employees $5,000
Donate Now

Founders Circle Recognition & Benefits

Joining the Founders Circle offers unique opportunities to engage with our work and receive recognition for your commitment:

  • Recognition: Once your $1,000 contribution/pledge (or minimum corporate level) is reached, your name (or company name) will be added to our online Founders Circle Recognition Wall.
  • Exclusive Town Halls: Participate in biannual “Town Halls” specifically for Founders Circle members. This is your chance to directly review our programs and successes, offer suggestions, and help shape our future.
  • Celebration Event: Be our honored guest at a special Founders Circle Celebration in January 2027. This event will bring all members together to recognize your collective impact and encourage networking.

Timeline Note: The qualifying period for all contributions and pledges runs through December 31, 2026.

Ready to make an impact?

Donate Now

Photo Courtesy of The Cali Life.