The Samueli Foundation has launched and expanded a suite of funding and capacity-building initiatives designed to strengthen Orange County’s nonprofit ecosystem. Beginning in 2025 and continuing through 2027, these programs respond directly to community-identified needs—providing flexible funding, capital support, cross-organization collaboration resources, and leadership development opportunities.
Grant applications for the Breakaway Fund, Build OC Fund, and OC+ Fund open on March 2, 2026, with awards announced in Fall 2026.
1. Breakaway Fund
Removing Barriers, Fueling Possibility
Inspired by the “breakaway” moment in hockey, this fund provides unrestricted, easy-to-access capital that allows nonprofits to accelerate progress without bureaucratic obstacles. Funding can support any activity that helps organizations move further, faster, toward mission success.
Timeline
- Applications open: March 2, 2026
- Deadline: April 10, 2026 at 5 PM PDT
- Awards announced: By October 2026
- Grant payments processed: By December 31, 2026
Eligibility
Organizations must:
- Serve Orange County communities
- Be able to receive charitable dollars
- Align with the Samueli Foundation’s mission & values
- Not have received a Breakaway Fund grant in 2025
Exclusions include: discriminatory organizations, individuals, political groups, labor/fraternal organizations, and international entities.
Selection Criteria
- Advancement of well-being and opportunity in Orange County
- Feasibility and clarity of project activities
- Reasonable funding request that fully supports the needed work
How to Apply
Applicants will use the Samueli Foundation portal to create an account, complete an eligibility quiz, and submit a brief application designed to take under 20 minutes.
2. Build OC Fund
Investing in a Growing Orange County
This fund supports capital projects that strengthen long-term nonprofit infrastructure across Orange County. It prioritizes projects near completion, where foundation funding can close final gaps and accelerate impact.
Timeline
- Application opens: March 2, 2026
- Deadline: April 10, 2026 at 5 PM PDT
- Awards announced: By October 2026
- Payments processed: By December 31, 2026
Eligibility
Organizations must:
- Be based in Orange County
- Serve Orange County communities
- Have operated for at least 5 years
- Not have received a Build OC grant in 2025
- Seek funding for an eligible capital project
- Align with Samueli Foundation values
Selection Criteria
- Clear community benefit and mission alignment
- Feasible and realistic project plan
- Right-sized funding request
- Priority for projects nearing completion
3. OC+ Fund
Working Together to Achieve More
Recognizing that collaboration amplifies impact, the OC+ Fund supports partnerships among nonprofits ready to implement joint work—whether through shared services, integrated models, or collaborative program delivery.
Timeline
- Application opens: March 2, 2026
- Deadline: April 24, 2026 at 5 PM PDT
- Awards announced: By October 2026
- Payments processed: By December 31, 2026
Eligibility
Partnerships must:
- Already be established with defined partners and agreements
- Begin implementation within one year
- Be able to receive charitable dollars
- Have at least one partner based in Orange County
- Serve Orange County communities
- Align with Samueli Foundation values
Selection Criteria
- Organizational readiness and strong partnership structure
- Clear, feasible collaboration plan with measurable benefit
- Direct implementation funding (not planning support)
- Well-defined budget
4. Leading for Impact (LFI) & Leadership Accelerator
Equipping Nonprofit Leaders for Maximum Impact
These programs offer scholarship-supported leadership development for nonprofit executive teams, providing workshops, coaching, peer learning groups, and strategic project support.
Key Components
- Classroom workshops (virtual & in-person)
- Bridgespan-supported strategic projects
- Executive coaching
- Peer cohorts
Timeline
- Cohorts launch twice yearly (2025–2027)
- Interest form opens in April 2026
- Programs available for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
Cost
Heavily subsidized by the Samueli Foundation (~80% scholarship):
- LFI co-pay:
- <$5M budget: $8,000
- $5M–$10M: $13,000
-
$10M: $18,000
- Accelerator co-pay:
- $2,000 per team (flat rate)
Eligibility
Organizations must:
- Be 501(c)(3), government entities, schools, faith-based groups serving the broader community
- Be based in and serve Orange County
- Align with Samueli Foundation’s mission & values
About the Initiative
The Samueli Foundation’s multi-year commitment aims to strengthen the Orange County social sector by:
- Reducing inequities
- Supporting nonprofit sustainability
- Funding long-term infrastructure
- Empowering leaders
- Encouraging meaningful collaboration
- Creating accessible, equitable funding pathways
These programs directly contribute to a healthier, more resilient Orange County where opportunity and well-being are achievable for all.
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