Menu
- For Grantseekers
- Breakaway Fund
- Build OC Fund
- Leading for Impact and Leadership Accelerator
- Frequently Asked Questions
- News
© 2025 Samueli Foundation. All rights reserved.
The Breakaway Fund offers grants between $50K-$100K for critical unmet needs: systems and stuff, expertise, and talent. We promised expedited, unrestricted funding with a short application and fair and fast decision‑making.
We announced the grants with $5 million available. Over 1,000 applications from nonprofits poured in, asking for $83 million. The need was everywhere. So, we more than doubled our giving to $11 million.
Specialized skills that are out of reach
Tell us a dream and we might be able to help
Investing in existing team
Specialized skills that are out of reach
Tell us a dream and we might be able to help
Investing in existing team
“These wheels change everything.”
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Rides kept. Care reached. Isolation down.
What this makes possible: More on-timeappointments; riders served; miles to care
“Kids can’t sit on this floor without allergic reactions.”
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Safe space to sit, read, learn.
What this makes possible: Fewer allergy incidents, more time on task
“She can’t hear the teacher.”
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Hearing is belonging.
Confidence rises.
What this makes possible: Reading milestones, classroom engagement.
“Seniors can’t carry groceries home safely.”
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Food gets home fresh. Independence preserved. Dignity maintained
What this makes possible: Monthly groceries for hundreds, fewer falls, nutrition security.
"Our 30-year-old refrigerator is rusting and failing."
—Fund requester, Nonprofit
Why it matters: Safe food storage for 143 children. Health standards met. Meals assured.
What this makes possible: Three hot meals daily, proper nutrition for healing, no food safety emergencies
138 organizations funded. Over 800 still waiting.
Every application we can fund together moves mountains for the community. Seniors making it to
appointments, programs expanding their impact, kids excelling. We know exactly what they need. We know
how to get it to them fast. Let’s show up for them like they show up for OC.
Because when nonprofits are built to last, communities rise.
