Sand n' Straw Foundation
Your Gift Opens the Farm Gate
Every child deserves the chance to discover the wonder of learning outdoors.
Sand n’ Straw Foundation is the charitable nonprofit supporting scholarships and farm-based education through the Sand n’ Straw family of organizations, including Sand n’ Straw Community Farm and Young Pioneers.
Through our first annual Open the Farm Gate Scholarship Campaign, we are raising funds to help 22 children from 15 families attend Young Pioneers this year.
Many of these families are military families and single-parent households who simply need a helping hand.
Why We Open the Farm Gate
Over the years, we have met families who deeply wanted their children to experience Young Pioneers but could not make it fit within their budget.
We have watched children thrive when given the opportunity to spend time on the farm — planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, caring for animals, baking bread, exploring science outdoors, and discovering God’s creation through hands-on learning.
We believe finances should never be the reason a child misses the chance to learn, grow, and belong here.
Every gift, no matter the size, helps open the farm gate for another child.
Your Gift Makes a Difference
$25 helps provide supplies and materials for hands-on farm learning.
$50 helps provide a day of outdoor education for a scholarship student.
$100 supports a meaningful portion of one child’s scholarship.
$257 sponsors one child at Young Pioneers for one month.
$500 helps strengthen the scholarship fund for this season and future families.
$1,000 helps open the farm gate for multiple children and supports the educational spaces where they learn.
Every donation helps grow more than food.
It grows curiosity, confidence, practical skills, friendship, and a deeper connection to the land, the food that nourishes us, and the wonder of childhood.
Where Your Gift Goes
Open the Farm Gate - Young Pioneers Scholarships
Help children attend Young Pioneers outdoor enrichment sessions at Sand n’ Straw Community Farm.
A gift to Open the Farm Gate provides tuition assistance for children whose families could not otherwise access hands-on farm-based learning.
Children plant seeds, harvest vegetables, cook from the garden, care for animals, explore nature, study science outdoors, and discover the wonder of God’s creation while building confidence, responsibility, friendships, and a deeper understanding of where food comes from.
Harvest Hope
Fresh Food, Farm Shares & Community Education
Help more families connect with fresh food, farming, and hands-on learning.
A gift to Harvest Hope supports farm shares, workshops, tours, and seasonal educational experiences for families and community groups who need financial support to participate.
This fund helps families experience healthy food, practical garden education, and the joy of learning together on the farm.
Plant It Forward
Farm Stewardship, Fruit Trees & Growing Spaces
Help care for the land that makes this learning possible.
A gift to Plant It Forward supports the ongoing stewardship of our six-acre farm, including fruit tree care, soil health, chemical-free growing practices, educational gardens, animal spaces, and the hands-on learning areas where children and families grow, discover, and connect.
This fund helps ensure the farm continues to serve children and families for years to come.
Growing Impact
Since 2021, scholarship requests have continued to grow as more families discover Young Pioneers and the life-giving experiences children receive on the farm.
Families Supported Through Scholarships
2021–22 — 10 families supported
2022–23 — 14 families supported
2023–24 — 16 families supported
2024–25 — 25 families supported
2025–26 — 26 families supported
2026–27 — 22 families currently hoping for scholarships
Since 2021, 91 families have received scholarship support through Sand n’ Straw Foundation.
Each number represents a real family who was able to experience hands-on learning, food education, outdoor discovery, and the wonder of the farm because someone chose to give.
As the need continues to grow, so does our invitation to the community: help us open the farm gate for the next child, the next family, and the next season.
For major gifts, monthly giving, grant partnerships, or questions about directing your donation, please contact us. We would be grateful to share more about our programs, impact, and financial stewardship.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes. Sand n' Straw Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN 83-0645068.
Can I direct my gift to a specific program?
Yes. Gifts can be designated toward the Young Pioneers Scholarship Fund, the Community Harvest Fund, or the Farm Education and Stewardship Fund. To designate your gift or discuss a major donation, contact us at april@sandnstraw.com or (760) 575-4758.
How much does it cost to sponsor a child through Young Pioneers?
A gift of $250 provides one full month of Young Pioneers outdoor enrichment for one child in need at Sand n' Straw Community Farm in Vista, California.
Does Sand n' Straw Foundation accept grants?
Yes. We welcome inquiries from foundations and corporate giving programs. We can provide program data, impact metrics, financial summaries, and a formal letter of inquiry on request. Please contact us to begin the conversation.
How do I make a major gift or multi-year commitment?
Contact April Viles directly at april@sandnstraw.com or by phone at (760) 575-4758. We are happy to discuss designated giving, pledge arrangements, and grant partnerships.
Sand n Straw Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution helps provide scholarships, educational programs, and hands-on outdoor learning opportunities. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. EIN 83-0645068.