The Build OC Fund is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Orange County’s nonprofit organizations by funding capital projects.
Donor Name: Samueli Foundation
State: California
County: Orange County (CA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 06/27/2025
Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
According to the Orange County Nonprofit Needs Assessment, many Orange County nonprofit organizations are struggling with inadequate or unaffordable physical space. High rental costs, lack of long-term leases, and limited access to funding for facility improvements prevent organizations from expanding services, retaining staff, and providing welcoming, functional environments for their communities. The Build OC Fund will support:
- Facilities and/or land acquisition (i.e., to make a new purchase).
- New construction (i.e., to build a new building or an addition to an existing building).
- Renovation (i.e., to significantly revamp an existing facility or outdoor space).
- Repair (i.e., for maintenance or repair of a facility or outdoor space).
- Preservation (i.e., to maintain or repair existing historic structures).
- Equipment (i.e., to purchase major equipment as part of a larger capital project).
Funding Information
Organizations may apply for one-time capital grants of up to $1,000,000 for projects located in Orange County, California.
Grant Period
The project should be completed or reach a meaningful milestone within one year of receiving funding.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Built OC Fund, your organization:
- Must be able to receive charitable dollars.
- Must serve communities in Orange County, California.
- Is seeking funding for a capital project that is in line with the Build OC Fund guidelines
- Has been in operation for a minimum of 5 years
- Must be aligned with the Samueli Foundation’s mission and values.
- Must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, not classified as a private foundation or have a fiscal sponsor that has 501(c)(3) status and provides written authorization confirming its willingness to act as the fiscal sponsor, or fall into one of the following categories:
- Government entity (non-501(c)(3)): U.S. federal agencies territories and commonwealths, state agencies and departments and political subdivisions (including cities, counties, municipal agencies).
- School: All K-12 public or nonprofit private schools, charter schools, community/junior colleges, state/private colleges, or universities. Institutions must have a NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) number or 501c3 tax status.
- Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and clothing closets.
Selection Criteria
The Samueli Foundation will be looking at the following criteria:
- Nonprofit Organization: The organization helps to advance well-being and opportunity for all individuals and families living in Orange County
- Project: The proposed activities are realistic and feasible and will enable the organization to better deliver its mission
- Funding: The request represents the “right resources” for the project (i.e., would allow the organization to cover 100% of the project’s costs).
For more information, visit Samueli Foundation.
